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Nikhil Kamath, a self-made billionaire, co-founder of Zerodha, and a tech-driven entrepreneur, is a name synonymous with innovation, financial acumen, and philanthropy. His journey from humble beginnings to the top of the financial world is not only inspiring but also filled with notable achievements and interesting facts that showcase his multifaceted personality. He is recognized as the co-founder of Zerodha, a retail brokerage firm, as well as True Beacon, a company specializing in asset management. Kamath has also been included in the Forbes billionaires list for the year 2023.

Nikhil Kamath was born on September 5, 1986, in Shimoga, Karnataka, India. He discontinued his education after completing the 10th grade and does not possess any formal qualifications.

Early Career Beginnings at 17

After leaving school, Nikhil found a position at a call centre at the age of 17, where he earned a modest salary of Rs 8000. It has been reported that he had to submit a forged birth certificate, as the job’s age requirement was 18 years. He worked night shifts from 4 PM to 1 AM and began trading stocks in the mornings. During this time, he moved out of his parents’ home to cohabit with his girlfriend. In an interview discussing his experience of moving out, he remarked, “I learned a great deal; when you step away from the family unit and the judgments of relatives, you begin to engage with the essential aspects of life.”

Learning the Ropes of Stock Trading and Managing Family and Colleagues’ Investments

After acquiring knowledge in stock trading, he began overseeing his father’s financial assets. Nikhil also persuaded his call center manager to allow him to handle his investments. In exchange, the manager ensured his daily attendance was recorded and offered him additional incentives.

Founding Kamath Associates in 2004 & The Birth of Zerodha in 2010

In 2004, Kamath left that position to establish a trading firm named Kamath Associates alongside his elder brother Nithin, he transitioned to becoming a sub-broker and, alongside his brother Nithin Kamath focusing on managing portfolios for high-net-worth individuals in the public markets. In 2010, Kamath, a company that offers brokerage services for trading in stocks, currencies, and commodities

the Kamath brothers introduced the trading platform Zerodha, a name derived from the combination of “Zero” and “Rodha,” with “Rodha” being a Sanskrit term meaning barrier. During the COVID-19 lockdown, Zerodha emerged as India’s largest trading platform, experiencing a 100% monthly increase in its user base. A key feature of Zerodha is its minimal charge of Rs. 20 for each intraday trade, regardless of the trade’s size. By 2021, Zerodha was processing over 5 million orders daily, amounting to more than $1 billion, which represented approximately 15% of India’s daily equity trading volume.

Establishing Rainmatter in 2014

Nikhil and his brother established the hedge fund Rainmatter in 2014, initiating it with a capital of INR 50 crores. The fund was designed to support technology start-ups, with a policy stipulating that each investment would not exceed 1 million dollars. Notable successful investments include Digio, Learnapp, Finception, Smallcase, Sensibull, and Quicko.

Launching True Beacon in 2019

In 2019, the Zerodha team launched another asset management company named True Beacon, which concentrates on investments within the Alternative Investment Fund (AIF) sector. This $2 million investment fund achieved a remarkable 40% return in its inaugural year by engaging in volatile market investments.

Expanding into Mutual Fund Asset

Management & Reflections on the Entrepreneurial Journey

Additionally, Zerodha is in the process of establishing a mutual fund-based asset management company and submitted its license application in 2020. During a media interview, Nikhil reflected on his journey from being a school dropout to a prosperous entrepreneur, stating, “I have continued to progress rather than dwell on past failures. Transitioning from a 14-year-old school dropout to a call center employee, and then from Zerodha to True Beacon, I have identified a few key areas in which I excel and have remained committed to them. Achieving billionaire status does not alter my reality; I still dedicate 85% of my day to work and grapple with the anxiety of potential loss. My advice is to avoid excessive worry—five years from now, the concerns you have today will likely be insignificant. Therefore, focus on your current responsibilities and maintain a sense of ‘stupid faith’ that everything will ultimately fall into place.”

Nikhil possesses a profound passion for literature, boasting a collection that exceeds 500 books. Kamath is the proud owner of a pet dog named Hope. During an interview, he expressed that his role model is the renowned Russian grandmaster Garry Kasparov. In June 2023, he became a member of the Giving Pledge Foundation, which was established by Warren Buffett and Bill Gates in 2010, committing to donate the majority of his wealth to the organization. This made him the fourth Indian leader to join this initiative, following in the footsteps of Azim Premji, Kiran Mazumdar-Shaw, and Rohini and Nandan Nilekani. He conveyed his appreciation for the opportunity to be part of the foundation.

A Commitment to Family, But Not Parenthood

Despite his achievements and dedication to his work, Kamath has made it clear that parenthood is not on his horizon. During a podcast discussion in May 2024, he expressed that he would prefer not to have children, citing the significant time and effort required to raise them.

