In a fast-paced, ever-evolving world, one 38-year-old self-made billionaire believes that success lies in keeping an eye on the habits and interests of the younger generation. Nikhil Kamath, co-founder of Zerodha and Gruhas, has an unconventional piece of advice for aspiring entrepreneurs: “Pay attention to what the kids are doing.”
This perspective isn’t just a motivational soundbite. It’s a strategy that Kamath has embraced throughout his journey, which has taken him from high school dropout to one of India’s most influential billionaires. Here’s how his advice aligns with emerging trends, youth culture, and business success.
Youth as Trendsetters in Culture and Technology
“Don’t go to the previous generation to figure out what you should be doing 20 years from now,” Kamath explained during a conversation with LinkedIn CEO Ryan Roslansky on “The Path” video series. Instead, he urges entrepreneurs to observe the behaviors and desires of young people.
Kamath elaborates that today’s youth define culture and set trends that ripple across industries. This insight isn’t mere speculation—data backs it up.
According to Pew Research Center’s 2024 study, nearly 50% of teens are online “almost constantly.” Platforms like YouTube, TikTok, Instagram, and Snapchat dominate their digital habits, setting global trends in fashion, dance, and lifestyle content.
Why Youth Insights Matter for Business
As the driving force behind cultural and consumer trends, younger generations possess unique insights. For instance, Gen Alpha (born between 2010 and 2024) is expected to wield a staggering $1.7 trillion in direct spending power by 2029. Their overall economic impact is projected to exceed $5.46 trillion, according to research by McCrindle.
Economic Influence of Gen Alpha (Table)
| Metric | Gen Alpha Projections (2029) |
|---|---|
| Direct Spending Power | $1.7 Trillion |
| Economic Footprint | $5.46 Trillion |
These numbers highlight the immense value of aligning business strategies with the aspirations and behaviors of this demographic.
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Kamath’s Entrepreneurial Journey: Lessons from Youthful Curiosity
Kamath’s entrepreneurial instincts emerged early. As a ninth-grader, he bought and resold cell phones to classmates, foreshadowing his knack for understanding market demand. Later, he taught himself stock trading while working at a call center, eventually founding Zerodha in 2010 with his brother.
Zerodha has since grown to over 10 million users, cementing its place as one of India’s largest trading platforms. Today, Kamath’s net worth exceeds $3 billion, per Forbes.
In 2021, Kamath co-founded Gruhas, a venture capital firm focusing on emerging industries like artificial intelligence and cleantech—fields deeply influenced by younger generations’ environmental and technological priorities.
Why Listening to Older Generations Has Limits
While older generations offer valuable wisdom and experience, their insights often lack relevance for younger consumers. “A lot of advice you might get from someone who’s 50 or 60 may be out of touch with the needs and wants of your audience,” Kamath said.
Examples of innovation sparked by youth inspiration include:
- Mark Zuckerberg: Inspired by college social habits, he created Facebook in 2004.
- Ben Silbermann: Pinterest stemmed from his childhood passion for collecting.
Youth Perspectives in Business Strategy
Understanding the youth mindset isn’t limited to tech founders. Entrepreneurs can draw inspiration from:
- Observing social media habits for marketing strategies.
- Exploring emerging subcultures for product ideas.
- Engaging young consumers directly through surveys or focus groups.
Actionable Tip:
Businesses should embrace younger team members in brainstorming sessions or innovation labs, as they are likely more attuned to emerging trends.
Also read: Dubai Billionaire Finds the Secret to Health, Youth, and Age Reversal
Nikhil Kamath Net Worth
As of 2025, Nikhil Kamath’s net worth is estimated at $3 billion, according to Forbes. This wealth stems primarily from his co-founding of Zerodha, India’s largest online brokerage platform, with over 10 million users. Kamath also expanded his portfolio through Gruhas, a venture capital firm he co-founded in 2021, focusing on industries like AI and cleantech. His journey from a high school dropout to a billionaire entrepreneur reflects his sharp business acumen and innovative approach to investing.
Conclusion: Look Younger for Inspiration, Not Older
Kamath’s message is clear: The key to long-term success lies in forward-thinking and aligning with the desires of future consumers.
As he put it, “Every organization, every brand, every product is just one generation away from extinction.” If you want to ensure your business thrives in the next decade, start by asking the younger generation—because they are the architects of the future.
