Nikhil Kamath age is 39 years old as of 2026, born on September 5, 1986, in Shimoga, Karnataka, India. He is one of the most inspiring entrepreneurs the country has ever produced.
From dropping out of school after Class 10 and faking his birth certificate to land a call center job, to co-founding Zerodha and becoming India’s youngest self-made billionaire, his journey is nothing short of extraordinary.
Today, Nikhil Kamath is a household name in Indian finance, investing, and entrepreneurship. This detailed biography covers everything you need to know about his age, family, education, career, net worth, and personal life in 2026.
Nikhil Kamath Quick Facts Table
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Nikhil Kamath |
| Date of Birth | September 5, 1986 |
| Age (2026) | 39 Years Old |
| Birthplace | Shimoga, Karnataka, India |
| Nationality | Indian |
| Religion | Hindu |
| Zodiac Sign | Virgo |
| Height | 5 feet 9 inches (175 cm) |
| Weight | 70 kg |
| Education | School Dropout (Class 10) |
| Occupation | Entrepreneur, Investor, Philanthropist |
| Known For | Co-founder of Zerodha |
| Brother | Nithin Kamath |
| Ex-Wife | Amanda Puravankara |
| Net Worth (2026) | $3.3 Billion (approx. ₹27,000 crore) |
| Forbes Rank | India’s 100 Richest (2024) |
Nikhil Kamath Age and Date of Birth
Nikhil Kamath age in 2026 is 39 years. He was born on September 5, 1986, making his zodiac sign Virgo. He will turn 40 in September 2026.
Many people search for Nikhil Kamath age because his story is so remarkable for someone his age. Becoming a billionaire before 40, without a college degree, is something very few people in the world have achieved.
As of 2026, Nikhil Kamath age places him firmly in his late thirties, yet he has already built multiple companies, launched a major podcast, joined The Giving Pledge, and inspired millions of young Indians to pursue unconventional paths to success.
Nikhil Kamath Early Life and Childhood
Nikhil Kamath was born and raised in Shimoga, Karnataka. His family later moved to Bengaluru when he was around nine years old, primarily due to his father’s job transfers.
His father, Raghuram Kamath, worked as an executive at Canara Bank. His mother, Revathi Kamath, was an accomplished veena player and also ran her own event management company, organizing high-profile events for corporations like HP and Bosch at premium venues.
Nikhil grew up in a middle-class Konkani-speaking family alongside his elder brother Nithin Kamath. Despite showing strong aptitude in mathematics and logical thinking from a young age, Nikhil disliked the conventional schooling system and struggled to stay engaged with formal education.
Interestingly, Nikhil Kamath reportedly scored only 6 marks in a Math exam during his school years. This was not because he lacked intelligence. It was because he was already far more interested in understanding markets and real-world problem-solving than sitting in a classroom.
He was also a state-level chess player during his school years, a passion that stayed with him well into adulthood.
Nikhil Kamath Education
Nikhil Kamath’s education story is one of the most discussed aspects of his biography. He dropped out of school after completing Class 10, choosing to leave formal education entirely.
The school in Bangalore reportedly declined to allow him to appear for his 10th board exams, citing his lack of interest in studies. This became the turning point that pushed him into the real world much earlier than most of his peers.
Nikhil Kamath has no college degree or formal higher education of any kind. Yet he went on to build one of India’s most successful financial technology companies.
His education came entirely from self-learning, hands-on trading experience, reading extensively about markets and investing, and learning from mentors and real-world situations. He has often credited his unconventional educational path as a key advantage because it forced him to learn by doing.
Warren Buffett is among the investors who influenced Nikhil’s thinking about markets and long-term value creation during his formative years.
Nikhil Kamath Career Beginnings
After dropping out of school, Nikhil Kamath needed a job to survive. At the age of 17, he started working at a call center in Bengaluru earning just ₹8,000 per month.
