Nikhil Kamath, renowned entrepreneur and Co- founder of Zerodha and True Beacon, has made a significant mark on the Indian financial world.
Nikhil name has been included in Forbes Hero of philanthropist list, Nikhil Kamath co-founder of Zerodha, has committed to donating a significant portion of his wealth to address critical issues like climate change, education, and health. He outlined this objective in a pledge letter, emphasizing his desire to contribute to a more equitable society through his philanthropic efforts.
Nikhil Kamath Biography & Basic Info
| Name | Nikhil |
| Full name | Nikhil Kamath |
| Nick name | Nik |
| Profession | Entrepreneur, Trader, Investor |
| Date of Birth | 5 September 1986 |
| Place of Birth | Shimoga, Karnataka, India |
| Age (as on 2023) | 37 |
| Height | 5ft 9in |
| Weight | 60 kg |
| Zodiac sign | Virgo |
| Religion | Hindu |
| Nationality | Indian |
| Hobbies | Playing Guitar, Painting |
| Net Worth | $3.45 Billion |
Childhood
Kamath was born on September 5, 1986, in Karnataka, India. Kamath dropped out of school after 10th grade and he has no formal degree
Struggle & challenges –
The Inspiring Career Journey of Nikhil Kamath co-founder of Zerodha: From Call Center to Billionaire
Nikhil Kamath co-founder of Zerodha journey is an inspiring story of ambition, innovation, and disrupting the status quo. Here’s an overview of his remarkable career:
Early Beginnings:
- Call center job: While working at a call center with a modest salary, Nikhil’s passion for finance led him to study and participate in equity trading.
- Sub-brokerage: He became a sub-broker in 2006, gaining valuable experience in managing high net-worth individual portfolios.
Building Zerodha:
- Co-founder: In 2010, Nikhil co-founded Zerodha with his brother Nithin Kamath. This discount brokerage model revolutionized the Indian financial landscape, making investing more accessible and affordable for the masses.
- Disrupting the market: Zerodha challenged the traditional brokerage model by offering significantly lower commissions, empowering millions to participate in the stock market.
- Tech-driven platform: Nikhil’s vision for Zerodha extended to building a user-friendly and advanced trading platform, further simplifying the investment process.
Beyond Zerodha:
- True Beacon (2020): Nikhil co-founded True Beacon, an asset management company catering to ultra-high net individuals, assisting them with investing in the Indian market through private investment vehicles.
- Gruhas (2021): He ventured into the real estate sector, co-founding Gruhas, which focuses on proptech investment opportunities.
Nikhil Kamat Family Relation
| Parents | Father: Raghuram Kamath
Mother:Revathi Kamath |
| Marital Status | Divorced |
| Wife / Husband | Amanda Purvavankara |
| Children | 0 |
| Son | – |
| Daughter | – |
| Sibling | Nithin kamath |
| Religion | Hinduism |
Nikhil Kamath co-founder of Zerodha, India’s largest stock brokerage firm, hails from a family known for its entrepreneurial spirit and dedication to financial expertise. While Nikhil himself is a private individual, some details about his family have emerged over the years, offering a glimpse into the foundation of his success.
Father: Raghuram Kamath, worked diligently and responsibly at Canara Bank, instilling in his sons the importance of hard work and financial discipline.
Mother: Revathi Kamath, a skilled Veena player, brought a touch of artistic sensibility to the family dynamic. Her creative pursuits likely influenced Nikhil’s own personal interests beyond the realm of finance.
Nithin Kamath, Nikhil’s elder brother, is his closest confidante and business partner. Together, they co-founded Zerodha in 2010, revolutionizing the Indian stock broking industry with their innovative and user-friendly platform.
Amanda Puravankara, daughter of the renowned billionaire real estate developer Feroz Shah Kotwal, was Nikhil’s wife from 2019 to 2021. While their marriage was short-lived, the association undoubtedly added a new dimension to the Kamath family’s social circle.
Rhea Chakraborty, a talented actress, is currently rumored to be Nikhil’s partner. Although neither has officially confirmed their relationship, the speculation has piqued the public’s interest.
