Nikhil Kamath stands out as a name that resonates with innovation, entrepreneurship, and generosity in India. As the co-founder of Zerodha, one of the country’s leading stock brokerage firms, he has transformed the way millions of Indians invest. But his story doesn’t stop at business success. At just 38 years old, Nikhil has earned the title of India’s youngest philanthropist, channeling his wealth into causes that aim to create a better, more equitable society. His journey—from a school dropout to a billionaire with a heart for giving—offers a compelling tale of grit, vision, and purpose.
Early Life: A Rebel with a Cause
Nikhil Kamath was born on September 5, 1986, in Shimoga, Karnataka, into a modest middle-class family. His father, Raghuram Kamath, worked as an executive at Canara Bank, while his mother, Revathi Kamath, mastered the veena, a traditional Indian musical instrument. Growing up in the small town of Udyavara in Udupi, Nikhil showed an independent streak early on. He didn’t fit the mold of a typical student. He openly disliked school and chose to leave formal education after the 10th grade. This bold decision raised eyebrows, but it set the stage for an unconventional path.
As a teenager, Nikhil turned his curiosity toward the world of finance. At 14, he started a small side hustle, buying and selling used mobile phones. Though his mother once famously flushed his early earnings down the toilet to teach him a lesson, this didn’t deter him. Instead, it fueled his entrepreneurial spirit. By 17, he took a job at a call center, earning a modest Rs 8,000 for long shifts. While others saw it as just a job, Nikhil saw an opportunity. He began dabbling in equity trading on the side, learning the ropes of the stock market with no formal training—just raw determination.
Building Zerodha: A Game-Changer in Finance
In 2010, Nikhil teamed up with his older brother, Nithin Kamath, to launch Zerodha, a discount brokerage firm that would soon disrupt India’s financial landscape. The name “Zerodha” blends “zero” with the Sanskrit word “rodha” (barrier), reflecting their mission to break down obstacles to investing. At the time, stock trading was expensive and complex, reserved for the wealthy or well-connected. Nikhil and Nithin changed that. They introduced a low-cost, user-friendly platform that made trading accessible to everyday Indians.
Nikhil heads financial planning at Zerodha, bringing his sharp analytical mind to the table. His knack for numbers and strategy helped the company grow at a blistering pace. Today, Zerodha boasts over 10 million clients, making it one of India’s largest brokerage firms. The brothers’ innovative approach—offering zero brokerage fees on equity investments—turned heads and drew millions to the platform. By March 2025, Forbes pegged Nikhil’s net worth at $2.6 billion, landing him and Nithin on the list of India’s 100 Richest for 2024. What began as a bold idea has become a cornerstone of India’s retail investment boom.
Beyond Zerodha: Ventures with Impact
Nikhil’s ambition doesn’t stop at Zerodha. He co-founded True Beacon in 2020, an asset management company catering to ultra-high-net-worth individuals. True Beacon operates on a unique zero-fee model, focusing on transparency and performance. This venture reflects Nikhil’s belief in creating value without unnecessary costs—a principle that echoes his work at Zerodha.
In 2021, he partnered with Abhijeet Pai to launch Gruhas, a real estate and proptech investment firm. Gruhas backs startups and incubators, particularly those in property technology, aiming to shape the future of urban living in India. Nikhil also invests in innovative startups through Rainmatter, a venture capital fund he runs with Nithin. From clean tech to AI, Rainmatter supports companies tackling big challenges like climate change and financial inclusion. Nikhil’s hands-on approach to these ventures shows his drive to build not just wealth but a legacy of progress.
A Philanthropist at Heart
What truly sets Nikhil apart is his commitment to giving back. In June 2023, he became the youngest Indian to sign The Giving Pledge, an initiative started by Warren Buffett, Bill Gates, and Melinda French Gates. By pledging to donate 50% of his wealth, Nikhil joined a global league of philanthropists dedicated to solving pressing issues. His focus? Climate change, education, and healthcare—areas he believes can transform lives.
Nikhil’s philanthropy isn’t just about writing checks. He actively shapes how young entrepreneurs approach giving. In 2021, he launched the Young India Philanthropic Pledge (YIPP), encouraging those under 45 to commit at least 25% of their wealth to charity. With a minimum annual spend of Rs 1 crore, YIPP has drawn support from startup leaders like Sujeet Kumar of Udaan and Hari Menon of the Gates Foundation’s India office. Nikhil’s vision is clear: inspire a new generation to give early and give big.
Through the Rainmatter Foundation, Nikhil has donated over Rs 120 crore to causes like environmental sustainability and education for the underprivileged. In 2024, this effort earned him a spot as the youngest philanthropist on the Hurun India Philanthropy List for the second year running. Alongside Nithin, he ranks among India’s top givers, with donations exceeding Rs 100 crore annually. Nikhil sees wealth as a tool for change, not just a status symbol. “It can’t be that 10% of the country has what should belong to 90%,” he once told Forbes India, summing up his drive for equity.
Personal Touches: Chess, Podcasts, and More
Nikhil’s life isn’t all business and charity—he’s a man of varied interests. An avid chess player, he once made headlines in 2021 for cheating in an online charity match against grandmaster Viswanathan Anand. He later apologized, calling it “silly,” but the incident showed his playful side. Chess remains a passion, reflecting his love for strategy and competition.
In 2023, Nikhil started hosting the podcast “WTF is,” where he chats with big names like Prime Minister Narendra Modi, actor Suniel Shetty, and biotech pioneer Kiran Mazumdar-Shaw. The podcast blends casual vibes with deep insights, covering topics from tech to philosophy. It’s another way Nikhil connects with people, sharing ideas that spark thought and action.
Challenges and Lessons
Nikhil’s journey hasn’t been without bumps. The 2021 chess controversy drew criticism, and Zerodha faces growing regulatory pressures that could slow its revenue. Yet, Nikhil thrives on challenges. He credits failure as his greatest teacher, telling LinkedIn CEO Ryan Roslansky, “I’ve learned everything through failure.” This resilience has kept him pushing forward, adapting to change with a steady hand.
A Legacy in the Making
At 38, Nikhil Kamath is just getting started. He’s not content with being a billionaire—he wants to redefine what wealth means. Through Zerodha, he’s empowered millions to invest. Through his philanthropy, he’s lifting communities and inspiring others to give. His story proves that success isn’t about degrees or conventions; it’s about vision, action, and impact.
Nikhil’s blend of business savvy and social good makes him a standout figure in India today. As he continues to innovate and give, one thing is clear: his influence will shape not just markets, but lives, for years to come.