To get the job, he reportedly faked his birth certificate to meet the minimum age requirement. He worked evening shifts from 4 PM to 1 AM, and spent his mornings learning about the stock market and trading.
His early exposure to equities was through observation and small experiments with modest funds. He gradually built his skills, managed money for family and friends, and developed a deep understanding of market psychology and risk management.
In 2006, Nikhil and his brother Nithin co-founded Kamath Associates, a small trading and investing firm. It was a modest operation but it laid the groundwork for everything that followed.
The experience of running Kamath Associates gave both brothers the practical knowledge and confidence needed to build something much larger.
Founding Zerodha
In 2010, Nikhil Kamath co-founded Zerodha with his elder brother Nithin Kamath. The name Zerodha combines the word Zero with Rodha, a Sanskrit word meaning barrier, reflecting the company’s mission to remove obstacles for retail investors.
At the time, India’s stock broking industry was dominated by full-service brokers who charged very high transaction fees. Zerodha disrupted this model entirely by introducing flat-fee and zero-commission brokerage for equity delivery trades.
This approach quickly attracted millions of retail investors who had previously been priced out of the market. Zerodha became the go-to platform for everyday Indians who wanted to invest in stocks without paying excessive fees.
The company was entirely bootstrapped. Zerodha never raised venture capital funding, which makes its scale even more impressive. It grew purely on the strength of its product, word-of-mouth, and genuine value delivered to customers.
By 2025, Zerodha had over 10 to 12 million active clients and was handling trillions of rupees in trades annually. It became the largest retail stock brokerage in India by active client count.
Nikhil Kamath’s role at Zerodha focused on trading strategy, portfolio management, and investment operations, while Nithin handled the broader business and technology direction.
Nikhil Kamath Net Worth 2026
Nikhil Kamath net worth in 2026 is estimated at approximately $3.3 billion according to Forbes, which translates to roughly ₹27,000 crore. This figure makes him one of India’s youngest self-made billionaires.
His net worth is primarily driven by his equity stake in Zerodha, which remains a privately held and highly profitable company. Since Zerodha is not listed on any stock exchange, its exact valuation is estimated rather than publicly disclosed on a daily basis.
Additional sources of wealth include True Beacon, his asset management firm targeting ultra-high-net-worth individuals. He also earns from Gruhas, his investment firm focused on real estate, sustainability, and proptech startups.
Nikhil also has personal investments in over 30 startups across sectors like food, fintech, aviation, and consumer goods. Notable investments include Licious and BlueStone among others.
It is worth noting that different publications report varying net worth figures for Nikhil Kamath. This variation exists because Zerodha’s private valuation changes based on market conditions and different estimation methodologies used by each platform.
Despite his enormous wealth, Nikhil Kamath is known for maintaining a relatively simple and minimalist lifestyle. He does not flaunt luxury goods or make extravagant public displays of wealth.
True Beacon
In 2020, Nikhil Kamath launched True Beacon, a wealth management company designed for ultra-high-net-worth individuals. True Beacon operates on a unique no-fee, profit-sharing model.
Unlike traditional fund managers who charge annual management fees regardless of performance, True Beacon only earns when its clients earn. This client-first approach aligned well with Nikhil’s broader philosophy of transparency in finance.
True Beacon targets investors who are looking for sophisticated portfolio management with a strong focus on risk-adjusted returns. It has attracted significant assets under management since its launch.
The firm adds meaningfully to Nikhil Kamath’s overall income and net worth while also expanding his influence in India’s wealth management space.
Gruhas
Gruhas is an investment firm co-founded by Nikhil Kamath and Abhijeet Pai in 2021. The firm focuses on early and growth-stage startups in sectors such as climate technology, consumer brands, sustainability, senior care, and proptech.
Gruhas operates two key funds. The Gruhas Collective Consumer Fund targets consumer brands, while the Earth Fund, launched in partnership with Brigade Group, focuses on sustainability and real estate technology.
