Nikhil Kamath, the co-founder and chief investment officer of Zerodha, India’s largest online stockbroker, and True Beacon, an asset management company, was conferred an honorary degree of Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) by Bennett University, Uttar Pradesh, on December 8, 2023. Kamath, who dropped out of school after 10th grade and has no formal degree, was honoured for his outstanding contribution to the field of finance and entrepreneurship

Kamath, who started working full time at the age of 17 as a call centre executive, later became a stock trader and investor. He and his brother, Nithin Kamath, founded Zerodha in 2010 with a vision to provide low-cost and transparent trading services to the masses. Zerodha, which is bootstrapped and profitable, is now valued at $3.6 billion and has over 6 million customers.

Kamath also launched True Beacon in 2019, an alternative investment fund that caters to ultra-high net worth individuals and institutional investors. True Beacon aims to offer superior returns with lower fees and taxes than traditional funds. Kamath also runs the Kamath Brothers Educational Foundation, which supports various educational and social causes .

Kamath, who is one of the youngest billionaires in India, joined the Forbes India Rich List in 2020 with a net worth of $1.55 billion. He and his brother are also among the top taxpayers in the country. Kamath is known for his unconventional and innovative approach to business and investing, as well as his passion for chess and poker .

Kamath’s honorary degree from Bennett University is a recognition of his remarkable achievements and inspiring journey. Kamath, who has no formal education in finance or business, has proved that one can succeed with hard work, dedication, and self-learning. He is a role model for millions of aspiring entrepreneurs and investors in India and beyond. He is the self-made billionaire who received an honorary degree from Bennett University.