For this episode Founder CEOI spoke with Charles Lelon, CEO of the investment firm Kamylon.

Lelon's early years were far from the typical entrepreneur origin story. The son of educators, Lelon had no initial interest in business or finance. His passion lay in writing and medicine – fields he saw as opportunities to make meaningful contributions to people's lives. However, his career trajectory changed during his college years after he took an introductory seminar on religion and comparative philosophy. Deeply intrigued by these themes, Lelon abandoned his plans for medicine and set his sights on exploring human values ​​and existential issues.

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This intellectual curiosity laid the foundation for his eventual entry into business. In the late 1980s, Lelon became fascinated by the idea of ​​publishing a magazine focused on religion—a medium he believed could marry his passion for writing and intellectual exploration. However, fate had other plans when the rise of the Internet disrupted the traditional print media landscape. Realizing the challenges of starting a magazine in a digital world, Lelon turned to venture capital, a decision that would shape his career for decades to come.

The birth of Kamylon and a new business model

After spending years in private equity, Lelon's entrepreneurial spirit remained strong. In the mid-2000s, he founded Kamylona firm built on the research fund model – a little-known but highly successful investment strategy. This model, formally known as “entrepreneurship through acquisition,” allows aspiring CEOs, often fresh out of MBA programs, to seek out and buy small but profitable baby-owned businesses at a young age.

Lelon's firm focuses on identifying young, ambitious talent, guiding them through the process of finding and acquiring businesses, and then mentoring them as they take over as CEOs. “It's the fastest way for a young and talented person to step into the CEO seat of an enterprise,” explains Lelon, emphasizing how the model differs from traditional capital and startup culture. Unlike startups, which often require founders to raise millions before they've generated revenue, the research model allows young entrepreneurs to take the reins of established companies, bringing new energy and ideas to businesses they already have. steady cash flow and a loyal customer base. .

Kamylon's success and influence

Since its establishment, Kamylon has made significant strides in the business world. The firm has participated in over 700 investigations, helping to guide aspiring entrepreneurs through the acquisition process of businesses in a variety of industries, from healthcare and technology to business services. According to Lelon, about 60 to 65% of inventors successfully acquire a business, and about 25% of these ventures yield a fivefold return on investment—a statistic that highlights the power of the model compared to traditional entrepreneurship, where the failure rate it can be notorious. high.

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One of the key elements of Kamylon's success is his emphasis on servant leadership. Lelon credits his philosophical and theological studies with shaping his approach to business, which prioritizes ethical leadership and putting people first. “When you're responsible for people's livelihoods, you have to think deeply about what really matters,” he says. This focus on values ​​has not only helped Kamylon stand out in the private equity world, but has also attracted like-minded investors and entrepreneurs who seek to create positive and long-term impacts on their employees and communities.

The future of entrepreneurship through acquisition

Looking ahead, Lelon sees great potential for growth in the research fund model. As baby boomers continue to retire in large numbers, a wave of small and medium-sized businesses will be ready to be bought by the next generation of leaders. At the same time, the rise of artificial intelligence and digital workflows presents new opportunities for these businesses to evolve and become more efficient under new ownership.

However, Lelon is cautious about the rapid pace of technological change. While he acknowledges the power of AI to transform businesses, he also warns against neglecting the ethical implications of such technologies, drawing a parallel to the early days of social media, when the focus was on rapid growth without regard to its impact. social.

At the heart of Charles Lelon's success is his unwavering belief in the importance of humility, ethical leadership and a disciplined attitude in the face of challenges. “Stay humble, stay curious and listen before you make any big changes,” he advises aspiring CEOs who take over businesses through Kamylon's research fund model. His commitment to servant leadership and the mentoring he provides to young entrepreneurs serves as a guiding light for those entering the world of business ownership.

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Lelon's story reminds us that success isn't always about being the loudest voice in the room or the most famous founder. Sometimes, the most influential entrepreneurs are those who serve quietly, lead with integrity, and use their success to lift others up. As Kamylon continues to grow, its impact on the next generation of business leaders is set to be a lasting legacy of thoughtful, values-driven entrepreneurship.