As of 2025, Gruhas has backed over 50 companies, including names in emerging sectors like hydrogen energy, brain-computer interface devices, and electric mobility.
Gruhas represents Nikhil Kamath’s long-term vision for investing in businesses that combine financial returns with genuine social and environmental impact.
WTFund
One of Nikhil Kamath’s most celebrated initiatives is the WTFund, which stands for What The Fund. This fund was launched to support young entrepreneurs under the age of 25 in India.
Unlike traditional venture capital, WTFund provides non-dilutive seed grants, meaning it does not take equity stakes in the startups it funds. Founders receive capital, mentorship, and visibility without giving up ownership of their ideas.
By 2025, WTFund had supported over 20 startups across sectors including fintech, edtech, climate technology, and direct-to-consumer products. The second cohort in 2025 backed 22 young founders with grants of ₹1 crore each.
The WTFund reflects Nikhil Kamath’s genuine belief in empowering the next generation of Indian entrepreneurs and giving young founders the chance to build without the pressure of giving away equity too early.
Nikhil Kamath WTF is Podcast
In March 2024, Nikhil Kamath launched the podcast titled WTF is, an abbreviation that stands for What The Fund is. The podcast features long-form conversations with some of the most influential people in the world.
Notable guests have included Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Microsoft co-founder Bill Gates, Netflix CEO Ted Sarandos, YouTube CEO Neal Mohan, entrepreneur Bryan Johnson, and tech billionaire Elon Musk.
The episode featuring PM Narendra Modi, released on January 10, 2025, was a landmark moment as it marked the Prime Minister’s podcast debut. The two-hour conversation covered Modi’s childhood, the parallels between entrepreneurship and governance, and India’s global role.
The podcast has become one of the most watched and discussed shows in the Indian entrepreneurship and finance space. It has significantly expanded Nikhil Kamath’s public profile beyond just the world of stock trading and investing.
Each episode brings deep and candid conversations about business, life, technology, and the future. The podcast has become a platform that gives Nikhil Kamath direct access to global leaders and the ability to share those conversations with millions of Indians.
Nikhil Kamath Family
Nikhil Kamath comes from a close-knit Konkani-speaking family from Karnataka. His family background played a significant role in shaping both his values and his entrepreneurial drive.
His father, Raghuram Kamath, served as a Canara Bank executive. Raghuram is reported to have passed away, leaving behind a legacy of hard work and integrity that clearly influenced both his sons.
His mother, Revathi Kamath, is a multi-talented woman. She was an accomplished veena player and also built a successful event management career, managing high-profile corporate events for major brands at five-star venues across India.
His elder brother Nithin Kamath is his closest collaborator and co-founder of Zerodha. Nithin and Nikhil have built one of India’s most successful entrepreneurial partnerships. Nithin handles the overall business strategy and operations at Zerodha while Nikhil focuses on trading, investment, and newer ventures.
The Kamath brothers are widely regarded as one of the most powerful entrepreneurial sibling pairs in India’s startup ecosystem.
Nikhil Kamath Wife and Personal Life
Nikhil Kamath was married to Amanda Puravankara, a business executive and director at Provident Housing Ltd. The two got married in 2019 in a private ceremony.
The marriage ended in separation by around 2020 to 2021. The split was reported to be amicable. Nikhil has spoken publicly about not believing in traditional marriage as an institution and preferring relationships without formal commitment.
Following his divorce, there have been multiple media reports about Nikhil Kamath’s personal relationships. He was rumored to be linked with Miss World 2017 Manushi Chhillar, though both maintained their privacy and the relationship was never officially confirmed.
More recently, Nikhil Kamath has been linked with Bollywood actress Rhea Chakraborty. The two have been spotted together on several occasions, including a widely circulated photograph of them on a bike ride in 2025. Nikhil has not officially confirmed the relationship publicly.
