WTFund Nikhil Kamath: Zerodha co-founder Nikhil Kamath launched WTFund with ₹100 crore to support young entrepreneurs under 25. Read how this fund will impact Indian startups.
Zerodha’s co-founder Nikhil Kamath has launched a brand-new initiative — WTFund (What The Fund) — aimed at giving a strong push to the dreams of India’s young entrepreneurs. With a massive ₹100 crore backing, this fund is designed for founders under 25, who are ready to build India’s next big startup story.
What is WTFund?
WTFund stands for “What The Fund”, an early-stage investment fund launched by Nikhil Kamath, co-founder of Zerodha and True Beacon. This fund is backed by a ₹100 crore commitment and will focus on:
Founders aged below 25.
Early-stage startups across all sectors.
Visionary and impact-driven ideas.
The aim? To empower young innovators with not just capital, but guidance and mentorship.
Kamath himself said that this is his way of “paying it forward” by enabling the next generation of changemakers.
Also Read – 10,000 Crypto Investment.
Who Can Apply for WTFund?
If you’re a young Indian founder under 25 years of age, you can apply. WTFund isn’t restricted to any particular stream or educational background. Whether you’re a college dropout or a recent graduate, what matters is your idea, intent, and execution potential.
You must:
- Be below 25 years old.
- Have a startup idea or early-stage product.
- Be ready to scale and build in India.
This opens the door wide for India’s Gen Z entrepreneurs, who often struggle to find funding at an early stage.
Why is WTFund a Big Deal for India?
India has always had brilliant young minds, but lack of access to capital and mentorship often stops them from turning ideas into businesses. WTFund is a big step to change this narrative.
Here’s why it’s important: (WTFund Nikhil Kamath)
Early-stage funding is rare in India, especially for young founders.
Venture capital firms usually bet on experienced entrepreneurs.
Most 20-something founders are often told to “wait for experience.”
But now, with WTFund, youth becomes the strength, not the weakness.
What Makes WTFund Different from Other Startup Funds?
While many startup funds in India target growth-stage companies, WTFund is different in a few key ways:
| WTFund Features | Traditional VC Funds |
| Age cap | Below 25 No specific age target |
| Early-stage investments | Often late-stage focused |
| Mentorship-driven | Mostly financial investments |
| Pan-India open call | Often network-based entries |
Nikhil Kamath is bringing his real-world experience, not just money.
Sectors and Startups WTFund is Looking to Support
Kamath has made it clear — he’s open to all ideas, as long as they’re bold and purposeful.
Some of the key sectors WTFund is interested in: (WTFund Nikhil Kamath)
- Fintech
- EdTech
- Sustainability
- HealthTech
- Agritech
- AI & Automation
But don’t limit yourself. Even if your startup doesn’t fit in a traditional category, pitch it anyway.
How Will WTFund Support Founders Apart from Money?
WTFund is not just about writing a cheque.
Here’s what selected founders can expect:
Hands-on mentorship from Kamath and industry experts.
Operational guidance for scaling businesses.
Access to networks in the startup and investor ecosystem.
Media and PR support to build brand value
For any founder under 25, this is an unmatched opportunity.
Nikhil Kamath’s Vision for Indian Startups
Kamath strongly believes that India’s future lies in its youth. In several interviews, he’s expressed concern over how bright young minds are pushed into traditional jobs, without ever getting a chance to build something of their own.
WTFund is his way of challenging this pattern.
He says:
“The world is getting younger, faster. We need to empower our youngest builders, not slow them down.”
His goal is to enable more Indian founders at 20 to do what most people start at 40.
FAQs on WTFund Nikhil Kamath
Q1. Who is eligible for WTFund?
Anyone in India who is below 25 years of age and has a startup idea or early-stage product.
Q2. How much funding can one get?
WTFund hasn’t disclosed fixed ticket sizes but expects early-stage cheques based on the startup’s potential.
Q3. Is there any application deadline?
As of now, the application window is open, but founders are encouraged to apply early.
Q4. Will the fund only provide money?
No, the fund also provides mentorship, strategic help, network access, and long-term support.
Q5. How can one apply?
You can apply via the official WTFund website or follow Nikhil Kamath’s updates on X (Twitter) for more details.
How This Move Can Shape India’s Startup Culture
India’s startup scene has seen massive growth in the last decade. But even today, young founders struggle with validation and visibility.
WTFund changes that.
With more such initiatives, India can truly become a startup hub, not just for IIT or IIM grads, but for every dreamer from every small town.
Final Thoughts – A New Era Begins with WTFund
WTFund is more than a fund. It’s a movement — to believe in young Indians, to fund them early, to let them build freely. This ₹100 crore bet by Nikhil Kamath is not just on startups — it’s a bet on India’s youth, innovation, and ambition.
If you’re under 25 and have an idea — now is the time.
[…] Also Read – Nikhil Kamath’s WTFund. […]