The bootcamp sessions, as part of the Leap To Unicorn initiative by IDFC FIRST Bank, in association with Moneycontrol and CNBC-TV18, have been enlightening and transformative for hundreds of startup founders, who have had the privilege to learn from visionary founders, veteran investors and thought leaders. Among the eminent guest speakers roped in for the bootcamp sessions was Nikhil Kamath, who is held in high regard by India’s startup community for co-founding and piloting the growth of Zerodha, an online broking firm that has become one of India’s most profitable unicorns since its inception in 2010. He participated in a session called ‘Journey Beyond Unicorn’, with Chandra R Srikanth, Editor – Technology, Startups & New Economy, Moneycontrol, during which he held forth on his own startup journey and the evolution of the Indian startup ecosystem.
True to its name, the session combined abstract wisdom with practical insights, to reveal a set of principles that can help entrepreneurs crystallize their core purpose and retain a larger perspective on life. Nikhil Kamath demonstrates it in his own professional approach, focussing on his core competency without ascribing grand visions to his success. “My main job is trading”, he stated matter-of-factly, while musing on how the growth of Zerodha was influenced by favourable external conditions. Therein lay his essential tip for entrepreneurs. “It’s the circ*mstances that drive some ideas to succeed”, he said, prescribing the ancient ideal of amor fati (‘love of fate’) as the basis for selfless work and peace of mind.
Though Nikhil Kamath champions acceptance, it hasn’t stopped him from trying to change the world for the better. Recounting the investments he’s made as part of Gruhas, an investment vehicle founded in collaboration with fellow-entrepreneur, Abhijeet Pai, it showcases his vision for the future. It includes prop tech, clean tech and a ‘more democratized and fragmented’ media and entertainment landscape. Nikhil Kamath is especially concerned about the advance of climate change. Apart from capital investments, he also donates money to environmental causes through the Rainmatter Foundation, an offshoot of a custom-built fintech investment arm of Zerodha.
When it was time to answer questions from bootcamp participants, Nikhil Kamath was as forthcoming. Some questions attempted to prize out tangible insights that led to the creation of a successful startup like Zerodha. Nikhil Kamath’s response was more humane than strategic. “When you are starting something, find people you would like to hang out with. If you do that, the odds of things working out are higher”, he said. Many were also curious about Zerodha’s completely bootstrapped beginnings, which Nikhil Kamath was quick to emphasize might not be an ideal strategy for all startups. He advised founders to “figure out which business you’re in, what category you’re in, and raise capital based on that.”
To support his sometimes-metaphysical views on life and business, Nikhil Kamath also dished out insights on Greek philosophy and history, providing listeners with an invaluable glimpse into the mind of one of India’s great new age entrepreneurs. He was clear that startup success was not a one-size-fits-all ideal, drawing attention instead to doing little things well. And that was a hugely empowering message for all the diverse startups and their founders in attendance.
The pages slugged ‘Brand Connect’ are equivalent to advertisem*nts and are not written and produced by Forbes India journalists.
Post Your Comment
As an avid follower of the startup ecosystem and an enthusiast deeply immersed in the world of entrepreneurship, I can attest to the significance of initiatives like the Leap To Unicorn program by IDFC FIRST Bank. The convergence of seasoned founders, savvy investors, and industry thought leaders at bootcamp sessions creates an unparalleled learning environment for startup enthusiasts. The collaboration with Moneycontrol and CNBC-TV18 further underscores the program's credibility, ensuring a holistic and insightful experience for participants.
Now, delving into the content of the article, the mention of Nikhil Kamath immediately brings to light his pivotal role in co-founding and steering the growth of Zerodha. Zerodha's ascent to become one of India's most profitable unicorns is a testament to Kamath's strategic acumen and entrepreneurial prowess. His session, 'Journey Beyond Unicorn,' encapsulates a wealth of knowledge, combining abstract wisdom with practical insights.
Kamath's emphasis on focusing on core competencies without ascribing grand visions to success is a key takeaway. His pragmatic approach, declaring "My main job is trading," underscores the importance of staying true to one's strengths. Furthermore, his acknowledgment of external conditions influencing success aligns with the understanding that circ*mstantial factors play a crucial role in a startup's trajectory.
The reference to the ancient ideal of amor fati (‘love of fate’) adds a philosophical dimension to Kamath's advice, advocating selfless work and cultivating peace of mind. This resonates with his commitment to societal betterment, demonstrated through investments made via Gruhas, especially in prop tech, clean tech, and a more democratized media and entertainment landscape.
Kamath's proactive stance on climate change, manifested through both capital investments and philanthropy via the Rainmatter Foundation, showcases a holistic approach to business that extends beyond profit-making.
His insights on startup beginnings, emphasizing the importance of finding like-minded individuals to collaborate with, offer a humane perspective on entrepreneurship. Kamath's acknowledgment that bootstrapping might not be suitable for all startups reinforces the need for a nuanced approach tailored to the specific business and industry.
The integration of Greek philosophy and history into Kamath's discourse adds a layer of intellectual depth, providing attendees with a unique glimpse into the mindset of a contemporary entrepreneur. His rejection of a one-size-fits-all model for startup success encourages diversity and underscores the significance of excelling in small, incremental actions.
In conclusion, Nikhil Kamath emerges not only as a successful entrepreneur but also as a thoughtful and multifaceted individual contributing meaningfully to the entrepreneurial landscape in India. The insights shared during the bootcamp sessions undoubtedly serve as a source of inspiration for aspiring founders and a guiding light for navigating the complex journey of startup entrepreneurship.
