From School Dropout to Financial Maverick
Born on September 5, 1986, in Karnataka, Nikhil Kamath made a bold decision to drop out after grade 10 and chart his own course – instead of following society’s “safe” path. At just 14, he started a side business reselling phones and soon turned to trading at a young age, driven by a sharp analytical mind and passion for chess – a game he played professionally and credits for honing his strategic skills .
Building Zerodha – Breaking Barriers
In 2010, Nikhil and his brother Nithin co-founded Zerodha, India’s pioneering discount brokerage platform. By eliminating barriers like high commissions, they democratized stock trading, attracting over 10 million clients and commanding a significant share of India’s markets. As of 2025, Nikhil’s net worth is estimated at $2.6 billion.
Expanding Horizons – True Beacon, Gruhas, and Rainmatter
Not one to rest on laurels, Nikhil co-founded several ventures:
- True Beacon (2020): A transparent, zero-fee asset manager serving ultra-high-net-worth investors.
- Gruhas (2021): A proptech and real estate VC firm funding early-stage companies.
- Rainmatter Foundation: A fintech incubator focusing on societal impact through education, sustainability, and financial inclusion.
He also introduced the “WTFund” in 2023, offering non-dilutive grants to young entrepreneurs (25 and under), supporting innovation tied with social value.
The Man Behind the Wealth – Mindful, Minimalist, Curious
Far from the typical billionaire stereotype, Nikhil lives a deliberately minimalist life:
- No flashy jets or supercar fleet; ownership mainly a sleek Audi A6 and Porsche Boxster.
- Collects vintage watches – “horophile” with a fascination for historical timepieces.
- Reads 2+ books per week on psychology, philosophy, and beyond to feed his insatiable curiosity.
- Hosts the thoughtful podcast “WTF is…”, featuring high-profile guests including PM Modi, highlighting his humility and intellectual depth.
Philanthropy and Principled Giving
In June 2023, Nikhil dropped the gauntlet in the philanthropy realm as India’s youngest signatory of The Giving Pledge, committing to donate at least 50% of his wealth to climate, education, and healthcare causes.
He also launched the Young India Philanthropic Pledge (YIPP) – encouraging under-45 entrepreneurs to give 25% of their net worth with an annual minimum of ₹1 crore, even donating around ₹100 crore in 2022 via EdelGive-Hurun initiatives.
The “Curious Billionaire” – Why the Title Fits
Nikhil’s life is defined by curiosity and thoughtful innovation:
“Staying balanced and remaining curious about the world,” he says.
He describes entrepreneurship as a spectrum – beyond startups, it’s about solving genuine problems with impact . His ventures reflect this vision: creating access and opportunity while maintaining mindful living, grounded values, and significant social impact. As UNDP aptly called him, he’s a “Curious Billionaire” – someone who uses wealth as a tool, not a status symbol .
Conclusion
Nikhil Kamath’s journey – from school dropout with a passion for chess and trading to billionaire philanthropist – defies traditional success narratives. He challenges the status quo, disrupts systems in finance and entrepreneurship, and builds thoughtfully with deep societal impact. If you’re chronicling a new era of wealth – one steered by humility, curiosity, and purpose – Nikhil Kamath is a compelling front-runner.