In the 79th episode of Jam With Sam, Sampath Iyengar sits down with Maharshi Ganatra, the 27-year-old founder of Proccounts, a rapidly growing firm that specializes in financial services, corporate compliance, and insolvency advisory. Maharshi shares his entrepreneurial journey, his vision for the future of finance, and how he’s challenging traditional norms in the field.
A Journey Sparked by Responsibility
Maharshi Ganatra’s journey began in Chembur, Mumbai, where he attended St. Gregorios High School. A turning point came when his father faced a health setback, leading Maharshi, then in the sixth grade, to realize the importance of taking life more seriously. This pivotal moment planted the seeds for his disciplined approach to life and work.
His academic path led him to KJ Somaiya College, chosen strategically to accommodate his rigorous Company Secretary (CS) studies. Maharshi excelled, becoming an All India Merit Ranker, and even completed his CS before graduating—a rare feat.
From Early Roles to Entrepreneurship
Maharshi’s professional career started with a stint at the Registrar of Companies (RoC), where his work ethic earned him an extended role. This experience gave him valuable insights into corporate compliance, setting the stage for his future ventures.
After brief roles, including one at Indostar Capital Finance, he decided to pursue his entrepreneurial dream. In 2015, he launched MGA Associates (now Proccounts). Starting solo, within three months he had an office and a small team, which has since grown to 12 employees, serving a diverse clientele.
The Proccounts Edge: Innovation in Financial Services
What sets Proccounts apart in the crowded finance industry? Maharshi identifies three key pillars: cost, quality, and promptness. Unlike many traditional firms, Proccounts emphasizes transparency and accessibility, creating WhatsApp groups for instant communication with clients and providing detailed compliance updates.
Proccounts has also carved a niche in Insolvency and Bankruptcy Code (IBC) services, helping businesses recover debts through streamlined legal processes. This focus on innovation and client-centric solutions is what keeps the firm ahead in a competitive market.
Educator, Advisor, and Innovator
Beyond running Proccounts, Maharshi is passionate about sharing his knowledge. He teaches courses on entrepreneurship in CA and family business management at institutions like SP Jain and SIS College, inspiring young professionals to pursue independent practices.
Maharshi’s commitment to helping clients goes beyond managing accounts. He offers strategic advice, guiding startups and established businesses on compliance, funding, and growth strategies. His emphasis on long-term relationships is evident in his competitive pricing model, designed to foster trust and collaboration.
Challenges and Perspectives on Compliance
In a discussion on the increasing compliance burden in India, Maharshi highlights a solution-oriented approach. He stresses that compliance need not be overwhelming if handled with proper systems, transparency, and communication. Proccounts’ compliance calendar and automated systems ensure clients never miss deadlines or incur penalties.
Maharshi also advocates for structuring businesses as private limited companies or LLPs for better liability protection and funding opportunities. He explains the advantages of these models, particularly in the startup ecosystem.
The Vision Ahead
Looking ahead, Maharshi aims to expand Proccounts from a team of 12 to 30 members within two years, tripling revenue and continuing to innovate in financial services. His vision is not just about scaling but also about redefining how finance professionals can impact businesses by going beyond numbers to deliver strategic value.
About Maharshi Ganatra:
At just 27, Maharshi Ganatra is the founder of Proccounts, a forward-thinking financial services firm. An All India Merit Ranker in CS, he is also an educator and advisor, helping businesses navigate compliance and insolvency with transparency and innovation. Maharshi is passionate about entrepreneurship, teaching, and driving meaningful change in the finance industry.