Nikhil Kamath, a well-known Indian entrepreneur, has made a name for himself as the co-founder of Zerodha, one of India’s largest stock trading platforms. Born on October 5, 1987, Nikhil’s rise to success is a testament to his innovative mindset and determination. He started his entrepreneurial journey at a young age, and today, he is recognized for revolutionizing the stock trading industry in the country. Nikhil Kamath’s biography showcases his achievements in tech and finance. He hails from a modest background, with his family supporting him every step of the way. Despite his professional success, he has kept his personal life private, including details about his wife and family. As of 2025, his net worth is estimated in the billions, cementing his status as one of India’s top self-made billionaires.
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Nikhil Kamath Biography
Nikhil Kamath, born September 5, 1986, is a prominent Indian entrepreneur and investor who has made significant strides in the financial sector. He co-founded Zerodha, India’s leading retail stockbroker, and True Beacon, an asset management firm. Kamath’s innovative approach and deep understanding of the financial markets have helped him transform the landscape of online stock trading in India. Zerodha’s disruptive business model and commitment to affordable trading have garnered widespread recognition, making it one of the most successful startups in the country.
In 2024, Nikhil Kamath’s wealth and influence were further cemented when he made it to the prestigious Forbes World Billionaires List with an impressive net worth of $3.1 billion. Alongside his brother Nithin, he is also featured in Forbes’ list of India’s 100 Richest individuals for 2024. Kamath’s success story is a testament to his visionary leadership and ability to navigate the complex financial world, and his influence continues to grow, making him one of the key figures in India’s business ecosystem.
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Early life and Education
Nikhil Kamath was born on September 5, 1986, in Shimoga, Karnataka, and spent his early years in the small town of Udyavara in Udupi. Raised in a family that valued discipline and creativity, Kamath’s father, Raghuram Kamath, worked as an executive at Canara Bank, while his mother, Revathi Kamath, was a talented veena player. Despite coming from a modest background, Nikhil’s family played a crucial role in shaping his early life, fostering an environment where intellectual growth and artistic expression were encouraged.
However, Kamath’s path to success was unconventional. He dropped out of school after completing the 10th grade, choosing to forgo a traditional educational route to pursue his entrepreneurial ambitions. Lacking a formal degree, Kamath’s journey is a testament to his self-taught determination and natural aptitude for business. His decision to dive into stock trading and investing laid the foundation for his future ventures, including Zerodha and True Beacon, ultimately making him one of India’s most successful self-made billionaires.
Personal Life
Nikhil Kamath, born on September 5 1986, in Shimoga, Karnataka, is 38 years old as of 2024. Hailing from a Gaud Saraswat Brahmin family, he grew up in Shimoga before moving to Bangalore. Kamath attended Oxford Senior Secondary School in JP Nagar, Bangalore, but dropped out after high school to pursue his entrepreneurial dreams. Despite lacking formal higher education, his journey into the business world is a testament to his self-made success. He is a proud Hindu and follows a non-vegetarian food habit. With a keen interest in painting and playing the guitar, Kamath enjoys artistic pursuits in his leisure time. He resides at Kingfisher Towers in Bangalore, continuing his trailblazing career in business and investment. Kamath’s zodiac sign is Virgo, reflecting his analytical and meticulous nature, which undoubtedly contributes to his success.
Nikhil Kamath Professional Career
Nikhil Kamath unconventionally began his career at a call centre while developing an interest in equity trading. His early exposure to the financial markets and his entrepreneurial drive sparked his decision to venture into the world of brokerage services. In 2006, Kamath took a significant step by becoming a sub-broker, eventually co-founding Kamath & Associates with his brother Nithin Kamath. The firm focused on managing high-net-worth individual portfolios in the public markets, marking the Kamath brothers’ entry into financial services and laying the groundwork for their future business success.
The pivotal moment in Nikhil Kamath’s career came in 2010 when he and his brother Nithin co-founded Zerodha. Zerodha revolutionized the Indian brokerage landscape by introducing a discount brokerage model, significantly reducing transaction commission fees. This innovative approach made trading accessible to a broader audience, particularly retail investors, empowering them to invest in stocks, currencies, and commodities at a fraction of the cost of traditional brokers. Zerodha’s success quickly garnered recognition, making it one of India’s largest and most influential stockbroking firms.
Building on Zerodha’s success, Kamath expanded his entrepreneurial ventures by co-founding True Beacon in 2020. True Beacon is an asset management company that caters to ultra-high-net-worth individuals, offering investment solutions in the Indian markets through privately pooled investment vehicles. The company has carved a niche by providing exclusive wealth management services, targeting a select group of investors seeking sophisticated opportunities in India’s growing financial market.
