About us

Established with a bold entrepreneurial vision, Elara Capital has flourished into a distinguished investment bank, excelling in fundraising, mergers, acquisitions, and cross-border transactions. With a strategic presence in London, New York, Singapore, Mauritius, Mumbai, and Ahmedabad, Elara delivers profound market insights and bespoke financial solutions to corporates, institutions, and investors. Its expertise spans investment banking, equity research, and trading services, with Global Market Research covering over 200 Indian companies. Elara’s trading desks navigate equities, convertibles, and debt markets, unlocking global funding opportunities. Elara embodies professionalism and purpose, fostering excellence, ambition, and collective success.

About us

Elara Capital PLC, the group’s flagship company, began its journey in 2002 under Raj Bhatt’s leadership. Founded with an entrepreneurial vision, it has grown into a leading investment bank, specializing in fundraising, mergers, acquisitions, and cross-border transactions.
With a presence in London, New York, Singapore, Mauritius, Ahmedabad and Mumbai, Elara offers deep market insights and robust financial solutions. It serves corporates, institutions, and investors through investment banking, equity research, and trading services.
Elara’s Global Market Research covers 200+ Indian companies, while its trading desks provide expertise in equities, convertibles, and debt markets, tapping funds worldwide.

The driving force of Elara Capital

Vision​

We strive to be the trusted partner in every financial journey, providing innovative solutions and fostering a culture of synergy and excellence.

Mission

At Elara Capital, our mission is to create a comprehensive financial ecosystem that caters to the dynamic needs of our clients.

Charting the Course

Embark on a journey through the milestones of Elara Capital, a testament to our unwavering commitment to excellence and innovation. Since our inception, we’ve forged a path of growth and expansion, establishing a global presence and leaving an indelible mark on the financial landscape. Explore our journey as we commemorate the founding dates of our various entities, each marking a significant chapter in our pursuit of excellence and success.

2002

November 2002

Elara Canital PLC

2007

July 2007

Elara Securities (India) Private Limited

2008

May 2008

Elara Capital Singapore PIt. Ltd

2009

June 2009

Elara Securities Inc.

2011

February 2011

Elara Finance (India) Private Limited

2006

September 2006

Elara Capital (India) Private Limited

2007

August 2007

Flora Asset Management Ltd

2009

June 2009

Elara Capital Inc

2009

November 2009

Elara Capital (Mauritius) Ltd

2013

January 2013

Elara Capital (Asia) Pte. Ltd

2002

November 2002

Elara Canital PLC

2006

September 2006

Elara Capital (India) Private Limited

2007

July 2007

Elara Securities (India) Private Limited

2007

August 2007

Flora Asset Management Ltd

2008

May 2008

Elara Capital Singapore PIt. Ltd

2009

June 2009

Elara Capital Inc

2009

June 2009

Elara Securities Inc.

2009

November 2009

Elara Capital (Mauritius) Ltd

2011

February 2011

Elara Finance (India) Private Limited

2013

January 2013

Elara Capital (Asia) Pte. Ltd

Elara Group Entities

Our Journey

  • 2002-03

    Where It All Started

    In the early 2000s, a challenge loomed large for small and mid-sized companies to raise equity in the offshore market. It was during these turbulent times that Mr. Raj Bhatt envisioned a solution. In 2002-03, Elara Capital was born with a goal – to address the investment needs of these companies. The initial chapters of Elara's story unfolded in London, where it began as a modest one-product company. Soon later, we became a trusted partner for companies navigating the complex waters of offshore investments.
  • 2005-07

    The Early Chapters of Elara Capital

    In the early chapters of our story, we started as a firm to help companies raise money via (GDR). However by 2005, Elara Capital witnessed a pivotal shift with the decline of GDRs and the emergence of Qualified Institutional Buyers (QIB). Capitalizing on a liquid market, we ventured into converting Foreign Currency Convertible Bonds (FCCB) with Indian clients, marking a significant milestone. The issuance of these foreign currency bonds became the largest in the Indian markets, solidifying Elara's position as a key player in financial markets.
  • 2007-09

