Compounding in Silence: Prasad's Portfolio Speaks Louder Than Words

In a world of noise, speed, and spotlight, Pulak Prasad has quietly built one of India's most formidable investment empires—Nalanda Capital—with assets worth Rs 50,000 crore. His strategy? Quiet, selectivity, and Warren Buffett-esque belief in holding things forever.

Strategic Anchors

Singapore's Nalanda Capital has invested in just 39 firms since its inception in 2007.

Its philosophy is to be a permanent owner, and not a trader—desiring quality businesses with sustainable moats and excellent leadership.

Prasad's approach is informed by Charles Darwin's survival theory—survival not of the strongest, but of the flexible.

Performance Highlights

Nalanda's first fund, raised in 2007, has generated market-beating returns with minimal churn.

The firm offloaded a fifth of its stake in Thermax recently, earning a seven times return in four years—demonstrating its ability to leave at the right time.

Even during a bull market, Nalanda has been reducing positions, indicating a contrarian, systematic approach.

Philosophical Footing

Prasad shuns the spotlight, never addresses conferences, and does not follow trends.

His investment prism screens out hype, with survival, sustainability, and simplicity being the priorities.

Its internal culture is also consistent with this philosophy—lean, science-based, and noise-averse.

Market Positioning

Nalanda is the only foreign portfolio investor boutique fund manager with more than Rs 25,000 crore in Indian equities.

Its holdings comprise marquee stocks such as Info Edge, Page Industries, and Havells—firms that mirror its liking for consumer-facing, capital-light enterprises.

Legacy in the Making

Prasad's low-key compounding has been compared to the likes of Warren Buffett, but he does it his way—on the principles of patience, precision, and purpose.

As Indian markets expand, Nalanda's tranquility could well be its strongest selling point.

Sources: The Ken, Top News, Morningstar India, Scrap.com, Indian Express