Manushi Chillar, was also rumored for having relation with Nikhil
Controversy of Nikhil Kamath co-founder of Zerodha
Despite his success as a business entrepreneur, Nikhil Kamath co-founder of Zerodha has found himself embroiled in several controversies over the years. Here are some of the most notable:
Chess Controversy:
In 2022, Nikhil participated in a charity chess match against legendary chess champion Viswanathan Anand. To everyone’s surprise, he managed to win the game. However, doubts soon arose about the fairness of the victory. It was later revealed that Nikhil had allegedly received assistance from a chess engine during the match, effectively giving him an unfair advantage. He subsequently apologized for his actions and admitted to cheating. This incident significantly dented his public image and raised questions about his sportsmanship.
“Stopped buying from Hermes, Louis Vuitton”:
In an interview in October 2023, Nikhil expressed his disapproval of luxury brands like Hermes and Louis Vuitton. He criticized their artificial scarcity tactics and the high prices they charge for their products. He even went on to say that he had stopped buying from them altogether. This statement sparked debate, with some praising him for standing up against excessive luxury and others criticizing him for being out of touch with reality.
Allegations of data breach:
In 2020, Zerodha faced allegations of a data breach, with sensitive information of millions of its customers potentially compromised. While Nikhil and the company denied any wrongdoing, the incident raised concerns about data security and privacy within the financial tech industry.
Controversy regarding Zerodha’s business practices:
Some critics have accused Zerodha of predatory pricing and unfair business practices. They argue that the company’s low-cost brokerage fees have driven many traditional brokers out of business and created an unhealthy monopoly. Additionally, some have criticized Zerodha’s focus on algorithmic trading and its potential to exacerbate market volatility.
Personal controversies:
Nikhil’s personal life has also attracted some controversy. His short-lived marriage to Amanda Puravankara, daughter of a billionaire real estate developer, and his subsequent relationship with actress Rhea Chakraborty have been the subject of much media attention and speculation.
Social Media Engagement
| Nikhil KamathTwitter | Nikhil@twit |
| Nikhil Kamath Facebook | Nikhil@face |
| Nikhil KamathInstagram | Nikhil@Insta |
| Nikhil KamathWikipedia | Nikhil@Wiki |
Nikhil Kamath’s Philanthropic Efforts
Nikhil Kamath co-founder of Zerodha has emerged as a prominent figure in the Indian philanthropic landscape, dedicating significant resources and efforts to various charitable causes. Here’s a closer look at his philanthropic activities:
Signing The Giving Pledge:
In 2021, Nikhil made a significant public commitment to philanthropy by signing The Giving Pledge. This global initiative encourages wealthy individuals and families to donate the majority of their wealth to philanthropic causes. By joining this pledge, Nikhil committed to donating at least half of his wealth to charity during his lifetime.
Nikhil’s philanthropic efforts are primarily focused on three key areas:
Education: He believes that education is the cornerstone of social development and has contributed to various initiatives aimed at improving access to quality education for underprivileged children. He is particularly interested in supporting government schools and promoting digital literacy.
Healthcare: Nikhil recognizes the importance of healthcare access for all and supports initiatives that provide medical services to underserved communities. He has also contributed to efforts aimed at improving public health infrastructure and promoting preventive healthcare measures.
Climate change: Recognizing the urgency of addressing climate change, Nikhil has committed resources to support organizations working on environmental sustainability and promoting renewable energy solutions
Donating 50% of his wealth: Through The Giving Pledge, Nikhil has committed to donating at least 50% of his wealth to charitable causes throughout his lifetime.
Contributing to the EdelGive Hurun India Philanthropy List: Nikhil and his brother, Nithin Kamath, have been recognized for their significant philanthropic contributions. In 2023, they ranked as the ninth and tenth largest individual donors in India, according to the EdelGive Hurun India Philanthropy List.
Supporting various organizations: Nikhil is actively involved with several organizations working on diverse social and environmental issues. These include Rainmatter, Giving Pi, Bridgespan, the British Asian Trust, YUVA, and many others.