    Elara's Pivot Amid the Credit Crisis

    During the period of 2007 to 2008, Elara Capital emerged as a prominent institution for issuing Foreign Currency Convertible Bonds (FCCB), successfully raising funds for 100 to 200 companies. The persistence of these achievements was put to the test when the global credit crisis unfolded in 2008. Rather than succumbing to the challenges, Elara Capital saw an opportunity for transformation. The credit crisis served as a catalyst for our strategic pivot towards diversification and a broader market reach. Recognizing the need to be more diversified and cater to a larger segment of clients, Elara Capital established its presence and set up offices in India, NY, Singapore, and Dubai.
  • 2009-15

    Elara's Journey into Full-Service Banking

    As a first step toward a transformative phase, we embarked on recruitment drives and established a strong presence in India. This marked the beginning of an era where Elara Capital, initially rooted in London, began expanding its horizons within the Indian landscape. As the team grew, so did Elara Capital. In order to meet the needs of our clients, we delved into equity research, institutional equity, and investment banking. The goal was clear: to evolve into a full-service investment bank catering to diverse financial needs. In 2015, we ventured into the wealth business, catering to the distinctive needs of high-net-worth investors. At present, we have a dynamic team of 200 to 250 professionals, all contributing their expertise to uphold the values and vision that have propelled growth.
  • Elara Capital Today

    Today the Mutual funds, insurance companies, and FIIs serviced by Elara Securities have a combined Aum of over INR 33 Tn. Elara raised over INR 35,000 Crores via IPOs, GDRs, QIPs, OFS, FCCBs and other debt products. Consistently ranked among India’s Top 20, Elara’s research delivers in-depth market, industry, and economic insights through expert analysts, economists, and strategists.
With extensive experience and expertise, our senior management team upholds the values of innovation, integrity, and dedication. Discover the individuals shaping Elara’s future and steering us toward continued success.

Strategic Management

Lord Meghnad Desai
Lord Meghnad Desai
Read More

Lord Meghnad Desai

Lord Meghnad Desai is a Non-Executive, Independent Professional Director at Elara. In addition to being the Emeritus Professor of Economics at the London School of Economics and Political Science, he was awarded the Pravasi Bharatiya Puraskar in 2004 and the Padma Bhushan in 2008. He is the former chairman and active member of the British Labour Party.

Lord Desai holds over 25 books and 200 articles in learned journals to his name and is also an Honorary Fellow of the London Stock Exchange. He holds a Masters’s Degree from the University of Mumbai and is a PHD from the University of Pennsylvania. He was awarded the ‘SKOCH CHALLENGER AWARD FOR LIFETIME ACHIEVEMENT IN ECONOMICS’ in 2014.
Raj Bhatt
Raj Bhatt
Read More

Raj Bhatt - Chairman & CEO - Elara Capital Group Our Guiding Force

Raj Bhatt, the visionary founder of Elara Capital in 2002, laid the cornerstone for a journey marked by financial innovation and excellence. Over three decades of experience have honed Raj’s expertise in executing groundbreaking financial transactions, showcasing his global reach across seven locations spanning three continents. As a financial trailblazer, Raj’s mastery in financial re-engineering and fundraising has propelled Elara to pioneer new frontiers in capital markets. Under his strategic leadership, Elara has evolved into a multifaceted entity, offering corporate advisory, asset management, broking, mergers & acquisitions, and private equity services. Raj’s commitment to ethical stewardship ensures that Elara’s success is founded on integrity and transparency. As Chairman & CEO, Raj continues to steer Elara toward new heights of success and distinction, driving sustained growth and global impact.
Ajay Pandey
Ajay Pandey
Read More

Ajay Pandey - COO & Head ECM Driving Operational Excellence

Ajay Pandey brings over 27 years of extensive experience in the financial services industry to his role as Chief Operating Officer and Head of Capital Market business at Elara Capital. As a founding team member, Ajay plays a pivotal role in shaping the overall growth trajectory of the Elara group of companies, leveraging his strategic insights and industry expertise. His entrepreneurial background includes a two-year stint where he invested discretionary funds for clients in emerging markets, showcasing his agility and adaptability in navigating dynamic market environments. Prior to his entrepreneurial venture, Ajay gained valuable experience at Kotak Mahindra, contributing to the success of various initiatives and projects within the financial services sector. With academic credentials that include a Master of Business Administration degree from the Faculty of Management Studies, Vadodara, and a Master of Science from M.S. University, Vadodara, Ajay underscores his academic prowess and commitment to continuous learning and development.

