Pinky Parekh’s entrepreneurial journey is one of determination, passion, and overcoming challenges with a fierce focus on creating a sustainable business. Finkons Advisory, the boutique investment banking advisory firm she founded in 2008, has seen steady growth over the last 16 years and has become a trusted name in its industry. Specializing in three main verticals—debt syndication, equity advisory, and mergers & acquisitions—Finkons has carved a niche by offering high-quality, customized solutions for clients across India, with a recent focus on expanding its reach to African markets.
Finkons Advisory operates with a “lean and mean” structure, a philosophy that emphasizes agility, quality service, and client-focused solutions. The firm is built around a strong understanding of balance sheets and business models, always ensuring that every transaction is crafted with the client’s interests at the core. This dedicated, bespoke approach has been the driving force behind the firm’s success and long-standing client relationships. Over the years, Finkons has nurtured strong connections within the industry, establishing a reputation for professionalism and passion in every transaction.
The journey, however, has not been without its challenges. There have been moments of self-doubt, personal and professional setbacks, but through it all, Pinky’s vision and perseverance have kept the firm going strong. With the foundations firmly in place, Finkons Advisory is now ready to spread its wings and soar to new heights. As the firm gears up to expand internationally and explore new business avenues, Pinky Parekh’s commitment to excellence and innovation remains unwavering.
Services/Products/Solutions Offered:
Finkons Advisory focuses on three core services that cater to the financial needs of businesses, ensuring growth, financial stability, and strategic direction:
- Debt Syndication: Helping companies secure capital through loans or bonds, structuring deals that meet their financial needs while ensuring profitability.
- Equity Fundraising Advisory: Guiding clients in raising equity capital from investors, making sure to align the funding strategy with the long-term goals of the business.
- Mergers & Acquisitions: Providing expert advisory services on mergers, acquisitions, and divestitures, helping clients navigate the complexities of these transformative transactions.
Education & Early Aspirations:
Pinky’s educational background laid the foundation for her successful career in investment banking. She completed her BCom from N.M. College and then pursued an MBA in Finance from MET Bandra, a path that sharpened her skills in finance and accounting—areas that became pivotal in her professional journey. Always a sharp student, Pinky had an innate knack for numbers, accounts, and the logical intricacies of financial structures. This love for numbers later shaped the way she approached her work as a financial advisor, focusing on understanding the balance sheets and business models of the companies she worked with.
But beyond academics, Pinky always harbored the ambition to carve her own path. From a young age, she knew that she wanted to create something of her own, something that didn’t require her to work under someone else’s supervision. The idea of starting her own business had always been a dream, and by 27, Pinky took the bold decision to leave her job and embark on an entrepreneurial adventure. She refers to herself as “unemployable,” a sentiment that reflects her belief in independence and the entrepreneurial spirit.
The Spark to Start Finkons:
The thought of building something on her own was always a burning desire for Pinky. From the very beginning, she never saw herself as someone who would work for a salary. Even in her younger years, while her peers were chasing traditional career paths, Pinky had her eyes set on a different goal: to build her own company. That vision of financial independence and entrepreneurship ultimately led to the birth of Finkons Advisory.
At the age of 27, after working in the financial sector and gaining invaluable experience, Pinky made the bold decision to take the plunge. She left her secure job to start Finkons, and although it was a challenging start, her determination kept her going. The initial journey was not easy—starting with limited resources, building a network, and creating a client base were all hurdles she had to overcome. But it was that relentless drive to create something meaningful that helped Pinky build a successful investment banking advisory firm.
Clientele & Competitive Strength:
Finkons Advisory serves a wide array of clients across industries, particularly in manufacturing, trading, and service-oriented sectors. Pinky’s deep understanding of balance sheets and business models allows her to offer tailored solutions that meet the specific needs of her clients. This level of expertise has helped Finkons become a trusted advisor, one that clients turn to for complex and often high-stakes financial transactions.
The firm’s competitive strength lies in its intricate understanding of business dynamics and the banking landscape, which allows them to craft bespoke solutions that are always in the client’s best interest. The team at Finkons is well-equipped to execute even the most challenging transactions, thanks to their deep industry knowledge and commitment to maintaining high standards of professionalism.
