Nikhil Kamath is a name that resonates with every aspiring entrepreneur in India. He is the co-founder of Zerodha, a trading platform that changed the way people invest in the stock market. His journey from a school dropout to one of the youngest billionaires in India is nothing short of extraordinary. Today, Nikhil Kamath net worth is not just a measure of money but also a story of courage, vision, and consistency.
Who is Nikhil Kamath?
Nikhil Kamath is an Indian entrepreneur, investor, and trader who has become one of the most successful business leaders in the country. He is best known for co-founding Zerodha with his elder brother, Nithin Kamath. Besides Zerodha, he is also the founder of Rainmatter, a fintech investment fund, and True Beacon, an asset management firm.
He is often described as a visionary who took unconventional steps to achieve success. Unlike many others, he did not follow a traditional path of higher education. Instead, he focused on practical knowledge, risk-taking, and innovation. Today, he is an inspiration to countless young Indians who dream of making it big without following the conventional route.
Early Life and Family Background
Nikhil was born on 5 September 1986 in Shimoga, Karnataka. His father, Raghuram Kamath, worked as an officer at Canara Bank, while his mother, Revathi Kamath, was a veena player and environmentalist. His family belonged to a middle-class background, where stability and education were considered the cornerstones of life.
Growing up, Nikhil was never inclined toward studies. He struggled in school and often felt disconnected from the traditional education system. However, he was excellent at mathematics and chess. These two areas would later shape his thought process as an entrepreneur. His elder brother, Nithin Kamath, played an important role in his journey, and together they went on to build one of India’s biggest financial companies.
Education and School Dropout
Nikhil attended Oxford Senior Secondary School in Bangalore. Unlike his peers, he was never enthusiastic about academics. Teachers often doubted his abilities, and his lack of interest made things worse. At one point, his teachers even considered preventing him from appearing for the 10th-grade board exams.
For Nikhil, school seemed pointless. He was more interested in practical experiences and real-world problem-solving. Eventually, he decided to drop out. While his relatives questioned his decision and future, Nikhil was clear about one thing—he wanted to make money and build a life of his own.
First Job and Early Struggles
After leaving school, Nikhil had to find work to support himself. At the age of 17, he joined a call centre in Bangalore. His monthly salary was just ₹8,000. To get the job, he even lied about his age, as the minimum requirement was 18 years.
While working the night shift, he began stock trading during the day. Slowly, he started managing money for his father and later for colleagues at the call centre. His ability to analyze the market and make profitable trades gave him early confidence. These years of struggle became the foundation of his future success.
The Beginning of Zerodha
In 2010, Nikhil and his elder brother, Nithin Kamath, founded Zerodha. The vision was clear: make trading simple, affordable, and accessible to the average Indian investor. The name “Zerodha” is a combination of “Zero” and “Rodha,” meaning barrier in Sanskrit. The goal was to remove barriers in stock trading.
Zerodha introduced a flat fee of just ₹20 per intraday trade, regardless of the size. This was a game-changer at a time when brokerages charged high commissions. Within a few years, Zerodha became India’s largest retail brokerage platform. During the COVID-19 lockdown, when many people turned to stock markets for income, the user base of Zerodha doubled, further boosting the business.
Net Worth of Nikhil Kamath
The net worth of Nikhil Kamath has grown steadily over the last decade. His wealth reflects not only the success of Zerodha but also his ventures into asset management and startup investments. Below is a table showing the growth of his wealth in recent years.
| Year | Net Worth (USD) | Net Worth in Rupees | Key Driver |
| 2020 | $1.0 Billion | ₹7,500+ Crore | Zerodha expansion |
| 2021 | $1.1 Billion | ₹8,200+ Crore | Startup fund Rainmatter |
| 2022 | $1.1 Billion | ₹8,600+ Crore | Strong investments |
| 2023 | $1.1 Billion | ₹9,000+ Crore | Forbes billionaire list |
| 2024 | $1.15 Billion | ₹9,400+ Crore | True Beacon performance |
| 2025 | $1.2+ Billion | ₹9,800+ Crore | Global investments |
As of 2025, Nikhil Kamath net worth in rupees is over ₹9,800 crore. This makes Nikhil Kamath net worth in INR one of the highest among India’s young billionaires.
Nikhil Kamath Net Worth in Billion
In global terms, Nikhil Kamath net worth in billion is estimated at $1.2 billion. This puts him on the Forbes Billionaire list, alongside some of the most successful entrepreneurs in the world.