Operational Management

Read More

Harendra Kumar - Managing Director - Institutional Equities & Global Research Charting New Horizons

With over 20 years of experience in the financial services industry, Harendra Kumar brings a wealth of expertise and insights to his role as Managing Director at Elara Securities. He spearheads Elara Securities’ institutional equities business in India and leads its cutting-edge global research efforts, showcasing his strategic vision and leadership prowess. Harendra has built several highly successful and profitable sell-side businesses throughout his career, focusing on institutional and retail equities, sales, trading, research, and distribution. His industry experience includes prominent positions at renowned financial institutions such as ICICI Securities and Centrum Broking, where he played a pivotal role in driving growth and delivering value to clients. Harendra’s educational background as a Commerce Graduate with a postgraduate degree in law underscores his commitment to continuous learning and development, reflecting his multidisciplinary approach to problem-solving.
Read More

Sameer Shetty - Head Corporate Finance Advisory - Elara Capital Group

Sameer Shetty, an accomplished leader with over two decades of experience in the financial services industry, brings his strategic acumen and deep market insight at Elara Capital Group. Since joining Elara, Sameer has played a pivotal role in driving the firm’s growth, leveraging his extensive expertise in investment banking, capital markets, and corporate finance. His leadership has been instrumental in expanding Elara’s footprint across key markets and strengthening its service offerings in mergers & acquisitions, equity capital markets, and debt syndication. Known for his forward-thinking approach and unwavering commitment to client success, Sameer is dedicated to upholding the highest standards of integrity and excellence. Under his guidance, Elara continues to thrive, delivering innovative financial solutions and fostering long-term partnerships that drive sustained value creation.
Read More

Ramnish Kochgave - President Equity Capital Market

Bringing extensive industry experience spanning over two decades in Investment Banking and Equity Capital Markets, Ramnish Kochgave assumes the role of President and Head of ECM at Elara Capital. Ramnish has cultivated a diverse client portfolio throughout his career, collaborating with companies across Large Cap, Mid Cap, and Small Cap sectors to provide fundraising and advisory services. His expertise encompasses various facets of the financial landscape, including Capital Markets, M&A, Private Equity, and restructuring & advisory business. Ramnish’s commitment to excellence is evident in his tenure at Elara Capital since February 2019, where he continues to drive growth and deliver value to clients. Prior to joining Elara, he held significant roles at SBI Capital Markets Ltd., where he honed his skills and contributed to the success of various initiatives. Academically, Ramnish holds a postgraduate diploma in management (PGDM) from IIM Lucknow and a bachelor’s degree in statistics (H) from the University of Delhi, highlighting his academic excellence and commitment to professional development. In his capacity as President of Investment Banking and Head of ECM, Ramnish leads Elara Capital’s endeavors to provide comprehensive investment banking solutions to clients, leveraging his strategic vision and industry expertise to drive success and growth.
Read More

Abhijit Das - President - Investment Banking Elara Capital Group

Abhijit Das, a seasoned financial expert with over 25 years of experience, stands as a driving force behind Elara Capital Group’s innovative financial strategies and solutions. Abhijit has been instrumental in shaping the firm’s vision and expanding its influence across the financial services landscape. His deep expertise in investment banking, capital markets, and corporate advisory has been pivotal in executing complex transactions and delivering exceptional value to clients. Abhijit’s strategic mindset and ability to navigate dynamic market environments have reinforced Elara’s reputation as a trusted partner in mergers & acquisitions, equity and debt capital markets, and private equity. His commitment to excellence and ethical leadership ensures that Elara’s growth is sustainable and impactful. Under Abhijit’s leadership, Elara continues to pioneer new opportunities, driving financial innovation and long-term success for its clients.
Read More

