Madhusudan Ekambaram, the CEO and co-founder of KreditBee, has emerged as a pivotal figure in India’s fintech landscape. With a mission to democratize credit and make financial services accessible to all, Madhusudan has led KreditBee to become one of the leading digital lending platforms in the country. His journey from a technology graduate to a successful entrepreneur reflects resilience, innovation, and a deep commitment to financial inclusion.
Born and raised in India, Madhusudan Ekambaram graduated from the National Institute of Technology Karnataka (NITK), Suratkal, in 2004. His academic background in technology provided him with a strong foundation for his future career in the tech industry. This early exposure to engineering and problem-solving shaped his ability to tackle complex challenges later in his entrepreneurial journey.
Professional Journey Before KreditBee
Madhusudan Ekambaram began his professional career with Tata Consultancy Services (TCS) in 2004, where he gained initial exposure to the software industry. Over the next 12 years, he worked across various sectors, including software, telecom, and ecommerce, honing his skills in product management and technology. A significant part of his career was spent at Huawei, where he led the Product Management Team for Global Ecommerce.
In this role, he was instrumental in establishing e-commerce operations in nine countries, including India. His innovations, such as the Data Card Landing Page, which attracts 45 million page views per month, and the Soft PC WiFi solution, sold to over 2 million customers in India, showcased his ability to create impactful digital products.
The Birth of KreditBee
In 2016, at the age of 35, Madhusudan Ekambaram decided to venture into entrepreneurship. He co-founded KrazyBee, a non-banking financial company (NBFC), with its digital lending platform, KreditBee. The platform was designed to provide quick and easy access to credit for consumers who were underserved by traditional banking systems. KreditBee’s model was simple yet revolutionary: it used technology to assess creditworthiness and provide loans through a seamless digital interface. This approach resonated with millions of Indians looking for quick and hassle-free credit solutions.
Growth and Impact
Since its inception, KreditBee has seen remarkable growth. The company has raised $350 million in funding and now employs over 2400 people. Its app has been downloaded by more than 60 million users, indicating its widespread acceptance and reach. Under Madhusudan’s leadership, KreditBee has expanded its product offerings beyond personal loans to include SME/business loans and vehicle financing. The company has also partnered with vehicle financing companies and is exploring insurance products, aiming to become a comprehensive financial services provider.
A key aspect of KreditBee’s success has been its focus on robust risk management. By leveraging operational and customer data, the company has developed sophisticated risk models that have allowed it to scale while maintaining healthy financials. Moreover, KreditBee has taken a proactive stance on customer education, particularly in addressing the issues surrounding illegal and Chinese lending apps. Through various campaigns, the company has aimed to educate consumers about safe digital lending practices.
Notable Achievements and Recognitions
Madhusudan Ekambaram’s leadership has not gone unnoticed. KreditBee has been featured in prestigious publications like Forbes India, highlighting its significant impact on the fintech sector. The company’s ability to secure substantial investment during a period when venture capital was cautious speaks volumes about its potential and the trust investors have in its model. Additionally, Madhusudan’s contributions to the industry extend beyond KreditBee. He co-founded FACE (Fin-Tech Association for Consumer Empowerment), a not-for-profit organization aimed at promoting ethical practices in the fintech industry. Through FACE, he advocates for consumer protection and industry standards, ensuring that the growth of fintech benefits consumers without compromising their interests.
Personal Insights
Madhusudan Ekambaram’s approach to life and work is encapsulated in his motto: “You never lose; you either win or learn.” This philosophy reflects his resilience and continuous pursuit of improvement. In an interview, when asked about his greatest achievement, he proudly mentioned starting his own company and turning it into a profitable startup. He fears running out of creativity, which drives him to constantly innovate. His most marked characteristic is his ability to spot opportunities and convince others about his ideas, a trait that has been crucial in building KreditBee.
Vision for the Future
Looking ahead, Madhusudan Ekambaram envisions KreditBee as a single-stop digital solution for all financial needs, with a primary focus on lending. The company aims to bring 100 million users into the formal credit system, thereby significantly expanding financial inclusion in India. Additionally, KreditBee targets achieving a loan book of Rs. 5,000 crores within the next three years, an ambitious yet achievable goal given its current trajectory. Madhusudan’s vision is clear: to leverage technology to make financial services accessible, affordable, and user-friendly for all segments of society.
Broader Impact
Beyond KreditBee, Madhusudan Ekambaram has been actively involved in shaping the fintech ecosystem in India. As a Director at KrazyBee Services Private Limited, he oversees the operations of the NBFC, ensuring compliance and sustainable growth. He is also a mentor and speaker, sharing his insights on entrepreneurship, technology, and finance at events like YourStory Media – Techsparks ’24. His contributions to FACE and his advocacy for ethical fintech practices further underscore his commitment to building a responsible and inclusive financial ecosystem.
Madhusudan Ekambaram’s journey from a technology graduate to a successful entrepreneur is inspiring. Through KreditBee, he has created a leading fintech platform and contributed to financial inclusion in India. His leadership, vision, and commitment to innovation continue to drive KreditBee towards greater heights, making him a true visionary in the fintech world.