Business Ventures
Nikhil did not stop with Zerodha. He went on to build multiple ventures that further increased his wealth.
| Company | Year Founded | Purpose |
| Zerodha | 2010 | Retail trading platform |
| Rainmatter | 2014 | Startup investment fund |
| True Beacon | 2019 | Asset management company |
Each company contributed significantly to Nikhil Kamath net worth and also helped shape India’s financial services industry.
Rainmatter Investments
In 2014, Nikhil founded Rainmatter, a fund that invests in technology and fintech startups. Unlike traditional funds, Rainmatter focused on smaller, strategic investments. The aim was to support innovation and encourage entrepreneurship. Some notable startups funded by Rainmatter include:
- Smallcase – Simplifying investments with theme-based portfolios.
- Digio – Digital documentation services.
- Sensibull – Options trading platform.
- Quicko – Tax filing solutions.
- LearnApp – Educational platform for trading.
These investments not only helped startups grow but also boosted Nikhil’s wealth.
True Beacon – Wealth Management
In 2019, Nikhil launched True Beacon, a wealth management company. It focused on alternative investments and attracted high-net-worth individuals as well as global investors. The company delivered an impressive 40% return in its first year. This established Nikhil’s reputation not just as a trader but also as a skilled wealth manager.
Lifestyle and Assets
Nikhil Kamath enjoys a luxurious lifestyle but often maintains a low-key approach in public.
| Category | Collection |
| Residence | Kingfisher Towers, Bangalore |
| Cars | Audi A6, Porsche Boxter |
| Watches | Rolex Submariner, IWC Big Pilot, F.P. Journe |
Besides cars and watches, he has a collection of over 500 books. He enjoys painting, music, and playing the guitar.
Relationships and Personal Life
Nikhil married Amanda Puravankara in April 2019. She was a director at Provident Housing Ltd. The marriage did not last long, and the couple later divorced.
Later, he was linked with Manushi Chhillar, Miss World 2017. Their relationship was widely reported between 2021 and 2023 but eventually ended. After that, he was rumored to be dating actress Rhea Chakraborty in 2023. While his personal life often grabs headlines, Nikhil tends to stay focused on his businesses and investments.
Controversies
The Chess Controversy
In June 2021, Nikhil participated in an online charity chess match against Grandmaster Viswanathan Anand. Shockingly, he defeated Anand. Soon after, it was revealed that he had received computer assistance during the game. This created a huge controversy. Nikhil later admitted the mistake and apologized publicly. He explained that it was meant for fun and charity but acknowledged the confusion it caused.
Relationship Rumours
Apart from the chess controversy, his relationships with public figures such as Manushi Chhillar and Rhea Chakraborty also attracted media attention. These stories often appeared in entertainment sections, creating a buzz around his personal life.
Tattoos and Beliefs
Nikhil has a tattoo on his wrist that reads “Shalom” in both English and Hebrew. He also has another tattoo on his arm that says “Be Here Now.” These tattoos represent his belief in mindfulness and living in the present moment.
Philanthropy
Nikhil Kamath is not just a businessman but also a philanthropist. In 2023, he joined the Giving Pledge, founded by Warren Buffett and Bill Gates. By joining, he pledged to donate most of his wealth to charitable causes. This makes it clear that Nikhil Kamath net worth in rupees is not only about personal luxury but also about giving back to society.
Achievements and Recognition
- Youngest billionaire in India at age 34.
- Featured on the covers of Forbes, GQ, and other top magazines.
- Listed among the world’s billionaires in 2023.
- Invited to speak at global forums on business and investment.
Lessons from His Journey
Nikhil’s story is filled with lessons:
- Dropping out of school is not the end.
- Discipline and focus can build wealth.
- Innovation creates opportunities.
- Mistakes should be admitted honestly.
These lessons explain how Nikhil Kamath net worth reached the billion-dollar mark.
Conclusion
The story of Nikhil Kamath net worth is truly remarkable. From selling phones as a teenager to working at a call centre, from dropping out of school to becoming one of India’s youngest billionaires, his life is filled with inspiration.
Today, Nikhil Kamath net worth in rupees stands at over ₹9,800 crore, while Nikhil Kamath net worth in billion is estimated at $1.2. The net worth of Nikhil Kamath will likely grow further as Zerodha, Rainmatter, and True Beacon expand globally. His life shows that success comes not from following tradition, but from courage, risk-taking, and a relentless pursuit of goals.
Also Read About: Shreya Kalra Age
