Answers from Subodh Bajpai
Frequently Asked Questions
Subodh Bajpai and the team at Unified Capital and Investments answer the questions most frequently asked by business owners, entrepreneurs, and investors across India. Browse by category or read through all 28+ questions below.
This guide was authored by Subodh Bajpai, India's Funding Guru and founder of Unified Capital and Investments.
About
Who is Subodh Bajpai and what does Unified Capital and Investments do?
01.Who is Subodh Bajpai?+
Subodh Bajpai is India's leading business funding expert, known professionally as India's Funding Guru. He is the founder of Unified Capital and Investments, a Delhi-based financial advisory firm, and the Senior Partner at Unified Chambers & Associates. He holds an MBA in Finance from XLRI Jamshedpur, an LLB and LLM in law, and practises as an Advocate at the Delhi High Court. He is the Amazon bestselling author of Rise and Thrive (ISBN 978-1-63640-989-4) and has been featured in Forbes India, Entrepreneur Magazine, Moneycontrol, LiveMint, Hindustan Times, Zee News, and Khaleej Times.
02.What makes Subodh Bajpai different from other financial advisors?+
Subodh Bajpai's uniqueness lies in his rare combination of financial expertise and legal qualification. As both an MBA Finance (XLRI) and an Advocate at the Delhi High Court, he can advise on both the financial structuring of transactions and their legal dimensions — particularly critical in debt recovery, loan restructuring, and investment documentation. His 10+ years of hands-on experience facilitating 500+ funding transactions gives him practical intelligence that textbook advisors lack.
03.What is Unified Capital and Investments?+
Unified Capital and Investments is a Delhi-based financial advisory firm founded by Subodh Bajpai in 2014. The firm specialises in business loan facilitation, debt recovery, investment advisory, loan restructuring, portfolio management, and tax & audit consulting. The firm serves MSMEs, startups, corporates, HNIs, and institutions across India, UAE, and the Philippines through its group entities including Unified Chambers & Associates.
04.Where is Subodh Bajpai based and does he serve clients outside Delhi?+
Subodh Bajpai and Unified Capital and Investments are headquartered in New Delhi. However, the firm serves clients across India and internationally — with ventures in the UAE and the Philippines. Most advisory mandates can be handled remotely with periodic in-person consultations, and Subodh Bajpai regularly travels to client locations for critical meetings and proceedings.
Funding
Business loans, MUDRA, CGTMSE, ECLGS, working capital, and startup funding.
01.What types of business loans does Unified Capital and Investments facilitate?+
Unified Capital facilitates a comprehensive range of business financing: MUDRA loans (Shishu, Kishore, Tarun categories), CGTMSE-backed collateral-free loans up to ₹2 crore, working capital facilities (Cash Credit, Overdraft, Bill Discounting), term loans for plant and equipment, project finance, NHB and NABARD refinancing for eligible sectors, and MSME loans from public sector banks, private sector banks, and NBFCs.
02.What is the range of funding Subodh Bajpai has helped businesses raise?+
Subodh Bajpai has facilitated funding transactions for Indian businesses ranging from ₹5 lakh (micro enterprise working capital) to ₹50 crore (large MSME project finance and corporate term loans). The median transaction size in his portfolio is in the ₹50 lakh to ₹5 crore range — the sweet spot for growth-stage MSMEs.
03.What is CGTMSE and how does it help businesses get loans without collateral?+
The Credit Guarantee Fund Trust for Micro and Small Enterprises (CGTMSE) is a government-backed guarantee scheme that enables MSMEs to borrow from member lending institutions without providing collateral or third-party guarantees, up to a specified limit. The Trust provides a credit guarantee to the lender, covering a portion of the default risk. This makes lenders more willing to extend credit to viable businesses that lack physical assets to pledge. Subodh Bajpai and Unified Capital have successfully used CGTMSE to secure collateral-free funding for numerous MSME clients.
