Nikhil Kamath
Co-founder, Zerodha
Nikhil Kamath, born September 5, 1986, is one of India's youngest self-made billionaires and a transformative force in the country's financial landscape. A school dropout who left formal education at 15, Kamath began working at a call center at 17 while simultaneously teaching himself stock trading. His early success managing colleagues' investments laid the foundation for an unconventional yet remarkable entrepreneurial journey. In 2010, alongside his brother Nithin Kamath, he co-founded Zerodha, India's first discount brokerage platform that revolutionized retail investing with its zero-commission equity trading model.
Zerodha's disruptive, technology-driven approach democratized access to financial markets, attracting over 10 million clients and making it India's largest retail brokerage. The company achieved profitability without raising external capital, a rare feat in the startup ecosystem. With estimated revenues exceeding ₹6,800 crore in FY2024, Zerodha's success has made Kamath a billionaire with a net worth of approximately $3.3 billion as of December 2025.
Beyond Zerodha, Kamath co-founded True Beacon in 2020, an asset management platform for ultra-high-net-worth individuals, and Gruhas in 2021, an investment firm supporting startups across climate tech, consumer brands, and sustainability. His philanthropic commitment is equally impressive, in 2023, he signed The Giving Pledge, committing to donate 50% of his wealth to causes like climate change, education, and healthcare. Kamath also hosts the popular "WTF is" podcast, featuring conversations with global leaders including Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Bill Gates, and Elon Musk. His journey from call center employee to influential entrepreneur, investor, and philanthropist exemplifies how determination and innovation can reshape industries and inspire millions.
