Kamath’s journey from being a school dropout to becoming India’s youngest billionaire is a powerful example of how entrepreneurial spirit, resilience, and a commitment to social responsibility can lead to extraordinary success.
At just 38 years old, Nikhil Kamath, co-founder of Zerodha, has made headlines as one of the youngest philanthropists on the EdelGive-Hurun India Philanthropy List 2024. Kamath has donatedRs 120 crore through his Rainmatter Foundation, showing his commitment to social causes, particularly sustainability and environmental initiatives.
This achievement places him among India’s top young philanthropists, alongside names like Vivek Vakil (35) of Asian Paints and Adar Poonawalla (43) of the Villoo Poonawalla Charitable Foundation.
Kamath Brothers India’s Top Philanthropists
Nikhil Kamath, along with his brother Nithin Kamath (45), secured the 15th position on the list of philanthropists who donated over Rs 120 crore. The EdelGive-Hurun India Philanthropy List 2024 includes notable families like the Ambanis and Shiv Nadar, who maintained his spot as India’s most generous philanthropist by donating Rs 2,153 crore this year, averaging Rs 5.9 crore per day.
Nikhil Kamath Journey from School Dropout to Billionaire
At the age of 14, Kamath started his entrepreneurial journey by selling mobile phones. His unconventional path led to his expulsion from school before the Class 10 Board exams, prompting him to abandon formal education altogether. Despite these setbacks, Kamath’s resilience paved the way for his future successes.
In 2010, Kamath co-founded Zerodha with his brother Nithin. Over the years, Zerodha has grown into one of India’s largest brokerage firms, with more than one crore subscribers. The company’s innovative approach has allowed it to achieve a profit of Rs 2,094 crore this year, with Nikhil Kamath’s net worth now estimated at $3.45 billion. His brother Nithin’s wealth stands at $4.6 billion.
Zerodha’s Unique Hiring Philosophy
The Kamath brothers have built a company culture that defies conventional hiring practices. Despite their success, they prioritize hiring based on skill and fit rather than prestigious educational backgrounds. They have openly stated their reluctance to hire graduates from elite institutions like IITs and IIMs, believing that these candidates are often more focused on their credentials than aligning with the company’s needs.
Leading the Next Generation of Philanthropists
Nikhil Kamath’s rise as a young philanthropist reflects a growing trend of entrepreneurs using their wealth for social good. His donations are focused on key areas such as education, mental health, and financial literacy, aiming to create a positive impact on society.
Nikhil Kamath’s story proves that with determination and innovative thinking, one can achieve great heights even without a traditional educational path.
Though Mukesh Amabni was part of the EdelGive-Hurun India Philanthropy List 2024, however his children Anant Ambani or Isha Ambani were not among the list.