“We’re not a typical VC”: Nithin Kamath says Rainmatter isn’t chasing quick exits as it invests ₹1,500 crore in 160+ startups

“Rainmatter started in 2016, with a few of us doubling up on our day jobs and trying to help startups that were trying to expand India’s capital markets ecosystem,” he wrote.

Nearly a decade later, the initiative has grown significantly beyond its original scope.

“Nine years later, it has grown into something far bigger than we ever imagined,” Kamath noted.

According to Kamath, Rainmatter has so far invested over ₹1,500 crore across more than 160 startups, spanning sectors such as fintech, climate, health, media, and deep technology.

The initiative is also closely tied to Zerodha’s broader philosophy of reinvestment and social impact.

“We’ve also earmarked 10% of everything Zerodha earns to invest in startups, and another 10% for the social sector through the Rainmatter,” he shared.

How is the Zerodha-backed initiative making a difference in India’s startup space?

What sets Rainmatter apart, Kamath emphasised, is its distinct investment philosophy.

“We’re not a typical VC. We don’t take board seats, and we’re not in this for quick exits,” he wrote, adding that the firm avoids pushing founders toward short-term financial goals. “We’re not interested in forcing founders into short-term decisions just so we can make money in five or six years.”

Kamath disclosed the challenges of building sustainable businesses, cautioning against the pressures often exerted by traditional venture capital models.

“The simple reality is that building a good business is hard… That kind of pressure usually leads to shortcuts. And shortcuts, more often than not, come at the consumer’s expense,” he said.

Instead, Rainmatter’s strategy centres on patience and long-term value creation.

“Our approach has been simple: be patient, back founders for the long term, and help them build the business the right way,” Kamath stated, adding, “That, more than anything else, is the heart of Rainmatter.”

Rainmatter started in 2016, with a few of us doubling up on our day jobs and trying to help startups that were trying to expand India’s capital markets ecosystem. Nine years later, it has grown into something far bigger than we ever imagined.

So far, we’ve invested over ₹1,500… pic.twitter.com/dbfVPym3j9

— Nithin Kamath (@Nithin0dha) April 10, 2026

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