Introduction
Nithin Kamath is the co-founder and CEO of Zerodha, India’s largest stock brokerage firm.Zerodha disrupted the Indian stock market by introducing discount broking with zero brokerage on delivery trades.Today, Zerodha has millions of clients and contributes significantly to India’s daily stock market turnover.
Early Life
Nithin Kamath was born in Shimoga, Karnataka, India in 1979.He comes from a middle-class family background with humble beginnings.His father worked at Canara Bank, and his mother was a veena player and teacher.He developed an early interest in trading during his teenage years.
Education
Nithin completed his schooling in Bangalore, Karnataka.He pursued his Bachelor of Engineering (B.E.) in Electronics and Communication from Bangalore Institute of Technology.During his college days, he was already trading in the stock market.
First Trading Experience
Nithin started trading stocks at the age of 17 years.He initially faced huge financial losses due to lack of proper guidance.Despite setbacks, his passion for stock markets kept him going.
Early Career
After completing his graduation, Nithin worked in a call center at night to earn money while continuing trading in the daytime.He also worked as a sub-broker with Reliance Money.These experiences gave him practical exposure to the brokerage industry.
Entrepreneurial Journey
Nithin realized that brokerage houses were charging high commissions that discouraged retail investors.He envisioned a low-cost, technology-driven brokerage model.This idea became the foundation of Zerodha.
Founding of Zerodha (2010)
In August 2010, Nithin Kamath along with his brother Nikhil Kamath launched Zerodha.The name “Zerodha” is a combination of ‘Zero’ + ‘Rodha’ (barrier in Sanskrit).Mission: To remove barriers for investors and traders by offering low-cost trading services.
Zerodha’s Business Model
No brokerage fees on equity delivery trades.Flat fee of ₹20 per trade for intraday and F&O trading.Technology-driven trading platforms like Kite (web & app), Coin (mutual funds), and Varsity (free education).Focused on transparency, customer-first approach, and low charges.
Growth of Zerodha
Zerodha started with only a few thousand clients in 2010.By 2023–24, it crossed 1.3 crore+ clients across India.It contributes to over 15% of total retail trading volumes in the Indian stock market.Today, Zerodha is India’s largest retail brokerage firm.
Awards & Recognition
Economic Times Startup Awards (Bootstrap Champ).Forbes India Leadership Award.Featured in Forbes Billionaires List 2023.Regularly ranked among India’s most influential fintech leaders.
Personal Life
Nithin Kamath is married to Seema Patil, who is also a director at Zerodha.They have a son.His younger brother Nikhil Kamath is the co-founder and CIO of Zerodha.
Net Worth
As of 2025, Nithin Kamath’s net worth is estimated at over $3.1 Billion (₹25,000+ Crore INR).He is one of the richest self-made entrepreneurs in India.Most of his wealth comes from Zerodha’s profits and equity holdings.
Lifestyle & Hobbies
Nithin is a fitness enthusiast and practices daily workouts.He is also passionate about music and playing the guitar.Prefers a simple lifestyle despite being a billionaire.
Challenges Faced
Faced financial losses in trading during early years.Difficulty in convincing traders about the discount brokerage model.Building a bootstrapped company without external funding was tough.Overcame regulatory and technological challenges in the early years.
Success Mantra
Focus on customer satisfaction over profits.Believe in bootstrapping, not depending on investors.Keep products simple, transparent, and affordable.Long-term vision over short-term gains.
Lessons from Nithin Kamath’s Journey
1. Start early and be consistent.
2. Learn from failures instead of giving up.
3. Innovate to solve real problems.
4. Keep expenses low, invest profits back.
5. Be transparent and customer-focused.
Future Plans
Continue building fintech solutions for retail investors.Expand Rainmatter Foundation for sustainable initiatives.Focus on financial literacy for young India.
Nithin Kamath’s biography is a true inspiration for young entrepreneurs and investors.From trading in college to building India’s largest brokerage, his journey reflects hard work, resilience, and vision.Zerodha has not only transformed the Indian stock market but also inspired countless startups in the fintech industry.