Nitesh Shah - Chief Executive Officer Strategic Leadership in Wealth Management

Bringing decades of industry experience to his role as Chief Executive Officer of PCG Elara Capital Group, Nitesh Shah is a seasoned leader in the Financial and Banking Industry. With over 30 years of leadership experience, Nitesh possesses a wealth of expertise that is evident in his strategic vision and profound industry insights. Throughout his career, Nitesh has cultivated elite corporate relationships, enabling him to interact with influential personnel and enhance his industry presence on a global scale. His proficiency extends to private client portfolio management, where he has demonstrated strategic acumen in handling portfolios across India and globally, contributing to the success of ventures and capital-raising endeavors within short time frames. As a seasoned wealth manager, Nitesh excels in advising super-affluent clients and family offices on portfolio management systems, leveraging his deep understanding of financial markets and investment strategies. Academically, Nitesh holds a Master of Business Administration (Finance) degree and is a qualified Cost Accountant, reflecting his academic excellence and specialized knowledge in finance and wealth management. In his capacity as Chief Executive Officer, Nitesh provides visionary leadership to Elara Capital’s wealth management division, driving business development initiatives and capital-raising efforts while delivering tailored solutions to meet the client’s unique needs.
Read More

Joseph K. Mammen - Managing Director - Head: Elara Capital (Asia) Pte Ltd Driving Regional Expansion

Bringing strategic leadership to Elara Capital’s expansion endeavors in Southeast Asia, Joseph K. Mammen serves as the Managing Director based in Singapore. With a focus on bolstering the investment banking platform, Joseph aims to cater to corporations in the region and enhance cross-border deal flows by leveraging Elara’s global presence. With over a decade of experience in investment banking, Joseph’s expertise is evident from his previous leadership roles in Sales & Trading across Elara’s offices worldwide, where he originated and executed various financial transactions. Prior to joining Elara, Joseph held significant positions at Aberdeen Asset Management and GE Capital, further solidifying his industry acumen. Joseph’s academic background, including a first degree in Economics from Madras Christian College and a Master’s degree from Manchester Business School, underscores his commitment to continuous learning and academic excellence. With a tenure at Elara since 2005, Joseph’s dedication and leadership have played a pivotal role in driving the company’s growth and success in the Asian market.
Read More

David Somekh - President & Head of Elara America Leading Expansion in America

Bringing a strategic vision to his role, David Somekh assumes the position of President and Head of Elara Capital’s Americas business, spearheading the firm’s expansion endeavors with a focus on Corporate Finance origination/execution, in establishing to in developing, Emerging Market Sales/Trading, and third-party LP fundraising. With a rich and varied background, David’s extensive experience adds depth to his leadership. Having joined Elara Capital’s London headquarters in 2008, he was pivotal in establishing the Capital Markets division before relocating to New York in 2010 to spearhead Elara’s Americas business. Collaborating with institutional investors and corporations globally, the USA office leverages Elara’s expansive network to facilitate cross-border transactions and unlock new opportunities for clients. Prior to his current role, David accrued diverse expertise across sectors such as speculative energy investment, interest rate futures investment, sales/trading, and management accounting at reputable firms like BP and Fujitsu. David’s academic journey, marked by a theoretical physics degree from University College London, underscores his analytical prowess and commitment to intellectual rigor. At Elara Americas, David’s innovative leadership and strategic acumen propel the company’s growth and success, establishing Elara as a leader in the Americas region and beyond.
Read More

Anand Rao - Compliance officer

Elara Securities (India) Private Limited. Anand holds an MBA from the University of Pune with specialization in Finance and is a commerce graduate with Banking & Finance as the specialized subject. He has a career spanning over 15 years in the financial services sector. Over the past and present years, he has rich work experience in intermediary compliances pertaining to Stock Broking, Research Analyst, Investment Advisers, Alternative Investment Funds, Depository Participant services, Merchant Banking and Portfolio Management Services (PMS) across assignments handled. Anand has been instrumental in setting up various policies, procedures, processes and controls including licensing to set-up for Indian business operations under compliance requirements of SEBI, Exchanges, Depositories etc. and also requirements applicable under various complex cross border regulations of FCA, SEC, FINRA etc. for proper business conduct and ensure that best global practices are followed. Prior to Elara, Anand has worked in organizations such as UTI Securities Limited (now known as Standard Chartered Securities (India) Limited) and Batlivala & Karani Securities India Private Limited.

