Nikhil Kamath
Nikhil Kamath (born 5 September 1987) is an Indian entrepreneur and investor. He is the co-founder of Zerodha, a leading retail stockbroker in India, and True Beacon, an asset management company. He is regarded as one of the youngest self-made billionaires in India.[1]
| Nikhil Kamath | |
|---|---|
| |
| Born | 5 September 1987
Shimoga, Karnataka, India |
| Nationality | Indian |
| Occupation | Entrepreneur, Investor |
| Known for | Co-founder of Zerodha, True Beacon |
| Net worth | US$3.3 billion (2025) |
Early Life and Education
Nikhil Kamath was born in Shimoga, Karnataka, and raised in Bengaluru. He comes from a Kannada-Konkani speaking Hindu family. His father, Raghuram Kamath, worked at Canara Bank, while his mother, Revathi Kamath, was an entrepreneur involved in event management and landscaping projects.
Kamath dropped out of school after completing the 10th grade and does not hold a formal college degree.[2]
Career
Early Career
Kamath began his career working at a call centre while simultaneously learning stock trading. In 2006, he became a sub-broker and started a brokerage firm, Kamath & Associates, with his brother Nithin Kamath to manage investments for high-net-worth individuals.
Zerodha
In 2010, Nikhil Kamath co-founded Zerodha with his brother Nithin Kamath. The company introduced a discount brokerage model, significantly reducing trading costs and making stock market participation more accessible to retail investors.[3]
Zerodha grew rapidly to become one of India’s largest brokerage firms, disrupting traditional brokerage services.
True Beacon
In 2020, Kamath co-founded True Beacon, an asset management company focused on ultra-high-net-worth individuals. The firm offers investment opportunities through privately pooled funds.
Gruhas
In 2021, Kamath co-founded Gruhas with Abhijeet Pai. The firm invests in early-stage and growth-stage startups across sectors such as climate technology, sustainability, consumer brands, and PropTech.
Gruhas operates funds like the Gruhas Collective Consumer Fund and the Earth Fund, focusing on long-term innovation and impact-driven investments.
Podcast and Media
In 2024, Kamath launched a podcast titled WTF is, where he hosts conversations with prominent personalities including business leaders, politicians, and global influencers.
Investments
Nikhil Kamath has invested in several startups across industries such as fintech, sustainability, and consumer brands. His portfolio includes companies like Licious, Ather Energy, InCred Holdings, and Nazara Technologies.[4]
Philanthropy
In June 2023, Kamath signed The Giving Pledge, committing to donate 50% of his wealth to charitable causes such as climate change, education, and healthcare.
Controversies
Chess Incident
In 2021, Kamath participated in an online charity chess event against world champion Viswanathan Anand. He was later found to have used computer assistance during the game, which led to criticism and a temporary ban from Chess.com. Kamath apologized publicly for his actions.
Property Purchase Criticism
In 2024, Kamath faced criticism after purchasing a residential property despite previously advocating renting over buying, which some perceived as contradictory.
Recognition
- Featured in Forbes India’s list of the 100 Richest (2024)
- Recognized as one of India’s youngest billionaires
Legacy and Impact
Nikhil Kamath has played a significant role in transforming India’s financial ecosystem:
- Popularized discount brokerage through Zerodha
- Encouraged retail participation in stock markets[5]
- Invested in innovative startups and sustainability initiatives
References
- ↑ https://m.economictimes.com/magazines/panache/the-way-nithin-and-nikhil-kamath-take-care-of-me-zerodha-co-founders-mother-revathi-kamath-shares-an-emotional-post-with-a-heartfelt-wish/articleshow/125139440.cms
- ↑ https://www.newslaundry.com/2025/10/08/nikhil-kamath-the-making-and-myths-of-indias-self-made-billionaire
- ↑ https://www.ndtv.com/offbeat/entrepreneur-nikhil-kamath-points-to-lack-of-museum-going-habit-in-india-sparks-debate-11444383
- ↑ https://www.storyboard18.com/brand-marketing/foodstories-raises-rs-50-crore-from-nikhil-kamath-to-expand-curated-food-platform-101117.htm
- ↑ https://startup.economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/funding-deals/foodstories-secures-rs-50-crore-funding-led-by-nikhil-kamath/131763768