Nikhil Kamath, co-founder of Zerodha, has emerged as one of India’s youngest self-made billionaires. From humble beginnings to building a fintech empire, his journey is a testament to innovation and perseverance.(The Times of India)
Nikhil Kamath’s Net Worth Overview (2025)
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Net Worth (2025) | $3.1 billion (Forbes) |
| Age | 38 years |
| Primary Source of Wealth | Zerodha, True Beacon, Gruhas |
| Residence | Bangalore, India |
| Citizenship | India |
| Marital Status | Divorced |
Early Life and Education
Born on September 5, 1986, in Shimoga, Karnataka, Nikhil Kamath grew up in Udupi. His father, Raghuram Kamath, was an executive at Canara Bank, and his mother, Revathi Kamath, was a veena player. Nikhil dropped out of school after the 10th grade, choosing to pursue his interests in stock trading and chess over formal education. (Wikipedia, StartupTalky)
Rise of Zerodha and Entrepreneurial Ventures
Zerodha
In 2010, Nikhil co-founded Zerodha with his brother Nithin Kamath. The company revolutionized stock trading in India by introducing a discount brokerage model, significantly reducing transaction costs for investors. By 2022, Zerodha became India’s largest retail stockbroker with over 10 million clients. (Goodreturns, Wikipedia, Wikipedia)
True Beacon
In 2019, Nikhil launched True Beacon, an asset management company targeting ultra-high-net-worth individuals. The firm offers alternative investment strategies with a focus on transparency and low fees. (Wikipedia)
Gruhas
Co-founded in 2021 with Abhijeet Pai, Gruhas is a real estate investment and prop-tech company. It invests in startups and special situations through a proptech-focused fund. (Wikipedia)
Podcast: “WTF is with Nikhil Kamath”
In March 2023, Nikhil started hosting a podcast titled “WTF is with Nikhil Kamath,” where he engages in conversations with prominent figures across various industries. Guests have included Prime Minister Narendra Modi, entrepreneur Tanmay Bhat, and biotech leader Kiran Mazumdar-Shaw. (Hindustan Times, Wikipedia)
Philanthropy
In June 2023, Nikhil Kamath committed to donating 50% of his wealth to charitable causes, including climate change, education, and healthcare, by signing The Giving Pledge. (Wikipedia)
Controversies
In June 2021, during a charity chess match against Grandmaster Viswanathan Anand, Nikhil admitted to using computer assistance, leading to a temporary ban from Chess.com. He later apologized, and the incident was resolved amicably. (Wikipedia)
Social Media and Online Presence
- Instagram: @nikhilkamathcio
- YouTube: Nikhil Kamath – The Founder of Zerodha
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1: What is Nikhil Kamath’s net worth in 2025?
As of 2025, Nikhil Kamath’s net worth is estimated at $3.1 billion, making him one of India’s youngest self-made billionaires. (The Times of India)
Q2: What are Nikhil Kamath’s major business ventures?
Nikhil Kamath is the co-founder of Zerodha, True Beacon, and Gruhas, spanning sectors like stock brokerage, asset management, and real estate investment. (Goodreturns)
Q3: What is Nikhil Kamath’s educational background?
Nikhil Kamath dropped out of school after completing the 10th grade and does not hold a formal degree. (Goodreturns)
Q4: Has Nikhil Kamath been involved in any controversies?
Yes, in 2021, he admitted to using computer assistance during a charity chess match against Viswanathan Anand, leading to a brief ban from Chess.com. He apologized, and the matter was resolved. (Wikipedia)
Q5: What philanthropic commitments has Nikhil Kamath made?
In 2023, Nikhil Kamath signed The Giving Pledge, committing to donate 50% of his wealth to causes like climate change, education, and healthcare. (Wikipedia)
Nikhil Kamath’s journey from a school dropout to a billionaire entrepreneur exemplifies the impact of innovation and determination in reshaping India’s financial landscape.