Nikhil Kamath, co-founder of Zerodha, True Beacon, and Gruhas, is among India’s youngest billionaires, with a net worth of around $2.6 billion as of March 2025.
His journey is often described as unconventional, he dropped out of school after the 10th grade, worked at a call center, and eventually built one of India’s largest brokerage firms. Beyond wealth, his story reflects adaptability, ecosystem-building, and long-term thinking.
Nikhil Kamath – Early Life and Education
Nikhil Kamath was born in Bangalore, Karnataka, in 1986. His father, U. R. Kamath, worked at Canara Bank, and his mother, Revathi Kamath, was a homemaker. The family moved often due to his father’s transferable job before finally settling in Bangalore when Nikhil was nine.
While he showed an early aptitude for mathematics and problem-solving, he disliked conventional schooling. His school did not allow him to appear for the 10th board exams, citing his lack of interest in academics. With no formal higher education after that, Nikhil chose the path of self-learning.
At 17, he took up a job at a call center, earning ₹8,000 per month. He worked nights at the call center and spent his mornings studying financial markets. His father entrusted him with a small amount of money to invest, marking the beginning of his trading career. Soon, colleagues and friends began letting him manage their portfolios.
Zerodha: Democratizing Stock Trading
In 2010, Nikhil and his elder brother Nithin Kamath launched Zerodha, a discount brokerage that disrupted India’s trading landscape. At a time when brokerages charged high commissions, Zerodha introduced a flat ₹20 per trade fee, making investing accessible to retail traders.
The company name itself reflects its philosophy: “Zero” + “Rodha” (Sanskrit for barrier), symbolizing the removal of barriers for Indian investors.
- Clients: Over 12 million as of FY24
- Market Share: Handles 20%+ of India’s daily trading volume
- Revenue (FY24): ₹8,320 crore
- Profits (FY24): ₹4,700 crore (up 62% YoY)
Zerodha has remained bootstrapped, never raising external funding or taking debt, a rarity in India’s startup ecosystem. Platforms like Kite (trading app) and Coin (mutual fund investing) further strengthened its dominance.
In 2025, SEBI’s new rules on derivatives led to a 40% revenue decline in Q2 FY25, but Zerodha continues to hold its position as India’s largest stockbroker.
Beyond Zerodha: Nikhil Kamath’s Ventures and Investments
True Beacon
Launched in 2019, True Beacon is an asset management firm for high-net-worth individuals (HNIs) and institutions. It provides zero-fee investment strategies and aims to create transparent wealth management solutions.
Rainmatter
Founded in 2016, Rainmatter is Zerodha’s fintech incubator and fund. As of 2024, it invested ₹275 crore across 47 startups, focusing on health-tech (30) and climate-tech (17) companies. Unlike traditional VCs, Rainmatter avoids board seats or exit pressures, positioning itself as patient capital. Its portfolio includes Smallcase, Ditto Insurance, and Streak.
Recent Updates | Amwoodo Raises $4M Pre-Series A Round Led by Rainmatter
Gruhas
In partnership with Abhijeet Pai of the Puzzolana Group, Nikhil co-founded Gruhas, a venture capital fund focused on PropTech, CleanTech, Consumer, and Media Entertainment. Investments include Age Care Labs and Ossus Biorenewables.
Personal Investments
Nikhil Kamath has also made personal investments in startups like Licious, Growth School, Nourish You, Pee Safe, Mainstreet, and Third Wave Coffee. He also disclosed investing ₹400 crore in Radico Khaitan for a 1.6–1.7% stake.
Recently, Nikhil invested ₹137.5 crore in Goldi Solar, one of India’s leading solar PV module manufacturers. The funding aims to support the company’s expansion into solar cell production and strengthen its renewable energy footprint.
He also invested in One Hand Clap Media, a Mumbai-based digital-first creative agency, marking his entry into India’s fast-evolving creator and marketing ecosystem.
WTF Podcast and WTFund
In 2022, Nikhil launched his podcast, “WTF is with Nikhil Kamath”, where he hosts candid conversations with entrepreneurs, investors, celebrities, and policymakers. Guests include Narayan Murthy, AR Rehman, Sam Altman, and many startup leaders.
In January 2025, the podcast featured Prime Minister Narendra Modi, marking the PM’s podcast debut. The two-hour episode covered governance, leadership, and India’s future.
In 2024, Nikhil launched WTFund, India’s first non-equity grant fund, aimed at entrepreneurs under 25. At its first summit, 15 young innovators were funded, reinforcing his commitment to nurturing India’s next generation of founders.Philanthropy
Nikhil Kamath is one of the youngest signatories of the Giving Pledge, committing to donate 50% of his wealth.
He also founded the Young India Philanthropic Pledge (YIPP), where entrepreneurs under 45 pledge 25% of their wealth, with a minimum of ₹1 crore annually.
In 2022, he and Nithin Kamath donated ₹100 crore, ranking on the EdelGive Hurun India Philanthropy List.
Nikhil Kamath – Personal Life
Nikhil Kamath lives in Bangalore. He was briefly married to Amanda Puravankara, director at Provident Housing Ltd., but the couple separated within a year.
He is an avid reader, chess enthusiast, and fitness-conscious individual. He once played a charity match against Viswanathan Anand, though later admitted to using assistance during the game and issued a public apology.
As of March 2025, Nikhil Kamath’s net worth stands at $2.6 billion. Most of his wealth comes from his stake in Zerodha, along with investments in True Beacon, Rainmatter, Gruhas, and personal holdings.
Awards & Recognition
- Forbes India 30 Under 30 (2016)
- IIFL Wealth Hurun India 40 & Under Self-Made Rich List 2022 – youngest billionaire
- Featured on Forbes Billionaires List (2023, 2024)
- Ranked 8th in Hurun India Report 2024 alongside brother Nithin for Zerodha’s valuation (~₹64,800 crore).
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Conclusion
Nikhil Kamath’s story is not just about becoming India’s youngest billionaire. It is a journey that highlights how non-linear paths, self-learning, and resilience can redefine success. From working night shifts at a call center to building India’s most profitable brokerage, he has demonstrated how unconventional choices can lead to impactful outcomes.
Through Zerodha, True Beacon, Rainmatter, Gruhas, WTFund, and philanthropy, he has expanded beyond personal wealth into ecosystem building—supporting startups, young innovators, and sustainable businesses.
At just 38, Kamath continues to shape India’s entrepreneurial and financial landscape, proving that success can come without a conventional degree but not without vision, persistence, and the willingness to build for the long term.
