Nikhil Kamath Envisions a New Media Landscape at NDTV Summit 2026
Zerodha co-founder Nikhil Kamath shares his ambitions for a unique media venture, diverging from traditional news models.
Nikhil Kamath expresses interest in creating a new form of social media.
He draws parallels between India's potential media evolution and China's established platforms.
Zerodha, co-founded by Kamath, has become India's largest stock broker with over 18 million clients.
At the NDTV World Summit 2026, Nikhil Kamath, co-founder of the stock trading platform Zerodha, revealed his aspirations to enter the media sector. In a discussion with NDTV's Editor-in-Chief Rahul Kanwal, Kamath articulated his vision for a media venture that diverges from conventional news reporting, suggesting a focus on social media instead.
Kamath's interest in the media space stems from a desire to innovate rather than replicate existing models. He emphasized the fragmentation of today's global landscape, contrasting it with the more globalized world he grew up in. Drawing inspiration from China's media ecosystem, he suggested that India could benefit from developing its own version of social media and other platforms, akin to China's adaptations of Western concepts.
During the summit, Kamath stated, "With media we do have aspirations but I don't think it's covering the news kind of media. I think the aspiration is to build social media, a new version of it." He indicated that his team has been experimenting with various applications to realize this vision. This ambition reflects a broader trend where nations are increasingly looking to create localized versions of global platforms.
The potential for a homegrown social media platform is not without challenges. Kamath referenced the short-lived 'Koo' app, which had a peak of 2.1 million daily active users before its closure in July 2024. Despite its initial success, the app struggled to maintain momentum, highlighting the difficulties of establishing a sustainable social media presence in India.
Looking ahead, Kamath's plans for a new media venture could significantly impact India's digital landscape. As the country continues to embrace technology and innovation, the success of such a platform could pave the way for a new era of Indian media that resonates both domestically and internationally. The coming years will be crucial as Kamath and his team work towards realizing this vision, potentially reshaping how media is consumed in India.
