Nikhil Kamath, one of India’s youngest billionaires, has carved a remarkable journey from a 10th-grade dropout to a financial visionary. Born in Udupi, Karnataka, Kamath co-founded Zerodha in 2010 with his brother Nithin Kamath, introducing India’s first discount brokerage model that revolutionized retail investing by cutting costs and simplifying access to markets.
Net worth: $2.49 billion (2025)
Global rank: #1573
India rank: #116
Industry: Finance & Investments
Source of wealth: Financial Services
Residence: Bangalore, India
Age: 39 years (born September 5, 1986)
In 2020, he co-founded True Beacon, an asset management firm tailored for ultra-high-net-worth individuals, followed by Gruhas in 2021, which focuses on real estate and prop-tech investments. Together, these ventures have positioned him at the forefront of India’s financial innovation ecosystem.
Early life and education
Kamath grew up in Bengaluru and displayed an early knack for numbers and strategy. After leaving school post-10th grade, he began working at a call center while experimenting with equity trading on the side. His sharp market sense and risk-taking ability soon set him apart.
Career milestones
- 2006: Became a sub-broker and launched Kamath & Associates with his brother.
- 2010: Co-founded Zerodha, disrupting the brokerage industry with zero-commission trading.
- 2020: Established True Beacon, offering wealth management services for affluent investors.
- 2021: Co-founded Gruhas, focusing on real estate, infrastructure, and prop-tech ventures.
Achievements and recognition
Nikhil Kamath has received several honors, including being named Entrepreneur of the Year (2016) by The Economic Times and being featured in Forbes 30 Under 30 (2017). His innovative approach has inspired a new generation of fintech entrepreneurs in India.
Philanthropy and personal life
Beyond business, Kamath is deeply committed to philanthropy. He has pledged 50% of his wealth to charitable causes through The Giving Pledge, aligning with his belief in social responsibility and equitable progress.
Controversy
In 2021, Kamath drew headlines for a controversy during a charity chess match against Viswanathan Anand, where he admitted to using external assistance. He later issued a public apology and was reinstated on Chess.com after a brief suspension.
Wealth trend
| Year | Net Worth (in $ Billion) |
|---|---|
| 2023 | 2.10 |
| 2024 | 3.01 |
| 2025 | 2.49 |
Despite a decline of $520.6 million from 2024, Kamath remains one of India’s most influential entrepreneurs in the finance and investment space, symbolizing innovation, ambition, and resilience.
Disclaimer: The information above is based on public sources and financial estimates. It should not be considered as investment or financial advice.