Operational Management

Business Support Management

Mahesh Iyer
Mahesh Iyer
Read More

Mahesh Iyer - Chief Technology Officer Pioneering Technological Advancement

As a seasoned IT professional with over 25 years of experience spanning India and the UK, Mahesh Iyer brings a wealth of expertise to his role as Chief Technology Officer at Elara Capital Group. Holding an Electronics Degree, Mahesh has demonstrated his proficiency in leveraging technology for the financial services sector, leading multiple technology teams in designing, developing, and implementing cutting-edge solutions across various domains. His leadership encompasses Asset Management, Investment Banking, Broking, Finance, Manufacturing, Outsourcing, and Product Development. Mahesh’s strategic vision guides Elara Capital’s technological roadmap, driving innovation and ensuring seamless integration to enhance operational efficiency and client satisfaction. Committed to excellence, Mahesh’s dedication to driving technological advancements positions Elara Capital as a leader in the financial services industry.
Kamal Kishore Sati
Kamal Kishore Sati
Read More

Kamal Kishore Sati - Chief Financial Officer Driving Financial Excellence

As a seasoned financial expert, Kamal Kishore Sati brings over 25 years of experience in private practice to his role as Chief Financial Officer at Elara Securities (India) Private Limited. With a background in consultancy and diversified accounting in the manufacturing industry, Kamal has garnered extensive exposure to various financial functions and operations, showcasing his versatility and depth of expertise. His proficiency extends to System Application Products – Enterprise Resource Products (SAP-ERP), where he has demonstrated notable success in implementing the FICO module of SAP, highlighting his technical acumen and ability to drive operational efficiencies. Since joining Elara Securities in November 2007, Kamal has played a pivotal role in driving financial excellence and ensuring compliance with regulatory standards, contributing significantly to the company’s growth and success. Kamal’s unwavering commitment to excellence and his ability to navigate complex financial landscapes underscore his dedication to driving Elara Securities’ financial strategy and positioning the company for long-term success.
Savio D'Souza
Savio D'Souza
Read More

Savio D'Souza - Head of Human Resources Nurturing Human Capital

With over 20 years of diverse experience in Human Resources across multiple industries, Savio D’Souza assumes the role of Head/ Human Resources at Elara Capital. His extensive background encompasses stints in Financial Services, Retail, Manufacturing, and Distribution, providing him with a well-rounded understanding of HR dynamics across different sectors. Savio’s strategic leadership capabilities are evident from his previous roles, where he excelled in Talent and Performance Management and HR strategy formulation, fostering the development of high-performing business teams. With a B.Sc in Geology and a Post Graduate Diploma in Business Management from the Goa Institute of Management, Savio underscores his academic excellence and commitment to professional growth. Prior to joining Elara Capital, he contributed to the success of various HR initiatives and projects at SBI Capital Markets Ltd. At Elara Capital, Savio continues his commitment to talent development, driving initiatives to attract, retain, and develop top talent, thereby contributing to the company’s sustained growth and success.
Read More

Rakesh Puri - Non-Executive Director

Rakesh has over 20 years of post-qualification progressive experience in Senior Positions in listed and multinational companies in the securities market, finance, operations, compliance and legal, corporate secretarial, takeovers, and managing IPOs and Institutional placements. Prior to joining Elara as Director, he worked with CLSA Group. Rakesh has been involved with transaction management of IPOs/Rights/QIP/PE/Open offers and has worked on numerous cross-border transactions. He has been responsible for setting up Elara in India and also for starting new offices in Singapore, Mauritius, and New York. He is a commerce graduate, holds a post-graduate degree in Law (Professional), is a fellow member of ICSI, and is also a qualified CPA from USA . Currently, Rakesh is practicing as a Corporate Lawyer, registered with Bar Council of Maharashtra and Goa. He deals with Corporate Laws and Securities Laws including the Companies Act, FDI, M&A, FEMA, SEBI Laws, RBI, NBFC, Arbitration, Contract, etc. and regularly appears before RBI, SEBI, Stock Exchanges, SAT, NCLT, NCLAT, High Court, etc.