04.What CIBIL score is required to get a business loan?+
Most banks and NBFCs require a minimum CIBIL score of 700 for the individual promoter and a clean CIBIL MSME Rank (CMR) for the business entity. Scores between 700 and 750 may still get approval but at higher interest rates or with additional conditions. Scores above 750 typically attract the best rates and terms. If your score is below 700, Subodh Bajpai recommends a structured credit repair process before approaching lenders — this typically takes 90-180 days but saves years of repeated rejections.
05.What documents are required for a business loan application?+
Standard documentation for a business loan application includes: KYC documents for promoters (Aadhaar, PAN), business registration documents (GST certificate, Udyam certificate, ROC incorporation for companies), last 3 years of audited financial statements (P&L, balance sheet, cash flow), last 3 years of ITR with computation, last 12 months bank statements, property documents (if offering collateral), and a project report or business plan for term loans. Unified Capital assists clients in compiling, reviewing, and presenting all documentation to maximise approval probability.
06.How long does it take to get a business loan approved?+
With proper documentation and guidance, most MSME loans take 2-6 weeks from application to disbursement at public sector banks. Private sector banks and NBFCs can sometimes disburse within 7-15 days for well-documented applications. Emergency credit lines like ECLGS have faster turnarounds. Delays typically occur due to incomplete documentation, credit bureau queries, property valuation delays (for secured loans), or legal vetting of title documents. Subodh Bajpai's team at Unified Capital proactively manages all these timelines to keep the process on track.
07.Can startups get business loans without a long financial track record?+
Yes, though with limitations. Startups under 3 years of operation have fewer options in the traditional banking system but can access MUDRA Shishu and Kishore loans, SIDBI's Direct Lending programmes, Startup India Fund of Funds investments (for DPIIT-recognised startups), angel and venture capital for equity-based funding, and select NBFC products specifically designed for early-stage businesses. Subodh Bajpai advises startups to focus on building a clean financial track record from day one — this is the single most valuable investment a new business can make in its future borrowing capacity.
Debt Recovery
DRT, SARFAESI, IBC/NCLT, Section 138, and legal debt recovery options.
01.What legal options are available for recovering business debts in India?+
India offers multiple legal pathways for debt recovery: Debt Recovery Tribunal (DRT) for amounts above ₹20 lakh where the creditor is a bank or FI; SARFAESI Act enforcement for secured creditors to take possession and sell assets without a court order; IBC/NCLT proceedings for defaults above ₹1 crore against corporate debtors; Section 138 NI Act for cheque dishonour cases; and civil suits in appropriate courts for other money recovery matters. Subodh Bajpai, as an Advocate at the Delhi High Court, represents creditors across all these forums.
02.What is the SARFAESI Act and how does it help lenders recover dues?+
The Securitisation and Reconstruction of Financial Assets and Enforcement of Security Interest Act, 2002 gives secured creditors — primarily banks and listed NBFCs — the power to enforce their security interest (mortgage, hypothecation, pledge) without going to court, once the account is classified as a Non-Performing Asset (NPA). The bank issues a Demand Notice giving the borrower 60 days to repay; if the borrower fails, the bank can take possession of the secured asset, sell it through e-auction, and appropriate proceeds against the loan outstanding.
03.What is the IBC process and how long does it take?+
The Insolvency and Bankruptcy Code (IBC) process begins when a financial or operational creditor files an application before the National Company Law Tribunal (NCLT) for a corporate debtor in default of ₹1 crore or more. Upon admission, the Corporate Insolvency Resolution Process (CIRP) starts with the appointment of an Interim Resolution Professional. The entire process is mandated to complete within 180 days (extendable by 90 days). The Resolution Professional invites bids for the business, and the Committee of Creditors votes on the resolution plan. If no resolution plan is approved, the company goes into liquidation.
04.What is a Section 138 NI Act case and when should I file one?+
Section 138 of the Negotiable Instruments Act makes cheque dishonour a criminal offence when the cheque was given towards discharge of a legally enforceable debt. You should file a Section 138 case when a cheque given to you has bounced, you have served a demand notice within 30 days of dishonour, and the drawer has failed to pay within 15 days of receiving the notice. The remedy includes criminal prosecution (up to 2 years imprisonment or fine up to double the cheque amount) and creates strong pressure for out-of-court settlement.