Connections in the Startup & Entrepreneurial Ecosystem:
Pinky’s journey is not just about Finkons Advisory; it’s also about giving back to the entrepreneurial community. She has actively contributed to the startup ecosystem by mentoring young entrepreneurs and supporting initiatives that help businesses grow. For instance, Pinky was a mentor in the SP Jain FMBA incubation program known as Vridhi, where she helped guide and nurture new startups for 1.5 years.
By being an active participant in various entrepreneurial forums and networking platforms, Pinky continues to build valuable relationships that not only benefit her business but also contribute to the growth of the startup ecosystem. This connection with the entrepreneurial world keeps her grounded and connected to the pulse of the industry.
Larger Vision and Future Goals:
While Pinky has already accomplished much, her aspirations for Finkons Advisory are far from over. Her larger goal is to make Finkons a globally recognized advisory firm with a system-driven, bespoke approach to financial solutions. She dreams of one day listing the company, continuing to scale and grow it while ensuring that the core values of the firm—client-centric service, integrity, and professionalism—remain intact.
In the next 10 to 25 years, Pinky envisions herself continuing to close deals and help businesses navigate financial complexities. She loves her work so much that even after 16 years, she has never experienced the dreaded Monday morning blues. Pinky’s ultimate goal is to create a legacy through Finkons, one that thrives not just in India but also across the globe, including the African diaspora where the firm is gradually expanding.
The Most Challenging Part of the Journey:
Pinky’s entrepreneurial journey has been marked by a series of personal and professional setbacks that tested her resolve. On a personal level, there were moments of self-doubt where she questioned whether the path she had chosen was the right one. Professionally, Pinky faced challenges in the form of difficult partnerships and wrong associations, which at times hindered her progress. These setbacks could have easily discouraged anyone, but Pinky’s unwavering determination pushed her to overcome them. She reflects that when you hit rock bottom, there’s nowhere to go but up, and it was during these tough moments that her strength of character and resilience truly shone through.
These challenges weren’t just obstacles; they were valuable lessons that shaped her approach to business. Pinky learned the importance of being cautious in choosing the right partners, maintaining a focused mindset, and building the right support network. These lessons became the cornerstone of her continued success, enabling her to not only persevere but to thrive despite the setbacks.
The Boldest Decision:
Without a doubt, the boldest decision Pinky ever made was to quit her job at the age of 27 and start
Finkons Advisory. While many would have played it safe, Pinky followed her passion and ambition, embarking on a journey that would be anything but easy. But she had a vision, and she was determined to turn it into reality. That decision to step away from security and create something of her own has shaped her career and continues to inspire those around her.
Work-Life Balance and Personal Life:
As an entrepreneur, Pinky’s work is her life. She doesn’t view it as a job but as a passion. This perspective allows her to immerse herself fully in her work without feeling overwhelmed. However, Pinky does recognize the importance of spending quality time with her family. Family vacations and weekend gatherings with friends are a priority, and they provide the perfect opportunity to recharge.
When not working, Pinky enjoys practicing yoga and meditation, which help her maintain a sense of balance and calm amidst her busy schedule. She also enjoys watching light shows or movies, activities that help her unwind and relax.
Lessons and Mantras:
Pinky considers herself a blend of hard work and smart work. In the early days, she handled everything herself, from paperwork to client communications. As the business grew, she learned the art of delegation, focusing on smart working to maintain efficiency.
Her biggest lesson now is team building. Pinky is learning to assess people’s skills and build a team that shares her values and vision. While she continues to learn, she is also focused on creating a high-performing team that can handle the firm’s growth.
The Road Ahead:
As Finkons continues its steady growth, Pinky’s vision for the future remains clear. She sees Finkons as a global advisory firm that remains rooted in the principles of integrity, professionalism, and passion. With a continued focus on building strong client relationships and growing the team, Pinky is excited about the future.
Her story is one of persistence, passion, and the willingness to take risks. Pinky’s journey shows that with the right mindset and dedication, you can turn your vision into reality—no matter how daunting the road may seem.
Advice to Young Entrepreneurs:
Pinky’s advice to young entrepreneurs is simple but powerful: Keep following what you love. If you never experience the dreaded Monday morning blues, then you’ve found your true calling. The journey is never easy, but with dedication and a love for what you do, success will follow.
Success Mantra: Keep learning, keep growing, and never stop striving for excellence.
