Madhusudan Kela, often referred to as Madhu Kela, stands out as one of India's most prominent financial experts. His remarkable journey from humble beginnings to becoming a leading name in finance is inspiring and instructive.
Early Life and Educational Pursuits
Madhu Kela's story begins in Kurud, a small village in Chhattisgarh, where he grew up. He cycled 30 km every day to attend college lectures. His journey took him to Mumbai, where he embarked on the path to financial expertise.
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He completed his B.Com degree and pursued a Master of Management from the prestigious KJ Somaiyya Management College. Madhu Kela's education took place in a Hindi medium school, which makes his achievements even more remarkable.
The Early Career
After completing his education, Madhu Kela began his career in equity research with CIFCO and Sharekhan. His journey through these early phases of his career helped shape his investment acumen.
UBS Group and Turning Points
In 1996, Madhu Kela took a significant step in his career by joining the UBS Group. However, the real turning point came in 2001 when he joined Reliance Mutual Fund. During this period, he made significant contributions to building and leading a successful investment team within Reliance Capital.
The Golden Era at Reliance Mutual Fund
Between June 2004 and September 2010, Madhu Kela served as the head of equity investments at Reliance Mutual Fund. Under his leadership, Reliance Mutual Fund achieved remarkable success, becoming India's first fund with an Asset Under Management (AUM) of Rs 1 lakh crore. The Reliance Growth Fund, led by Madhu Kela, achieved an impressive 32% Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) between 2004 and 2010.
Madhu Kela's investment strategy at Reliance Mutual Fund focused on small and mid-cap companies poised for substantial growth. His foresight led to the identification of multi-bagger stocks with significant potential. Notable investments included companies like BEML, Kirloskar Brothers, and Jaiprakash Associates, all of which experienced substantial growth with attractive valuations.
After 2009, Madhu Kela shifted his focus to the pharmaceutical sector, making disproportionately large investments. He recognised the medium-term opportunities within the sector and the potential for significant gains. His belief in this approach was well-founded, as the pharmaceutical sector's growth validated his strategy.
Influences and Philosophy
Madhu Kela attributes his investment acumen to the guidance of the legendary investor Rakesh Jhunjhunwala. He also draws inspiration from investment guru George Soros. He found Peter Bregman's book, "18 Minutes," influential. The book provided actionable insights to enhance efficiency in various aspects of life.
Investment Insights
Madhu Kela's investment philosophy is multifaceted, but he emphasises on the importance of emotional control in long-term investing. He suggests that most other aspects of investment can be learned from various sources. He encourages investors to have a well-structured asset allocation plan for the long term. According to him, volatility can be advantageous, providing opportunities to build positions in exceptional companies. Additionally, he recommends identifying competent asset managers and investing through them, as managing investments is their full-time occupation.
Entrepreneurial Journey
Madhu Kela's association with the Reliance Group continued until 2017. Afterwards, he ventured into entrepreneurship and established his own company, MK Ventures, in January 2018. In his role as Managing Director, Madhu Kela continues his journey in the world of finance.
Madhu Kela's Top Long-Term Holdings
1. Choice International: Kela owns 12 million shares (12.1% stake) in Choice International, valued at approximately Rs. 3.4 billion based on the March 2023 market price of Rs. 280.
2. IKAB Securities and Investments: Holding a substantial 83.7% stake in IKAB Securities and Investments with 2.9 million shares, Kela's investment is estimated at around Rs. 3.3 billion, given the March 2023 market price of Rs. 1,129.
3. IRIS Business Services: Kela's 1 million shares (5.6% stake) in IRIS Business Services are worth about Rs. 760 million at the March 2023 market price of Rs. 70.5.
4. Sangam India: With a 1.1% stake, Kela's investment in Sangam India amounts to roughly Rs. 107 million, holding 0.5 million shares, based on the March 2023 market price of Rs. 214.
Conclusion
Madhusudan Kela's investment journey is a remarkable testament to his unwavering determination and exceptional financial acumen. His ability to identify opportunities, build successful investment teams, and navigate changing market conditions has made him a prominent figure in the financial world. Madhu Kela's life story is an inspiring example of how passion, resilience, and a commitment to continuous learning can lead to extraordinary success in the realm of investments.
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