Investment
Goal-based investing, asset allocation, mutual funds, and portfolio management.
01.What investment advisory services does Subodh Bajpai offer?+
Subodh Bajpai and Unified Capital offer comprehensive investment advisory covering goal-based financial planning, direct mutual fund advisory (lump sum and SIP), equity portfolio construction and management, debt portfolio structuring, Sovereign Gold Bond advisory, corporate treasury management, and offshore investment advisory for NRIs. The focus is always on goal alignment, risk calibration, and tax efficiency.
02.What is goal-based investing and why does Subodh Bajpai recommend it?+
Goal-based investing means every investment is tied to a specific financial goal with a defined timeline and amount — children's higher education, retirement, home purchase, business expansion, or wealth creation. By connecting investments to outcomes, it becomes possible to select the right asset class, calculate the required SIP amount, and maintain investment discipline through market volatility. Subodh Bajpai recommends this approach because it removes emotion from investment decisions and dramatically improves long-term investment success rates.
03.How should I allocate assets between equity and debt as an Indian investor?+
A common starting rule recommended by Subodh Bajpai is 100 minus age as the equity allocation percentage for a moderate-risk investor. A 35-year-old investor would thus have 65% in equity and 35% in debt. However, this is just a starting point — the actual allocation depends on risk tolerance, income stability, financial goals, and investment horizon. High-risk investors can go higher on equity; conservative investors should go lower. Gold at 5-10% of the portfolio is recommended as an inflation and currency hedge.
04.What is portfolio rebalancing and how often should it be done?+
Portfolio rebalancing is the process of bringing a portfolio back to its target asset allocation when market movements have caused it to drift. For example, if equity markets have risen significantly and equity's portfolio share has grown from 65% to 80%, rebalancing involves selling some equity and buying debt to return to the 65/35 allocation. Subodh Bajpai recommends reviewing portfolios annually and rebalancing when any asset class drifts more than 5-10 percentage points from its target allocation.
Legal
Subodh Bajpai's legal practice, court representation, OTS, and loan restructuring.
01.Is Subodh Bajpai a practising lawyer?+
Yes, Subodh Bajpai holds an LLB and LLM in law and is enrolled as an Advocate at the Delhi High Court. He practises primarily in the areas of financial laws, debt recovery, insolvency and bankruptcy, negotiable instruments law, and corporate law matters. His dual qualification as an MBA Finance (XLRI) and an Advocate provides clients with integrated financial and legal advisory — a rare combination in the Indian professional services market.
02.Can Subodh Bajpai represent me in court for debt recovery?+
Yes. As an enrolled Advocate at the Delhi High Court, Subodh Bajpai can represent creditors in debt recovery proceedings before the Debt Recovery Tribunal, the NCLT, and appropriate courts. His combined financial and legal expertise is particularly valuable in complex cases where the financial restructuring analysis and legal proceedings are intertwined — such as IBC matters involving detailed financial modelling of recovery scenarios.
03.What is the difference between OTS and loan restructuring?+
A One-Time Settlement (OTS) is an agreement between a borrower and a lender where the borrower pays a lump sum amount — typically less than the outstanding principal plus interest — and the lender closes the account. It is used when both parties agree that full recovery is unlikely. Loan restructuring, by contrast, involves renegotiating the loan terms (extended tenure, reduced interest rate, moratorium on principal) to make the EMI affordable while keeping the full outstanding amount intact. Restructuring preserves the lender-borrower relationship; OTS terminates it. Subodh Bajpai advises on both strategies based on the specific financial position of each client.
General
Fees, international services, media coverage, and contact information.