Net worth Of Nikhil Kamath
Nikhil Kamath’s net worth is estimated to be around $3.45 billion (INR 284 billion) as of October 2023. This makes him one of the youngest billionaires in India, and one of the wealthiest individuals in the tech industry.
His wealth primarily comes from his co-foundership of Zerodha, an online stock brokerage platform that has revolutionized trading in India. Zerodha has over 12 million active clients and is valued at over $10 billion
Despite his immense wealth, Nikhil Kamath is known for his relatively simple lifestyle. He avoids ostentatious displays of wealth and prefers to live a comfortable and private life. Here’s what we know about his lifestyle:
Home: He lives in a spacious apartment in Bangalore with his family.
Cars: He owns a modest collection of cars, including a BMW and a Mercedes-Benz.
Travel: He enjoys traveling and frequently visits international destinations, often for business meetings or conferences.
Investments: He invests in various assets, including real estate, art, and venture capital.
Interesting facts about
Unknown Facts About Nikhil Kamath: Unveiling the Man Beyond the Billionaire
While Nikhil Kamath’s name is synonymous with success in the world of finance, there’s a lot more to the man than just his billion-dollar net worth. Here are some lesser-known facts that offer a glimpse into his personality and interests:
A Bookworm at Heart: Kamath is a self-professed bookworm, owning over 500 books and reading one to two books every week. His reading interests range from philosophy and history to biographies and business books. This intellectual curiosity has undoubtedly contributed to his insightful perspective on business and life.
A Passion for Art and Watches: Apart from books, Kamath is also an avid collector of art and watches. He enjoys acquiring pieces that reflect his unique taste and aesthetic sensibilities. This passion for collecting goes beyond mere investment, showcasing his appreciation for art and craftsmanship.
A Fitness Enthusiast: Despite his busy schedule, Kamath prioritizes his health and fitness. He maintains a regular workout routine and enjoys activities like cycling and running. This dedication to fitness reflects his commitment to overall well-being and a balanced lifestyle.
A Supporter of Indian Gaming and Esports: Kamath recognizes the potential of the Indian gaming and esports industry and is actively involved in its development. He has invested in gaming startups and spoken out about the need for supportive policies to foster its growth. This passion for gaming demonstrates his interest in emerging trends and technologies.
A Chess Prodigy: In his youth, Kamath was a skilled chess player, even representing India in international tournaments. His chess background has likely honed his strategic thinking and analytical skills, which have proven invaluable in his business endeavors.
A Private Individual: Despite his public profile, Kamath values his privacy and rarely shares details about his personal life. This reserved nature adds to the intrigue surrounding him and fuels speculation about his interests and motivations.
A Philanthropist at Heart: While not widely known, Kamath actively supports various charitable causes, focusing on education, healthcare, and climate change. He believes in giving back to society and uses his resources to make a positive impact.
A Risk-taker: Kamath’s entrepreneurial journey has been marked by calculated risks and bold decisions. This willingness to take risks has been instrumental in his success, allowing him to disrupt traditional business models and break new ground in the financial technology industry.
A Visionary Leader: Kamath is recognized for his innovative vision and ability to anticipate future trends. He is constantly looking for ways to improve and adapt, leading Zerodha to become one of the most successful online trading platforms in India.
In Conclusion Overall Nikhil Kamath co-founder of Zerodha story is not just about financial success; it is a story of vision, innovation, hard work, and a deep desire to make a positive impact on the world. He is a leading figure in the Indian business landscape and an inspiration to aspiring entrepreneurs and philanthropists worldwide.
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FAQ
Q1. Who is nikhil kamath ?
Ans. Nikhil Kamath is an Indian entrepreneur who co-founded the following companies, Zerodha, True Beacon, Gruhas
Q2 Why did Nikhil Kamath leave school?
Ans. School’s denial of board exam: Following his lack of interest and engagement, the school refused to allow him to appear for the 10th board exams. This ultimately forced him to leave the formal education system.
Q3. How did Nikhil Kamath learn trading?
Ans Nikhil Kamath learned trading through a combination of self-directed learning (reading, online resources), practical experience (early trading, call center job), and mentorship (brother, market veterans). He emphasized discipline, risk management, continuous learning, and independent thinking.