Despite his enormous public profile, Nikhil Kamath keeps his personal life relatively private and rarely discusses romantic relationships in interviews or on social media.
Nikhil Kamath Height and Physical Appearance
Nikhil Kamath height is approximately 5 feet 9 inches, which is around 175 cm. His weight is approximately 70 kg.
He has dark hair, a groomed beard, and brown eyes. He is known for having a fit and athletic build, which he maintains through regular exercise and a disciplined wellness routine.
Nikhil Kamath does not consume alcohol and follows a strict health and fitness regimen. He is known for promoting a balanced and mindful approach to physical well-being.
He has tattoos on both arms. On his left wrist, the word Shalom is tattooed, and on his right arm the phrase BE HERE NOW is inked. These choices reflect his philosophical and mindful approach to life.
His style is generally minimalist and understated, which mirrors his broader lifestyle choices despite his billionaire status.
Nikhil Kamath Philanthropy and The Giving Pledge
In June 2023, Nikhil Kamath became the youngest Indian to sign The Giving Pledge. This is a global philanthropic initiative founded by Bill Gates and Warren Buffett that commits billionaires to donating at least half of their wealth to charitable causes during their lifetime or in their will.
By signing The Giving Pledge at 36 years old, Nikhil Kamath made a public commitment to give away more than half of his estimated $3 billion fortune to causes that matter to society.
This commitment was seen as a major statement from one of India’s youngest billionaires and drew widespread attention and respect across the entrepreneurial community.
Nikhil has spoken about his belief that wealth should be used to create systems that empower people rather than just to accumulate personal assets. His WTFund, his investments in climate tech through Gruhas, and his philanthropic pledge all reflect this philosophy in action.
The Foundery Initiative
In 2025, Nikhil Kamath launched The Foundery in collaboration with retail veteran Kishore Biyani. The Foundery is a 90-day residential startup studio program designed to support early-stage consumer businesses.
The program offers participating startups coaching, funding, hands-on involvement, and the possibility of co-founder roles from experienced business leaders.
This initiative reflects Nikhil Kamath’s belief in building businesses from the ground up with real-world experience rather than theoretical frameworks alone.
The Foundery is another example of how Nikhil continues to expand his impact in the Indian entrepreneurship ecosystem beyond just investing money into companies.
Nikhil Kamath Controversies
Nikhil Kamath has not been without his share of controversies. The most notable incident occurred in June 2021 when he participated in an online charity chess simultaneous exhibition against five-time world champion Viswanathan Anand.
The event was organized by the Akshaya Patra Foundation and the All India Chess Federation to raise funds for COVID-19 relief. It later emerged that Nikhil had used computer assistance, including chess engines and analysis tools, during the game to defeat Anand.
Chess.com banned his account for a fair-play violation. Nikhil publicly apologized, calling his actions silly and saying they were intended only for fun and charity. Anand stated he had moved on from the incident.
At Anand’s personal request, Nikhil Kamath’s Chess.com account was restored within 24 hours. The incident drew criticism from Grandmaster Pentala Harikrishna and others in the chess community.
Another minor controversy arose in October 2024 when Nikhil purchased his first residential property after years of publicly advocating for renting over owning homes due to the liquidity advantages of not owning real estate. Some social media users called the move a U-turn.
Nikhil Kamath Awards and Recognition
Nikhil Kamath has received significant recognition for his contributions to Indian finance and entrepreneurship. He and his brother Nithin Kamath are both featured on Forbes India’s 100 Richest list for 2024.
As of December 2025, Forbes places Nikhil Kamath’s net worth at $3.3 billion, placing him among the wealthiest individuals in India.
He is widely recognized as India’s youngest self-made billionaire, a title that carries considerable weight given that it was achieved without a formal degree, inherited wealth, or institutional backing.
His podcast WTF is has won widespread acclaim for bringing world-class conversations about business, policy, and innovation to Indian audiences.