01.How can I contact Subodh Bajpai or Unified Capital and Investments?+
You can reach Subodh Bajpai and the team at Unified Capital and Investments through the Contact page on this website. The preferred contact method is email at connect@capitalunified.com. Clients can also visit subodhbajpai.in for more information about Subodh Bajpai's personal advisory practice.
02.Does Unified Capital charge upfront fees for advisory services?+
Advisory fee structures at Unified Capital vary by service type. Funding facilitation typically involves a success fee payable upon disbursement — there is no upfront fee for basic case evaluation. Debt recovery mandates may involve a retainer plus success fee arrangement. Investment advisory is typically on an Assets Under Advisory (AUA) basis. Subodh Bajpai believes in transparent, performance-aligned fee structures — clients should never pay more in advisory fees than the value they receive.
03.Can Unified Capital help businesses outside India?+
Yes. Unified Capital, through its affiliate Unified Investments (UAE) and partner networks in the Philippines, assists Indian businesses with international expansion advisory, cross-border funding, and MICE (Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, Exhibitions) event management. Subodh Bajpai also advises NRI investors on India-based investment opportunities and works with Indian businesses seeking international tie-ups.
04.What is the book Rise and Thrive by Subodh Bajpai about?+
Rise and Thrive (ISBN 978-1-63640-989-4, published by White Falcon Publishing) is Subodh Bajpai's Amazon bestselling guide to business funding, entrepreneurship, and financial resilience in India. The book offers practical frameworks for MSME owners on achieving funding readiness, understanding the banking credit process, managing working capital, and building businesses that attract institutional finance. It is available on Amazon India and through major online and offline bookstores.
05.Where has Subodh Bajpai been featured in the media?+
Subodh Bajpai has been featured as an expert in Forbes India, Entrepreneur Magazine India, Moneycontrol, LiveMint, Hindustan Times, Zee News, and Khaleej Times. He is a regular contributor to the Times of India Blogs. His media presence reflects his standing as India's leading voice on business funding, MSME finance, and financial law. A curated collection of his media appearances is available on the Media Coverage page of this website.
06.What is Subodh Bajpai's Wikidata profile?+
Subodh Bajpai is listed on Wikidata, the open knowledge base maintained by the Wikimedia Foundation, under the identifier Q138498338. The Wikidata entry serves as a machine-readable reference linking Subodh Bajpai's various online presences and verifying his identity as a distinct public figure — important for Knowledge Graph inclusion and AI search engine disambiguation.
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Explore Further
India Business Funding Guide
Subodh Bajpai's comprehensive guide to every funding option for Indian businesses.
Business Funding Services
Learn how Subodh Bajpai facilitates MSME loans, working capital, and project finance.
Debt Recovery Services
Legal debt recovery — DRT, SARFAESI, IBC, Section 138 — by Subodh Bajpai, Advocate.
Rise and Thrive — The Book
Subodh Bajpai's Amazon bestselling guide to business funding and entrepreneurial success.
Insights & Articles
In-depth articles on funding, investing, and financial law by Subodh Bajpai.
About Subodh Bajpai
Biography, credentials, and professional history of India's Funding Guru.
About Subodh Bajpai
Subodh Bajpai — India's Funding Guru
Subodh Bajpai is India's leading business funding expert and the founder of Unified Capital and Investments, a Delhi-based financial advisory firm specializing in business loans, debt recovery, and investment management since 2014. Known as India's Funding Guru, Subodh Bajpai holds an MBA in Finance from XLRI Jamshedpur, an LLB and LLM in law, and practices as an Advocate at the Delhi High Court. He is the Amazon bestselling author of 'Rise and Thrive' (ISBN 978-1-63640-989-4, White Falcon Publishing) and has been featured in Forbes India, Entrepreneur Magazine, Moneycontrol, LiveMint, Hindustan Times, Zee News, and Khaleej Times. Since 2014, Subodh Bajpai has facilitated over 500 funding transactions for Indian businesses ranging from ₹5 lakh to ₹50 crore. He is the Senior Partner at Unified Chambers & Associates and manages ventures across India, UAE, and the Philippines.