MS Dhoni-Backed Finbud Financial Services IPO: The Captain Cool’s New Financial Bet
Introduction
MS Dhoni Finbud IPO: After conquering cricket and business ventures in fitness, beverages, and agriculture, MS Dhoni is now making waves in India’s financial technology space. The former Indian cricket captain is backing Finbud Financial Services Ltd, the company behind Finance Buddha, a digital loan marketplace that bridges the gap between borrowers and lenders. The company is set to launch its SME IPO on November 6, 2025, and Dhoni’s involvement has drawn significant investor attention.
MS Dhoni’s Role in Finbud Financial Services
Mahendra Singh Dhoni is an early investor and brand ambassador of Finbud Financial Services, which operates Finance Buddha—a phygital (physical + digital) loan distribution platform.
Dhoni’s association is both strategic and promotional, lending credibility and visibility to the brand across India’s expanding financial inclusion landscape.
- In 2023, Dhoni became the brand face and investor of Finance Buddha, helping the platform reach new users through his trusted image.
- His presence has also boosted the company’s recognition in Tier-2 and Tier-3 cities—key markets for loan distribution growth.
- The company’s vision aligns with Dhoni’s ethos of empowering India’s youth and small businesses with better access to finance.
About Finbud Financial Services (Finance Buddha)
Finbud Financial Services Ltd is a Bengaluru-based fintech company that provides an online platform connecting borrowers with banks and NBFCs. It offers personal, business, home, and vehicle loans via both online portals and offline agents.
- Incorporated: 2014
- Promoters: Karthik Tadinada, Sanjeev Jha, and others
- Key brand: Finance Buddha
- Investor support: MS Dhoni Family Office, Ashish Kacholia, and other private investors
The firm’s “phygital” model combines technology with a human touch — enabling both urban digital users and semi-urban borrowers who prefer agent assistance.
IPO Highlights
| Parameter | Details |
|---|---|
| IPO Opening Date | November 6, 2025 |
| IPO Closing Date | November 10, 2025 |
| Price Band | ₹140 – ₹142 per share |
| Issue Size | ₹71.68 crore (Fresh Issue) |
| Lot Size | 1,000 shares |
| Listing Exchange | NSE SME |
| Listing Date (Tentative) | November 13, 2025 |
The proceeds will fund working capital, subsidiary investment (LTCV Credit Pvt. Ltd), brand marketing, and general corporate needs.
Read more… Finbud Financial Services IPO (Nov 6-10 2025) – Price Band ₹140-142 | Raise ₹71.68 Cr
Financial Performance
Finbud has posted consistent growth over the last few years:
- FY24 Revenue: ₹190.28 crore
- FY25 Revenue: ₹223.50 crore
- FY25 PAT: ₹8.50 crore (up 50% YoY)
With Dhoni’s endorsement and tech-led operations, Finbud aims to scale its lending partnerships and reach underbanked markets.
Why MS Dhoni’s Backing Matters
Dhoni’s reputation as a disciplined, calm, and credible leader adds immense trust value to Finbud’s IPO. His past ventures — from SEVEN (sportswear) to organic farming and beverage brands — have shown his knack for strategic, long-term investments.
In the case of Finance Buddha, his association signals confidence in India’s fintech and digital lending revolution.
Moreover, Dhoni’s involvement has driven higher investor sentiment, with analysts predicting a strong retail response to the IPO due to the credibility factor.
Investor Outlook
Finbud’s IPO combines fintech innovation, an expanding retail loan market, and Dhoni’s brand power — a potent trio that could make the issue one of the most discussed SME IPOs of 2025.
However, investors should note that SME IPOs tend to carry higher volatility and lower post-listing liquidity. Long-term growth depends on the company’s ability to improve margins and scale beyond agent-driven operations.
Conclusion
From the cricket pitch to corporate ventures, MS Dhoni continues to demonstrate his knack for making smart moves. His association with Finbud Financial Services is more than just a celebrity endorsement — it’s a partnership with a company that aligns with his vision of empowering financial inclusion across India.
As the IPO opens in November 2025, all eyes will be on how this Dhoni-backed fintech performs on listing day — and beyond.
