Karnataka, especially Bengaluru, is the hub of India’s technology and startup ecosystem. It’s no surprise that the state is home to several of the country’s wealthiest entrepreneurs and business magnates. The richest people in Karnataka are leaders in sectors like software, biotechnology, infrastructure, e-commerce, and real estate.
Below is the updated list of the top 10 wealthiest individuals in Karnataka as of 2025:
1. Azim Premji – ₹190,000 Crore
Industry: Information Technology (Wipro)
City: Bengaluru
Founder of Wipro, Azim Premji remains one of India’s most respected philanthropists and business leaders. Though he has retired, his wealth through Wipro and investments keeps him at the top in Karnataka.
2. Nithin Kamath – ₹26,000 Crore
Industry: Financial Technology (Zerodha)
City: Bengaluru
Co-founder of India’s largest stock brokerage platform Zerodha, Nithin Kamath revolutionized online trading with a tech-first, low-cost model, amassing rapid wealth.
3. Nikhil Kamath – ₹24,000 Crore
Industry: Financial Technology (Zerodha, True Beacon)
City: Bengaluru
Younger brother to Nithin, Nikhil is co-founder of Zerodha and heads asset management firm True Beacon. Known for his sharp investing strategies, he’s among India’s youngest billionaires.
4. Kiran Mazumdar-Shaw – ₹19,000 Crore
Industry: Biotechnology (Biocon)
City: Bengaluru
Founder of Biocon, Shaw is India’s most prominent biotech entrepreneur. Her business acumen has positioned Biocon as a global player in pharmaceutical innovation.
5. Rajiv Singh – ₹15,000 Crore
Industry: Real Estate (DLF South India)
City: Bengaluru
Though DLF’s roots are in North India, Rajiv Singh’s southern portfolio in Bengaluru’s IT corridor has generated significant wealth in Karnataka’s booming property market.
6. V.G. Siddhartha Family – ₹12,000 Crore
Industry: Coffee, Hospitality (Café Coffee Day)
City: Chikkamagaluru / Bengaluru
Despite setbacks, the family of the late V.G. Siddhartha still holds valuable assets in coffee plantations, logistics, and real estate across Karnataka.
7. Byju Raveendran – ₹11,500 Crore
Industry: EdTech (BYJU’S)
City: Bengaluru
Despite recent business challenges, the founder of BYJU’S remains one of the richest individuals in Karnataka due to early valuations and acquisitions in the global edtech sector.
8. Kris Gopalakrishnan – ₹10,000 Crore
Industry: Information Technology (Infosys)
City: Bengaluru
A co-founder of Infosys, Gopalakrishnan continues to build wealth through tech investments, startups, and foundations supporting AI and brain research.
9. T.V. Mohandas Pai – ₹8,000 Crore
Industry: IT, Investment (Aarin Capital, ex-Infosys)
City: Bengaluru
Former CFO of Infosys and now a prolific investor, Pai holds stakes in education, fintech, healthcare, and government advisory roles.
10. Narayana Murthy – ₹7,800 Crore
Industry: Information Technology (Infosys)
City: Bengaluru
Co-founder of Infosys, Narayana Murthy’s influence in corporate governance and Indian IT is legendary. His wealth is rooted in long-term Infosys shareholding.
📊 Wealth Trends in Karnataka (2025)
- Tech and fintech dominate the wealth ladder, driven by Bengaluru’s global reputation as India’s Silicon Valley.
- Second-generation investors and founders like the Kamath brothers are redefining Karnataka’s startup landscape.
- Real estate and biotech remain key sources of stable wealth.
- Legacy entrepreneurs from Infosys and Wipro still influence the state’s economy and philanthropy.
📝 Final Thoughts
The richest people in Karnataka showcase the transformative power of technology, investment innovation, and homegrown entrepreneurship. As Bengaluru continues to scale globally, new names will emerge in future lists. Yet, the foundations laid by the state’s tech giants, educational pioneers, and financial visionaries will continue shaping its identity as India’s most dynamic business state.
