Team

CEO

Murali Barathi, founder of Krea, brings extensive experience in strategizing and leading organizations through change and growth. He specializes in helping start-ups and mid-market companies make successful exits and grow through acquisitions. Murali excels in uncovering opportunities, de-risking businesses, identifying the right buyers, structuring deals, and maximizing sale proceeds. He has an engineering degree and a Master’s in International Relations from Tufts University. Murali is a CEPA-certified Exit Planning Advisor. His breadth of expertise and professional approach make him a trusted partner for his clients.

Transaction Advisor

Dr. Sridhar is a seasoned Senior Executive with over 20 years of experience in Silicon Valley, specializing in the semiconductor and technology sectors. He founded and served as CEO of Nimbus Materials, where he led the development of advanced materials technologies. Currently, he advises a number of startups and venture capital firms, leveraging over two decades of senior executive experience in engineering, technology development, and innovation. Recognized as an industry thought leader with 30+ patents and 15 peer-reviewed publications, he has a proven record of transforming concepts into high-growth ventures and aligning strategic business plans with company vision.

Dr. Sridhar holds a Ph.D. in Materials Science from the University of Arizona, Tucson, and a Master’s degree from the Indian Institute of Science, Bangalore. Additionally, he has completed a Private Equity certificate from Wharton and is a licensed M&A broker in California, uniquely positioning him to guide value creation and innovation at the intersection of advanced materials, decarbonization, and emerging technologies.

M&A Advisor

Sudarsan Pattabiraman is a seasoned M&A Advisor with 20+ years of experience in business strategy, transformation, and exit planning. He has advised leaders in Biotech, Pharma, Medical Devices, Chemicals, Food & Beverage, and Construction, helping businesses scale, de-risk, and maximize value. An entrepreneur at heart, Sudarsan built and exited a real estate tech startup and has guided founders through growth and exits.

A Certified Exit Planning Advisor (CEPA), he specializes in structuring deals, identifying the right buyers, and ensuring seamless ownership transitions. A PMI Certified Agile Practitioner, he has led multi-million-dollar projects with diverse teams. He holds an MBA in International Business and dual Engineering bachelor’s in Chemical Engineering & IT. As a licensed real estate broker, he helps clients optimize property investments. Outside work, he enjoys Cricket, Golf, and community service.