Nikhil Kamath, born on September 5, 1986, in Shimoga, Karnataka, is one of India’s most prominent self-made entrepreneurs and investors. At just 39 years old (as of December 2025), he has built a formidable empire in the fintech space, co-founding Zerodha, India’s largest retail stock brokerage, and expanding into asset management and investments. With an estimated net worth of around $2.6 billion according to Forbes (as of March 2025), Kamath exemplifies how unconventional paths can lead to extraordinary success.
Early Life and Unconventional Beginnings
Kamath’s journey defies the traditional script of success in India. He dropped out of school after completing the 10th grade, showing little interest in formal education. Instead, at age 17, he took a job at a call center earning ₹8,000 per month while pursuing his passion for chess and stock trading on the side.
His early exposure to trading proved pivotal. Kamath began managing portfolios for colleagues and family, honing his skills in equity markets. In 2006, he partnered with his elder brother, Nithin Kamath, to establish Kamath & Associates, a proprietary trading and sub-broking firm. This laid the groundwork for their bigger venture.
The Zerodha Revolution
In 2010, the Kamath brothers launched Zerodha, a name derived from “zero” and “rodha” (Sanskrit for barrier). The company disrupted India’s brokerage industry by introducing a discount model: zero brokerage on equity deliveries and a flat ₹20 fee for intraday and derivatives trades.
At a time when traditional brokers charged high commissions, Zerodha democratized access to stock markets, making trading affordable for retail investors. Bootstrapped without external funding, Zerodha grew rapidly, especially during market booms and the pandemic. Today, it boasts over 10 million active clients and is India’s largest brokerage by volume.
Expanding Horizons: Ventures and Investments
- True Beacon (2020): An asset management firm targeting ultra-high-net-worth individuals with a zero-fee model focused on long-term wealth creation.
- Gruhas (2021): Co-founded with Abhijeet Pai, this prop-tech and real estate investment firm backs startups in sustainability, consumer brands, and emerging technologies.
- Rainmatter: Zerodha’s incubator and fund supporting fintech and financial inclusion initiatives.
- WTFund: A grant-based fund providing non-dilutive capital to entrepreneurs under 25, emphasizing mentorship over equity.
Kamath’s personal investments span consumer brands (e.g., Licious, Subko), sustainability startups, and even spirits (a stake in D’Yavol with Shah Rukh Khan). He also co-owns a franchise in the Global E-Cricket Premier League.
Podcast Fame and High-Profile Conversations
In 2024, Kamath launched the “WTF is” podcast series (later “People by WTF”), hosting candid discussions on technology, philosophy, and more. The platform skyrocketed in 2025 with episodes featuring global icons:
- Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi (January 2025 debut).
- Elon Musk (late 2025, discussing AI, automation, and global issues).
- Other guests include Bill Gates, Neal Mohan (YouTube CEO), and Bryan Johnson.
These conversations have positioned Kamath as a bridge between Indian entrepreneurship and global thought leaders.
Philanthropy and Personal Life
In 2023, Kamath became one of the youngest Indians to sign The Giving Pledge, committing to donate at least 50% of his wealth to causes like climate change, education, and healthcare.
Personally, Kamath keeps a low profile. He was briefly married to Amanda Puravankara (2019–2021) and has been linked to rumors involving actress Rhea Chakraborty, though the rumors remain unconfirmed. In 2024, he faced online criticism for buying his first residential property after previously advocating renting for liquidity.
Legacy and Inspiration
Nikhil Kamath’s story—from call center employee to interviewing world leaders—is a testament to risk-taking, innovation, and self-learning. By breaking barriers in finance and mentoring the next generation, he continues to shape India’s entrepreneurial landscape. As retail investing booms in India, Kamath’s influence shows no signs of waning.
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