Personal Life and Relationships

Nikhil Kamath’s personal life has seen its share of ups and downs. He married Amanda Puravankara, a Director at Provident Housing Ltd in Bangalore, on April 18, 2019. However, the marriage ended in divorce. Kamath was later linked to former Miss World Manushi Chhillar, with whom he was in a relationship from 2021 to 2023, and there were also rumors of a connection with actor Rhea Chakraborty in 2023.

Family Background

Born to Raghuram Kamath, a retired banker from Canara Bank, and Revathi Kamath, an environmentalist and Veena player, Nikhil Kamath grew up with a strong family foundation. He shares a close bond with his elder brother, Nithin Kamath, with whom he co-founded Zerodha, revolutionizing the brokerage industry in India.

Expanding Horizons: Gruhas and Proptech Ventures

In 2021, Kamath, along with Abhijeet Pai, founded Gruhas, a company focused on real estate investments and proptech. Gruhas invests in incubators, startups, and unique opportunities through its proptech-oriented fund, marking another chapter in Kamath’s diverse and dynamic entrepreneurial journey.

The ‘WTF is’ Podcast and Engaging Conversations

In March 2023, Kamath launched the podcast titled ‘WTF is.’ By April 2024, he had welcomed notable guests such as Tanmay Bhat, Kiran Mazumdar-Shaw, Suniel Shetty, Ritesh Agarwal, Ronnie Screwvala, and various other prominent figures and entrepreneurs throughout the year. In June 2023, he pledged to donate 50% of his wealth to charitable initiatives addressing climate change, education, and healthcare by signing The Giving Pledge.

Participating in a Charity Chess Match Against Viswanathan Controversy and Account Suspension on Chess.com

In June 2021, Kamath took part in an online charity chess match against Viswanathan Anand, a five-time world chess champion, with the aim of raising funds for individuals affected by the coronavirus pandemic. During this event, Kamath engaged in dishonest practices by utilizing the support of chess analysts and engines while competing against Anand. He later expressed remorse for his actions, describing them as ‘quite silly.’ Following the match, Chess.com, the platform used for the charity event, opted to suspend his account. Nevertheless, within 24 hours, Chess.com reinstated his account, stating that there was no justification for maintaining any sanctions in light of their policies regarding unrated games and exhibition events.

Nikhil Kamath, The Billionaire with a Passion for Style and Precision

Nikhil Kamath, a self-made billionaire, is not just known for his impressive financial acumen but also for his distinct style and a penchant for the finer things in life. Ranked at 2405 on the Forbes World’s Billionaires List for 2023, with a net worth of $1.1 billion, Kamath’s journey to the top is as remarkable as his taste in luxury.

The City of Choice: Bengaluru Bengaluru, a city known for its vibrant culture, tech-savvy crowd, and beautiful weather, holds a special place in Kamath’s heart. As his favorite city, it’s no surprise that this metropolis is where his financial empire, Zerodha, was born and flourished. Bengaluru’s unique blend of tradition and modernity mirrors Kamath’s own life philosophy—a balance between success and simplicity.

Stylish Vibe and Luxury Collectibles Kamath’s lifestyle is a reflection of his success. His car collection speaks volumes about his refined taste, featuring an Audi A6 for its understated elegance and a Porsche Boxster S Convertible for those moments when he craves a thrill on the open road.

His watch collection, however, is where his passion for precision truly shines. It includes:

LeCoultre watch: A classic piece that embodies timeless sophistication.
F.P. Journe Octa Lune: A horological marvel known for its exquisite craftsmanship.
1990 Rose Gold Rolex Day-Date: A vintage treasure that speaks to his appreciation for history and elegance.
1998 Franck Muller Cintrée Curvex: A distinctive timepiece with a unique curved design.
2015 Rolex Submariner: A modern icon, known for its durability and style.
2017 IWC Big Pilot: A bold statement piece that combines functionality with flair.
2018 Blancpain Villeret dress watch: A sophisticated choice for formal occasions.
DBS by De Bethune: A rare and extraordinary piece that reflects his individuality.

A Legacy of Precision and Innovation Nikhil Kamath’s journey from a young chess prodigy to a billionaire entrepreneur is a testament to his sharp intellect and unwavering determination. Alongside his brother Nithin Kamath, he co-founded Zerodha, a brokerage firm that revolutionized trading in India with its tech-driven approach and customer-friendly model.

Nikhil Kamath’s story is one of resilience, innovation, and continuous learning. From building a financial empire to embracing social causes, his journey reflects a balance of success and humility. As he continues to make waves in the financial world and beyond, Kamath’s legacy is one that will inspire generations to come.

Image Credit: Nikhil Kamath | X (formerly Twitter) Account @nikhilkamath

Nikhil Kamath: The Remarkable Journey of a 10th grade Dropout to Billionaire Entrepreneur and Philanthropist