Nikhil Kamath has announced the launch of WTFund, an initiative aimed at empowering young entrepreneurs aged 25 and under. This new fund, by the co-founder of Zerodha, one of India’s leading financial technology companies, stands for “Wealth, Talent, and Future,” and is designed to provide crucial support and resources to budding innovators without requiring them to dilute their stake.
With an initial grant of Rs 20 lakh, WTFund aims to fuel the dreams and ambitions of young entrepreneurs across various sectors. The fund is entirely non-dilutive, meaning that recipients can access the financial support without giving up ownership or equity in their ventures.
In addition to the monetary grant, WTFund offers a comprehensive support system tailored to the needs of young founders. This includes access to operator-first mentorship pods, a dedicated go-to-market (GTM) studio, beta testing and feedback opportunities, as well as avenues for talent acquisition through internships, fractional CXO database access, and moonlighting opportunities.
Commenting on the launch of WTFund, Nikhil Kamath expressed his vision for fostering a new era of entrepreneurship in India. He remarked, “The India of my childhood differs markedly from the country we see today. Back then, the emphasis was on securing stable employment rather than pursuing entrepreneurship and embracing risk. Today, young founders tend to create the most impact within entrepreneurship.”
WTFund to foster innovation
Kamath further elaborated on the objectives of WTFund, stating, “At WTF, our goal is to cultivate a culture that encourages young entrepreneurs to embrace risk by providing a comprehensive support system.” He emphasized the importance of nurturing and empowering the next generation of business leaders to drive innovation and economic growth.
WTFund will follow a stringent screening process to select deserving candidates, who will then receive personalized support until they secure their first institutional funding. This commitment reflects the fund’s dedication to nurturing long-term success and sustainability among its beneficiaries.
Notably, Nikhil Kamath is also known for hosting the popular podcast “WTF is,” where he engages with leading business figures to explore various topics ranging from building successful brands to addressing climate change challenges.
The launch of WTFund marks a significant milestone in India’s startup ecosystem, offering a ray of hope and opportunity for aspiring young entrepreneurs to turn their visions into reality. With its non-dilutive approach and comprehensive support structure, WTFund aims to redefine the landscape of youth entrepreneurship in India and inspire a new generation of changemakers.
WTFund, spearheaded by Nikhil Kamath, promises to be a game-changer for young entrepreneurs in India, offering not just financial assistance but also invaluable mentorship and resources to fuel their journey towards success. As the startup ecosystem continues to evolve, initiatives like WTFund are poised to catalyze innovation and drive economic progress in the country.
