Long before Zerodha became a titan of the Indian stock market, Nithin Kamath relied on creative—and somewhat deceptive—tactics to gain traction. In a recent reflection, Kamath admitted to posing under the pseudonym "Sachin" during a media interview in his company's nascent stages.
As a 15-year-old entrepreneur, Kamath felt the need to project a more professional image to build trust with potential clients. He went as far as faking a sophisticated accent while speaking to a journalist, a gamble that ultimately paid off with a significant uptick in account openings.
Looking back at the evolution of corporate communication, Kamath noted the stark contrast between the traditional media landscape of the past and the digital-first approach he prefers today. He observed that while early media appearances were vital for legitimacy, social media has since overtaken conventional channels in influence.
The anecdote serves as a reminder of the scrappy beginnings behind some of the world's largest financial institutions. For Kamath, the move from "Sachin" to his authentic voice marks the transition of a startup finding its identity in a competitive market.