In 2021, Kamath co-founded Gruhas, a prop-tech and real estate investment company, alongside entrepreneur Abhijeet Pai. Gruhas focuses on investing in startups, incubators, and special situations through its prop-tech-focused fund. This venture marked Kamath’s further diversification into different sectors, including real estate and technology, as he continued to explore new business opportunities with an eye on innovation and growth. Gruhas aims to reshape the real estate landscape by leveraging technology and data-driven insights to create more innovative investment strategies.
Kamath’s influence and reach extended beyond the business world when he launched the “WTF is” podcast in March 2023. The podcast became an instant hit, as it featured prominent personalities from various fields, including Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, comedian Tanmay Bhat, Biocon founder Kiran Mazumdar-Shaw, actor Suniel Shetty, OYO founder Ritesh Agarwal, and media mogul Ronnie Screwvala, among others. With each episode, Kamath brought insightful conversations to the public, exploring diverse topics with thought leaders and entrepreneurs, further establishing himself as a voice in India’s business and cultural discussions.
Alongside his entrepreneurial ventures and media presence, Nikhil Kamath has demonstrated a strong commitment to philanthropy. In June 2023, Kamath signed The Giving Pledge, committing to donate 50% of his wealth to charitable causes. He addresses global challenges such as climate change, education, and healthcare. This pledge highlights Kamath’s success and his desire to give back to society and contribute positively to the world, making a lasting impact beyond his business endeavours.
In addition to his business ventures and philanthropic initiatives, Kamath has entered the e-sports world. Along with Ankit Nagori and Prashanth Prakash, he became a co-owner of the Bengaluru franchise for Season 2 of the Global e-Cricket Premier League (GEPL). This venture into e-sports showcases Kamath’s versatility as an entrepreneur as he continues to explore new, emerging sectors that align with his interests in technology and entertainment. His involvement in GEPL is another example of his ability to identify and capitalize on new business opportunities.
Through his diverse ventures, strategic thinking, and commitment to innovation, Nikhil Kamath has built a reputation as one of India’s most successful and influential entrepreneurs. From his early days in equity trading to co-founding multiple successful businesses, Kamath has demonstrated his ability to navigate the complexities of various industries, all while staying ahead of the curve in an ever-evolving business landscape. As of 2024, Kamath’s entrepreneurial legacy inspires future generations of business leaders, marking him as one of the leading figures in India’s growing entrepreneurial ecosystem.
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Awards and Achievements
Nikhil Kamath has established himself as a prominent figure in the world of entrepreneurship, renowned for his innovative contributions to the financial sector. In 2016, his remarkable achievements earned him the prestigious “Entrepreneur of the Year” title from the Economic Times, a recognition that highlights his significant impact on the industry. Kamath co-founded Zerodha, a pioneering online stock trading platform that has revolutionized how retail investors engage with the stock market. His commitment to making investing accessible and affordable has transformed India’s trading landscape and inspired a new generation of entrepreneurs.
In 2017, Kamath’s entrepreneurial journey gained further recognition when he was included in Forbes’ “30 Under 30” list, which celebrates young leaders across various fields. This accolade underscores his remarkable ability to blend technology with finance, creating solutions that empower individuals to take control of their investments. Through his work, Nikhil Kamath has not only achieved personal success. Still, he has also played a crucial role in fostering a culture of innovation and financial literacy in India, solidifying his status as a key influencer in the entrepreneurial ecosystem.
Nikhil Kamath – Philanthropy
Nikhil Kamath is recognized for his entrepreneurial success and significant contributions to philanthropy. Recently, he joined the ranks of global billionaires by signing the Giving Pledge, committing to donate at least 50% of his wealth to charitable causes. This makes him the youngest Indian philanthropist to take this pledge, reflecting his dedication to giving back to society. Kamath’s efforts underscore the growing trend among young entrepreneurs to leverage their success for the greater good, inspiring others in the business community to follow suit.
In addition to the Giving Pledge, Kamath launched the Young India Philanthropic Pledge (YIPP), which encourages philanthropists under 45 to contribute at least 25% of their wealth, with an annual commitment of at least ₹1 crore. This initiative aims to foster a culture of philanthropy among younger generations and create a more impactful approach to charitable giving. In 2022, Kamath showcased his commitment by donating ₹100 crore alongside his brother, Nithin Kamath, as noted in the EdelGive-Hurun India Philanthropy List. Through these efforts, Nikhil Kamath is paving the way for a new era of philanthropy in India, emphasizing the importance of social responsibility among the youth.
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Nikhil Kamath’s Net Worth
As of 2023, Nikhil Kamath’s net worth is around $1.5 billion. His wealth primarily stems from his role as the co-founder of Zerodha, a leading online stock brokerage in India, and other ventures in the financial technology sector. Kamath’s entrepreneurial success and his commitment to philanthropy have positioned him as a prominent figure in both business and social contributions. Remember that net worth figures fluctuate based on market conditions and personal investments.
