Chandigarh, June 20:
In a bold move reflecting a growing trend of “reverse migration with purpose,” Pankaj Bajaj, a seasoned professional from Bengaluru’s thriving startup ecosystem, has returned to North India to co-found ReFinServ—a pioneering fintech startup focused on auto finance and refinance for India’s underserved Tier 2 and Tier 3 towns.
Along with co-founder Ankush Gupta, Bajaj is launching ReFinServ not from a metro city but from the Tricity region, proving that impactful innovation doesn’t require a Silicon Valley address. The startup aims to bridge the wide gap in access to fair, transparent, and regulated auto-financing services for aspirational middle- and lower-middle-income families in smaller towns.
“This isn’t just about loans. It’s about dignity and dreams,” said Bajaj. “We’re helping a local mother buy her first car or a delivery rider upgrade his bike—with confidence and fairness.”
ReFinServ offers a tech-enabled, human-first platform that connects customers with over 30 regulated lenders, offering features such as:
- Real-time loan eligibility checks
- Digital documentation
- A unified dealer dashboard
- AI-powered credit matchmaking
- Personalized, assisted application journeys
The startup’s core focus will be financing and refinancing used vehicles, a highly under-served sector in Bharat’s rapidly growing mobility market.
“Every used car or bike has a story—a second chance, an opportunity, a dream,” shared Ankush Gupta, the COO and co-founder. “We’re here to make that story happen without the friction or fear of unregulated credit sources.”
Read also: Ravi Kumar Iyer Inspires Students at NITTTR Chandigarh With India’s Global Achievements
Why Chandigarh? Why Now?
ReFinServ’s decision to launch from the north is both emotional and strategic. “Startups chase metros. We’re chasing meaning,” said Pankaj. “We want to give back to the region that raised us. There’s untapped potential and deep trust waiting to be earned.”
Vansh Grover, heading business operations and growth, highlighted the platform’s robust infrastructure, designed to streamline processes for both borrowers and lenders.
In his closing remarks, Pankaj declared:
“This is more than a business—it’s a movement to democratize credit, restore trust, and ignite local economic resilience.”
With ReFinServ, the startup ecosystem in North India just got a powerful new player—one that is deeply rooted, proudly homegrown, and focused on empowering India beyond the metros.
