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P.V. Ramanathan is a Dubai-based entrepreneur, chartered accountant, and fund-of-funds manager who led a successful leveraged buyout in 2003, founded Neeti Fund, and hosts the prestigious ValueX Middle East conference annually.

3:00 - Ram's middle-class Indian upbringing and early exposure to family finances through banking errands with his father, sparking entrepreneurial drive

6:00 - Career journey from Ernst & Young Dubai to Schlumberger, learning business operations by spending weekends on oil rigs in coveralls

9:30 - "Money has always been an enabler for me" - philosophy shaped by helping replenish father's education investment

13:00 - Transition from CFO role to leading a management buyout of corrosion services business, discovering value investing simultaneously

18:00 - Building Corrosion Technology Services (CTS) without leverage: "We are bottom feeders. Anyone who works for us six years is potential competitor"

25:00 - Investment philosophy: Four-bucket approach (value, growth, ballast funds) targeting steady single-digit returns with downside protection

32:00 - Contrarian belief: "Don't fixate on short-term results" - explains why quarterly obsession drives counterproductive business behavior

41:00 - Business survival principles: Zero leverage, conservative revenue recognition, maintaining cash reserves through all cycles

50:00 - Global investment opportunities: Highlighting undervalued Korean market and biotech sector despite volatility

57:00 - ValueX Middle East origins and Toastmasters impact: "All of us are better than some of us" - community building philosophy

63:00 - Definition of success: "Making positive difference in every endeavor I undertake" - touching lives through business, investing, and relationships

Podcast Program – Disclosure Statement

Blue Infinitas Capital, LLC is a registered investment adviser and the opinions expressed by the Firm’s employees and podcast guests on this show are their own and do not reflect the opinions of Blue Infinitas Capital, LLC. All statements and opinions expressed are based upon information considered reliable although it should not be relied upon as such. Any statements or opinions are subject to change without notice.

Information presented is for educational purposes only and does not intend to make an offer or solicitation for the sale or purchase of any specific securities, investments, or investment strategies. Investments involve risk and unless otherwise stated, are not guaranteed.

Information expressed does not take into account your specific situation or objectives, and is not intended as recommendations appropriate for any individual. Listeners are encouraged to seek advice from a qualified tax, legal, or investment adviser to determine whether any information presented may be suitable for their specific situation. Past performance is not indicative of future performance.

“Ram" PV Ramanathan: From Oil Rigs to Fund Management: An Unlikely Journey: How a Chartered Accountant Built Wealth Through Patient Capital and Zero Leverage

Talking Billions with Bogumil Baranowski