“We’re in it for the long haul…”: Zerodha’s Nithin Kamath reveals where he’s making his boldest bets

Zerodha founder Nithin Kamath is making bold bets on the megatrends that will shape the future: climate technology, healthcare and sustainability. Through Rainmatter, Kamath has backed 47 startups in the last year, focusing on long-term impact over short-term returns.

“We are not a typical VC,” Kamath wrote on X. “What is the use of money if the planet we live on is destroyed and our health is ruined?”

Rainmatter is focused on sectors such as climate technology, fintech, health and storytelling. With no exit mandates or board seat requirements, the fund provides capital for patients.

It extends support beyond funding through mentoring, industry networks, financial APIs and infrastructure to help validate business models.

Kamath shared a post showing weather technology leading Rainmatter’s portfolio with ₹120 crore invested in 15 deals, reflecting its dominance in the fund’s strategy.

Healthcare follows closely with 16 investments, albeit at lower ticket sizes, while fintech secures ₹70 crore across eight deals, boasting the highest average deal size at ₹8.75 crore per investment.

Storytelling and other experiential bets round out the portfolio with four deals each, emphasizing Rainmatter’s balanced approach to high-impact and exploration sectors.

One of Kamath’s key investments is Akshayakalpa, a venture that transforms rural farming practices by helping farmers adopt organic methods. “They go to villages, work with farmers, and introduce sustainable practices such as beekeeping and organic farming. It is inspiring to see how this transforms incomes and influences neighboring communities,” he had written in a previous post.

Another example is Two Brothers Organic Farms, which emphasizes holistic farming techniques. These investments reflect Kamath’s belief that food production and environmental impact will face increasing scrutiny. “At some point, everyone starts to question what goes on behind the food on their table – pesticides, herbicides – especially after moments like COVID,” he added.

Beyond investments, the Rainmatter Foundation supports broader climate and sustainability efforts. Kamath is pragmatic about timings but confident about direction. “Will it be in five or ten years? You don’t know. But the bet on these fundamental truths makes sense.”