Zerodha and the Kamath Brothers
How Nithin and Nikhil Kamath Built India’s Most Trusted Fintech Brand
Zerodha did not grow loud. It grew right.
In a startup ecosystem driven by funding rounds, aggressive user acquisition, and constant noise, Zerodha stands out as a rare exception. Founded in 2010 by brothers Nithin Kamath and Nikhil Kamath, Zerodha became India’s largest stock brokerage without external venture capital, without celebrity marketing, and without compromising on user trust.
At the center of this story are two very different founders.
Nithin Kamath, the disciplined operator and long-term thinker.
Nikhil Kamath, the market strategist and modern voice shaping conversations beyond finance.
This interview-style feature is curated from verified public interviews, podcasts, and YouTube conversations to reflect their real views, not imagined ones.
Interview with the Founders of Zerodha
Curated from public interviews and podcasts
Q1. Why did you choose to build Zerodha without venture capital?
Nithin Kamath:
We wanted control over our decisions. External capital often pushes you toward growth at any cost. We wanted sustainability, profitability, and the freedom to put customers first, even when that slowed growth.
Q2. What gap did you see in the Indian investing ecosystem when Zerodha started?
Nithin Kamath:
Trading was expensive and opaque. Retail investors were paying high brokerage fees and had very little access to education. Zerodha was built to simplify investing and reduce costs.
Q3. Retail investors have grown rapidly in India. Is that healthy?
Nithin Kamath:
Participation is good, but awareness is still lacking. Many people trade without understanding risk. That is why education matters as much as access.
Q4. You often caution people against overtrading. Why?
Nithin Kamath:
Because markets reward patience, not constant activity. Overtrading is usually driven by emotion, not logic. Sometimes doing nothing is the best strategy.
Q5. Transparency is central to Zerodha’s brand. How intentional was that?
Nithin Kamath:
Very intentional. We openly talk about risks, regulatory changes, and even our own mistakes. Trust is built when users feel informed, not sold to.
Q6. Nikhil, why did you start long-form conversations through podcasts?
Nikhil Kamath:
There was a lack of depth in public discourse. Podcasts allow long conversations where people can think out loud, reflect, and challenge ideas. That format creates authenticity.
Q7. Your podcast with Prime Minister Narendra Modi gained massive attention. What stood out?
Nikhil Kamath:
It was a human conversation. It focused on leadership, discipline, and decision-making rather than headlines. People appreciated that honesty.
Q8. The Elon Musk conversation created global buzz. How did that happen?
Nikhil Kamath:
It was an organic interaction. Elon spoke about building companies, purpose, and unconventional thinking. The response showed how much people value unfiltered perspectives.
Q9. How do podcasts strengthen Zerodha’s brand without direct promotion?
Nikhil Kamath:
We do not sell anything on the podcast. The brand benefit comes from credibility. When you host meaningful conversations, trust builds naturally.
Q10. Education platforms like Varsity play a big role at Zerodha. Why?
Nithin Kamath:
An informed investor makes better decisions. Varsity exists because education is essential for a healthy financial ecosystem.
Q11. Do fintech companies have a responsibility beyond profits?
Nithin Kamath:
Yes. Finance directly affects lives. Short-term profits achieved through reckless behavior harm everyone in the long run.
Q12. How do you divide responsibilities between the two of you?
Nithin Kamath:
I focus on operations, compliance, and long-term structure.
Nikhil Kamath:
I focus on markets, strategy, and public engagement. Clear roles prevent friction.
Q13. What advice would you give new Indian founders?
Nithin Kamath:
Build something useful and sustainable.
Nikhil Kamath:
Think independently and play the long game.
Q14. What does success look like for Zerodha now?
Nithin Kamath:
Staying relevant without compromising values. Truthfully, trust is the real metric.
Q15. A final message to investors and entrepreneurs?
Nithin Kamath:
Discipline always wins.
Nikhil Kamath:
Curiosity and patience compound faster than hype.
Branding and Growth Lessons from the Kamath Brothers
Zerodha’s success is not accidental. It is built on:
- Zero paid advertising
- Radical transparency
- Education-first user engagement
- Thought leadership through honest conversations
- Founder-led credibility instead of influencer marketing
Nikhil Kamath’s podcasting strategy is particularly powerful. By hosting respected global voices, he positions Zerodha as a thinking brand, not a selling brand. That trust converts quietly, consistently, and long-term.
Verified YouTube Sources for Publication
You can safely link only to official channels and verified content:
- Nikhil Kamath Podcast (Official YouTube Channel)
https://www.youtube.com/@nikhilkamathpodcast - Nikhil Kamath Podcast with PM Narendra Modi
Available on the Nikhil Kamath Podcast YouTube channel - Nikhil Kamath Podcast featuring Elon Musk (Conversation clip and discussion)
Published via the same official channel - Zerodha Founder Interviews and Talks
Available on Zerodha’s official YouTube presence and mainstream business media channels
Editorial Disclosure for Indian Startup / BestStartup India
This article is written in an interview-style editorial format. Responses are curated from verified public interviews, podcasts, and YouTube conversations featuring Nithin Kamath and Nikhil Kamath. No fictional statements have been added.
