Nikhil Kamath is a well-known Indian entrepreneur, investor, and chess enthusiast. He is best known as the co-founder of Zerodha Company, India’s largest stock brokerage firm, and True Beacon, an asset management company for high-net-worth individuals. His journey from a school dropout to one of India’s youngest billionaires is inspiring. Through his innovative business strategies and investment acumen, he has transformed the Indian stock trading landscape. This biography delves into his early life, career, family, and achievements. In this section of Nikhil Kamath Biography, we will reveal more details about him and his exploits.
Photo credit: Entracr
Nikhil Kamath Biography
Nikhil Kamath was born on September 5, 1986, in Shimoga, Karnataka, India. He grew up in Udupi, where his father worked at a bank, and his mother played the veena, a musical instrument. Nikhil did not follow the usual school path. After completing his 10th grade, he left school to focus on finance and trading, which interested him more than his studies.
As a young man, Nikhil started working at a call centre while also learning about stock trading. He spent his free time studying how the stock market worked. In 2006, he became a sub-broker and, with his brother Nithin Kamath, started Kamath & Associates. They helped wealthy people invest money wisely and grow their wealth.
In 2010, Nikhil and his brother co-founded Zerodha, a company that made stock trading easy and affordable for Indians. Many people joined Zerodha because it used technology to simplify investing. Over time, it became India’s largest retail brokerage firm, helping millions of people trade stocks with low fees and no hidden charges.
Nikhil did not stop there. In 2019, he started another company called True Beacon to help rich people invest better. By 2025, Forbes estimated his net worth to be $2.6 billion. From a school dropout to a billionaire, Nikhil Kamath’s story shows how hard work, smart ideas, and determination can lead to great success.
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Nikhil Kamath Wife
Nikhil Kamath was previously married to Amanda Puravankara, but the couple later separated. He has also been linked to Seema Patil and Shruthi Narayanan, though he keeps his personal life private.
Nikhil Kamath’s Net Worth
According to Forbes India, Nikhil Kamath’s net worth is estimated to be over $2.6 billion as of 2025. Apart from Zerodha Company, he has invested in multiple startups, real estate, and the stock market. His investment firm, True Beacon, caters to high-net-worth individuals.
Nikhil Kamath Education
Nikhil Kamath dropped out of school after failing his 10th-grade exams. Unlike students from Bangalore Institute, he gained knowledge through real-world experience, actively participating in the stock market and working in various roles before starting his entrepreneurial journey.
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Nikhil Kamath Age
Nikhil Kamath was born on September 5, 1986, in New Delhi, and as of 2025, he was 39 years old.
Nikhil Kamath Brother
Nikhil’s brother, Nithin Kamath, is his business partner and co-founder of Zerodha Company. Together, they run Kamath Associates, an investment firm focusing on startups and new businesses.
Nikhil Kamath Father
Nikhil Kamath’s father, Raghuram Kamath, worked in banking, while his mother, Revathi Kamath, was a famous architect.
Is Nikhil Kamath Married?
Many people often ask, “Is Nikhil Kamath married?” He was previously married to Amanda Puravankara, but they later separated.
Nikhil Kamath Family
Nikhil Kamath comes from a well-educated and professional family. His father, Raghuram Kamath, worked in banking, and his mother, Revathi Kamath, was an architect. His brother, Nithin Kamath, is his business partner and co-founder of Zerodha Company.
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Nikhil Kamath’s Early Life
Nikhil Kamath was born in New Delhi and raised in Bengaluru. From a young age, he was interested in numbers, strategy, and finance. Like Viswanathan Anand, he was drawn to chess and became a chess champion in school. His love for finance led him to start trading stocks at an early age, shaping his future career.
Entrepreneurial Journey
Nikhil and Nithin Kamath launched Zerodha Co in 2010 with the goal of making trading affordable for small investors. Unlike traditional brokerage firms, Zerodha charged no brokerage fees for equity delivery and introduced a flat-fee model for intraday trading. This innovation disrupted the industry, much like how Elon Musk changed the automobile sector with Tesla.
Today, Zerodha Company is India’s largest brokerage firm, serving millions of investors and gaining recognition from business leaders, including Prime Minister Narendra Modi (PM Modi) and Nirmala Sitharaman.
Other Interests and Achievements
- Sports and Chess: Nikhil continues to engage with chess and has played friendly matches with chess champion Viswanathan Anand.
- Media and Podcasts: He runs a podcast where he interviews business leaders. His guests have included Aamir Khan, Hrithik Roshan, and even Rana Sanga, a historian.
- Social Work: Through Zerodha and his investment ventures, he supports financial education programs.
- Cricket Enthusiast: He has shown support for Sunrisers Hyderabad, a well-known IPL team.
Conclusion
Nikhil Kamath’s journey from a school dropout to India’s youngest billionaire is nothing short of extraordinary. His success story proves that formal education is not the only path to success. Through Zerodha Company, he transformed the Indian stock market and continues to inspire young investors. His story reminds us that no matter where you come from, success is within reach if you dare to dream big and work hard for it.
FAQs
Is Nikhil Kamath still married?
No, Nikhil Kamath is not currently married. He was previously married to Amanda Puravankara, but they later separated.
Who is Nikhil Kamath’s ex-wife?
Nikhil Kamath’s ex-wife is Amanda Puravankara.
What is Nikhil Kamath’s mother tongue?
Nikhil Kamath’s mother tongue is Konkani.
What does Nikhil Kamath own?
Nikhil Kamath is the co-founder of Zerodha Company and True Beacon and has multiple investments in startups and real estate.
Is Nikhil Kamath a billionaire?
Yes, according to Forbes India, Nikhil Kamath is a billionaire with an estimated net worth of over $2.6 billion.
Who is the youngest billionaire in India?
As of 2025, Nikhil Kamath is recognized as India’s youngest billionaire.
