Today, in a landmark move that promises to reshape India’s consumer tech landscape, Zerodha co-founder Nikhil Kamath has just invested a staggering $21 million in Nothing, the trailblazing smartphone firm helmed by Carl Pei. Announced mere hours ago, this investment not only signals powerful confidence in Nothing’s next-gen vision but also galvanizes hopes for India’s rapid rise as a global innovation hub.
Why Nikhil Kamath Bet Big on Nothing—Right Now
Nikhil Kamath’s $21M investment in Nothing is more than just a financial move—it’s a profoundly strategic endorsement. Speaking just now on X (formerly Twitter), Kamath confirmed: “Thrilled to back a brand shaping the future of consumer tech.” Nothing’s mission resonates in Kamath’s decision, with the company’s unique blend of striking design, affordability, and AI-enabled hardware positioning it as a disruptor in a $500 billion global market.money.rediff+2
Notably, Kamath lauded Nothing’s bold growth stats. The brand clocked an eye-popping 577% year-on-year growth in India by 2024 and, by Q2 2025, held the title of India’s fastest-scaling smartphone brand for six straight quarters—a meteoric rise that has left established giants trailing.businesstoday+1
A New Era: India’s Tech Prowess Takes Center Stage
This funding arrives as Nothing closes a $200M Series C round at a $1.3B valuation, with backing from heavyweights such as Tiger Global, Qualcomm Ventures, and Google Ventures. Kamath’s presence in this investor league signals India’s growing influence on the world tech map.timesofindia.indiatimes+2
Carl Pei, Nothing’s founder and former OnePlus co-founder, emphasized the significance, saying Kamath “represents a new generation of Indian entrepreneurs who think long-term, move fast, and aim for global impact.” Pei underlined that India’s massive youth population—over 650 million under 30—has become crucial for brands seeking next-gen relevance and loyalty.timesofindia.indiatimes+2
Inside Nothing’s Game Plan: The AI-Driven Smartphone Revolution
Nothing’s fresh capital is earmarked to accelerate the development of their consumer AI technology and strengthen domestic manufacturing. Their ambitious roadmap includes building an AI-native device ecosystem, ensuring phones know their user deeply enough to handle day-to-day complexities—freeing people to focus on what truly matters.moneycontrol+2
Recently, Nothing entered a $100 million joint venture with Optiemus to manufacture its CMF devices in India. The intent? To make CMF India’s first truly global smartphone brand and strengthen the country’s position as a technology manufacturing powerhouse.money.rediff+2
What Sets Kamath’s Investment Apart: Vision, Timing, and Trust
Kamath’s decision was no impulse. He cited several core reasons:
- Design edge: Devices stand out visually, grabbing consumer attention.
- Affordable premium: Combines aspirational looks with accessible pricing.
- Founder’s vision: Carl Pei’s proven record for innovation and ecosystem-building.
- India-first strategy: Aligns with Kamath’s personal vision of “India 2.0” and leveraging youth-led digital adoption.
- Long-term moats: Belief in backing founders who can build lasting differentiation in a market where most devices look and feel similar.timesofindia.indiatimes
The Ripple Effect: Why This Matters to Indian Startups and Consumers
Kamath’s $21M investment is far more than a headline—it signals a major shift in Indian entrepreneurship and consumer technology. By supporting a design-centric, AI-powered brand with Indian manufacturing at its core, Kamath hopes to inspire other startups to take big bets and foster global ambitions from Indian soil.
Carl Pei summed up the moment: “Having Nikhil join us will only accelerate our momentum. India has been central to Nothing’s journey from day one.”businesstoday+1
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Key Takeaways: $21M Investment by Zerodha’s Nikhil Kamath in Nothing Smartphone
- Nikhil Kamath invests $21M in Nothing’s $200M Series C, raising its valuation to $1.3B
- Funding aims to boost AI tech, product innovation, and local manufacturing in India
- Nothing posted a 577% YoY growth, outselling rivals for six consecutive quarters
- New $100M manufacturing joint venture set up with Optiemus for CMF device production in India
- Kamath’s backing marks a turning point for India-first innovation in global consumer techtimesofindia.indiatimes+3
About the Author
Rajat Dutta
Senior Tech & Business Correspondent
Rajat brings over 12 years of newsroom experience in reporting on India’s booming startup ecosystem, innovative funding rounds, and consumer technology. Known for sharp analysis and on-the-ground coverage of game-changing investments, Rajat helps readers connect the dots in the fast-evolving digital world.
