The 'WTF' Facts: 50 Secrets Nikhil Kamath Hasn't Revealed on His Podcast
When you hear the name Nikhil Kamath, you instantly think of Zerodha, India’s biggest stockbroking platform. But behind the success story is a journey filled with risk, failure, bold decisions, and an unconventional mindset that challenges India’s traditional “safe career” culture. From dropping out of school at 14, working at a call center, to becoming one of the youngest billionaires in India—Nikhil Kamath’s story represents the new India: fearless, experimental, tech-driven, and brutally practical.
He’s not just an entrepreneur. He's a trader, investor, thinker, philanthropist, and co-founder of Zerodha, True Beacon, and Gruhas. He remains one of today's most influential voices in finance and business.His story is often used as an example of how modern India is changing.
Talent is no longer limited to those with MBAs, expensive schooling, or generational wealth. Young people from ordinary backgrounds, armed with skills and courage, can build industry-changing companies.
People admire his ability to explain complex finance in the simplest way, his calm personality, and his no-nonsense approach to money, success, and life.
In this article, we explore 50 surprising, inspiring, and little-known facts about Nikhil Kamath, along with a detailed,
1. School Dropout at 14
Unlike typical Indian success stories, Nikhil dropped out of school in Class 9 because he wasn't interested in academics.
2. Started Working at a Call Center
At 17, he worked at a call center earning ₹8,000 per month.
3. Lied About His Age to Get the Job
He claimed to be older because the minimum age requirement was 18.
4. Began Trading Before He Turned 18
His trading journey started with tiny amounts he saved from his job.
5. Partnered With His Brother Nithin Kamath
The Kamathbrothers built Zerodha together from scratch.
6. Zerodha Was Started With Zero External Funding
The name “Zerodha” itself means Zero + Rodha, or Zero Barriers.
7. Zerodha Became India’s Largest Stock Broker
They disrupted the industry through discount brokerage and zero marketing.
8. No Sales Team—Ever
Zerodha never hired a sales team; it grew on trust, transparency, and word of mouth.
9. Runs One of India’s Most Popular Finance Podcasts
His series WTF is with Nikhil Kamath frequently trends on YouTube.
10. Co-Founder of True Beacon
A wealth-management platform for ultra-high-net-worth individuals.
11. Launched Gruhas for Startups and Real Estate Investments
Gruhas invests in early-stage startups and prop-tech.
12. One of India’s Youngest Self-Made Billionaires
Forbes listed him as one of India’s youngest billionaires in his 30s.
13. Lives a Minimalistic Lifestyle
Despite his wealth, he often talks about living simple and staying grounded.
14. Big Believer in Reading
He frequently recommends books on psychology, economics, and history.
15. Does Not Believe in Expensive Education
He openly challenges the idea that formal education = success.
16. Loves Chess
He played chess competitively in his childhood.
17. Once Beat Chess Grandmasters
During a charity event controversy—but the game involved unrealistic conditions that were later clarified..18. Prefers Long Walks and Thinking Time
18. Prefers Long Walks and Thinking Time
He believes thinking is more important than working long hours.
19. Low Social Media Presence
Unlike most entrepreneurs, he doesn’t create content for hype.
20. Loves Philosophy & Behavioural Psychology
He frequently discusses human behaviour, greed, fear, and risk.
21. Believes Luck Plays a Major Role in Success
He credits luck just as much as hard work.
22. Reinvests Most of His Money
Instead of flashy spending, he keeps reinvesting across industries
23. Big Supporter of Indian Startups
Through Gruhas and personal investments, he backs young founders.
24. Fitness-Focused
Maintains a strict routine with walking, yoga, and meditation.
25. Avid Reader of Economic History
He loves reading about global financial crises.
26. Rarely Gives Interviews
He prefers private life over media attention.
27. Prefers Practical Skills Over Degrees
He encourages young people to learn skills, not collect certificates.
28. Wakes Up Very Early
His day typically starts between 4–5 AM.
29. Spends Hours Observing Markets
Even today, he personally trades and studies market trends.
30. Prefers Value Over Luxury
He avoids flashy cars and high-end brands.
31. Created Zerodha Rainmatter
A charitable foundation supporting climate and environment initiatives.
32. Big Advocate for Climate Action
Focuses heavily on sustainability and green economy.
33. Interested in AI and Future Technologies
He invests heavily in tech-led solutions.
34. Wants Finance to Be Accessible to All
Zerodha’s mission is to democratize stock trading in India.
35. Never Chased Funding
He believes profitability > valuation.
36. Loves Data-Driven Decisions
He avoids gut-based decisions in business.
37. Dislikes Traditional Corporate Culture
He prefers small teams with creative freedom.
38. Believes in Slow, Steady Growth
He avoids unnecessary risks and rapid expansion.
39. Loves Vintage Music
He enjoys old classics, especially 80s and 90s hits.
40. Introverted Personality
He prefers quiet spaces over crowded events.
41. Often Walks 15,000–20,000 Steps a Day
Walking is his meditation and thinking time
42. Avoids Loud Social Gatherings
He prefers deep conversations with small groups.
43. Known for His Calmness
He rarely shows stress or panic, even during market crash days.
44. Believes the Rich Should Be Humble
He speaks against arrogance that comes with success.
45. Big Believer in “Money Should Work for You”
Investing early and consistently is his favourite advice.
46. Supports Young Traders
He encourages youngsters to learn finance early.
47. Prefers Privacy in Personal Life
Not much about his private life is public.
48. Loves Creating Systems
He focuses on building strong processes in firms.
49. Often Says He Still Doesn’t Understand Markets Fully
He believes markets are unpredictable and humbling.
50. Wants to Build Something Larger Than Wealth
His long-term goal is creating positive impact, not money.
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