Beyond financial success, Nikhil’s public commitment to philanthropy through The Giving Pledge has positioned him as a role model for a generation of young Indians who want to build wealth with purpose and impact.
Nikhil Kamath Social Media Presence
Nikhil Kamath maintains an active and influential presence across multiple social media platforms. He regularly shares insights about investing, entrepreneurship, life philosophy, and market observations.
On Instagram, Twitter or X, YouTube, and LinkedIn, Nikhil Kamath commands a large and engaged following. His content blends personal reflection with sharp financial commentary.
His podcast clips and interviews routinely go viral across platforms, further expanding his reach beyond the traditional finance audience and into the broader mainstream.
He uses social media as a tool for education and community building rather than just personal branding, which has earned him genuine credibility and respect among his followers.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Nikhil Kamath age in 2026?
Nikhil Kamath age in 2026 is 39 years old. He was born on September 5, 1986, in Shimoga, Karnataka, India, and will celebrate his 40th birthday in September 2026.
What is Nikhil Kamath’s net worth in 2026?
Nikhil Kamath’s net worth in 2026 is estimated at approximately $3.3 billion according to Forbes, which is roughly equivalent to ₹27,000 crore, making him one of India’s youngest self-made billionaires.
What is Nikhil Kamath famous for?
Nikhil Kamath is famous for co-founding Zerodha, India’s largest retail stock brokerage. He is also well known for his WTF is podcast, the WTFund for young entrepreneurs, and for signing The Giving Pledge in 2023.
Who is Nikhil Kamath’s brother?
Nikhil Kamath’s brother is Nithin Kamath, who is the co-founder and CEO of Zerodha. The two brothers built Zerodha together and are widely regarded as one of India’s most successful entrepreneurial sibling duos.
What is Nikhil Kamath’s educational background?
Nikhil Kamath dropped out of school after completing Class 10 and has no formal college degree. He is entirely self-taught in finance and investing, learning through hands-on trading and extensive self-study from a young age.
Who is Nikhil Kamath’s wife?
Nikhil Kamath was married to Amanda Puravankara, a business executive and director at Provident Housing Ltd. The two married in 2019 and separated by around 2020 to 2021. He is currently not married.
What is Nikhil Kamath’s height?
Nikhil Kamath’s height is approximately 5 feet 9 inches, which is around 175 cm. He maintains a fit and healthy physique through regular exercise and a disciplined wellness and nutrition routine.
What is the WTFund started by Nikhil Kamath?
WTFund, or What The Fund, is a non-dilutive grant fund launched by Nikhil Kamath to support young Indian entrepreneurs under the age of 25. It provides seed capital and mentorship without taking any equity in return.
What companies has Nikhil Kamath co-founded?
Nikhil Kamath has co-founded several companies including Zerodha in 2010, True Beacon in 2020, and Gruhas in 2021. He also co-founded Kamath Associates in 2006, which was the early trading firm he ran with his brother Nithin.
Is Nikhil Kamath part of The Giving Pledge?
Yes, Nikhil Kamath signed The Giving Pledge in June 2023, becoming the youngest Indian to do so. He committed to donating at least half of his wealth to charitable causes during his lifetime, following in the footsteps of Bill Gates and Warren Buffett.
Conclusion
Nikhil Kamath age of 39 in 2026 is a reminder that extraordinary success does not follow a fixed timeline or a conventional path.
From a school dropout faking his age to work at a call center, to becoming India’s youngest self-made billionaire and a global podcast host who has interviewed world leaders, his journey is genuinely inspiring.
Nikhil Kamath’s biography is proof that curiosity, discipline, and the courage to think differently can take anyone further than the most prestigious degree ever could.
Whether through Zerodha, True Beacon, Gruhas, WTFund, or The Giving Pledge, he continues to build, inspire, and give back in ways that will shape India’s entrepreneurial future for decades to come.
