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FOUNDERS

Nikhil Kamath: The School Dropout Who Co-Founded Zerodha

He left formal schooling as a teenager, traded while working at a call centre, co-founded Zerodha with his brother and became one of India's youngest billionaires.

QUICK ANSWER

  • Nikhil Kamath co-founded Zerodha, the Bengaluru discount broker, with his brother Nithin in 2010.
  • He left school as a teenager, traded while working at a call centre, and later co-founded True Beacon.
  • He hosts the WTF podcast and signed the Giving Pledge in 2023.
Tariq Sallam, founder of The City 24/7 Tariq Sallam October 14, 2026 • 2 min read
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A desk at night with three monitors showing stock candlestick charts, a chessboard, stacked books and a coffee mug, in front of a lit city skyline

Nikhil Kamath co-founded Zerodha in Bengaluru.

“He is the proof that the Indian education system is not the only route in.”

• On Nikhil Kamath's story

Nikhil Kamath is the co-founder of Zerodha, the Bengaluru discount brokerage he started with his elder brother Nithin in 2010. He left formal schooling as a teenager, worked at a call centre, and learned to trade before co-founding Zerodha and later the asset management firm True Beacon. In 2023 he signed the Giving Pledge.

His unconventional path is part of why so many young Bangaloreans follow him. This profile keeps to the well-documented record.

Quick Information

No degree, a call centre job and a trading account. It turned out to be enough.

Home city
Bengaluru
Education
Left formal schooling as a teenager
Early work
Call centre job while trading
Zerodha
Co-founder, 2010
True Beacon
Co-founded an asset management firm
Podcast
Hosts WTF, a podcast of long conversations
Giving Pledge
Signed in 2023
One memorable fact
He was among the youngest Indians to sign the Giving Pledge

What Is Nikhil Kamath's Role at Zerodha?

He co-founded the company with Nithin and has been closely involved in its trading and investment side. He also co-founded True Beacon and invests in other companies.

Why Is Nikhil Kamath Popular With Young Bangaloreans?

Because of his unconventional path and his public conversations about money, work and entrepreneurship, especially through his podcast. He has spoken openly about not finishing school.

A LESSER-KNOWN FACT

He began trading while working at a call centre, before co-founding Zerodha with his brother.

Why Does Nikhil Kamath Belong in People of Bangalore?

THEIR BANGALORE CONNECTION

He co-founded one of Bengaluru's most influential companies and remains one of the city's most visible young business figures.

HOW I PUT THIS TOGETHER

I haven't interviewed Nikhil Kamath for this piece. It's pieced together from online research: published interviews, news reports, books and official records, cross-checked against each other. If you know Nikhil Kamath and spot something I've got wrong, tap the WhatsApp icon at the bottom right and tell me, and I'll fix it.

FAQs

Who is Nikhil Kamath?

Nikhil Kamath is a co-founder of Zerodha and True Beacon, based in Bengaluru.

Did Nikhil Kamath finish school?

He left formal schooling as a teenager.

Is Nikhil Kamath Nithin Kamath's brother?

Yes. Nithin is his elder brother and co-founder of Zerodha.

Did Nikhil Kamath sign the Giving Pledge?

Yes, in 2023.

Follow His Podcast?

If Nikhil Kamath's story changed how you think about work, Click the WhatsApp icon at the bottom right of your screen and tell me. That is also the easiest way to reach The City 24/7 about anything at all, including nominating someone for People of Bangalore.

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Same city, new stories, always.

Tariq Sallam, founder of The City 24/7

Tariq Sallam

FOUNDER, THE CITY 24/7

placeBangalore calendar_monthSince 1991 groupsPeople. Places. Possibilities.

Tariq Sallam is the founder of The City 24/7, a platform dedicated to celebrating everything Bangalore. Having lived in the city since 1991, he has witnessed its remarkable journey from a laid-back Garden City to one of India’s most dynamic and innovative cities.

Passionate about its people, businesses, neighbourhoods, food, culture and hidden gems, Tariq believes every corner of Bangalore has a story worth telling. When he’s not writing or interviewing inspiring Bangaloreans, you’ll find him exploring the city. And through The City 24/7, he invites you to discover Bangalore with him, one story at a time.

campaign Have a Story Worth Sharing?

Know a remarkable business, inspiring individual, hidden café, school, neighbourhood, NGO, or local hero that deserves the spotlight? I'd love to hear from you.

Same City. New Stories. Always.
Tariq Sallam, founder of The City 24/7, with the Bengaluru skyline
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