The global technology and artificial intelligence boom has catapulted a new generation of young entrepreneurs into unprecedented wealth—and India has emerged as a major winner.
According to Forbes’ December 2025 data, the world now has 71 self-made billionaires aged 40 or below, the highest number ever recorded. Among them, four Indian and Indian-origin tech founders have secured places in the elite Forbes Under-40 Billionaires list, highlighting India’s growing influence in global technology and innovation.
Ankur Jain Leads Indian-Origin Billionaires
Topping the list among Indian-origin founders is Ankur Jain, ranked 19th globally with an estimated net worth of $3.4 billion. Based in the United States, Jain is the Founder and CEO of Bilt Rewards, a New York-based fintech startup launched in 2019. The platform allows renters to earn reward points on rent payments—a concept that disrupted the traditional rewards ecosystem.
Private investors valued Bilt at $10.8 billion in July 2025. Before Bilt, Jain co-founded the contact management app Humin, which was acquired by Tinder in 2016.
Nikhil Kamath: India’s Only Home-Grown Name in Global Top 40
Close behind is Nikhil Kamath, ranked 20th worldwide with a net worth of $3.3 billion. He stands out as the only India-based entrepreneur in the global Top-40 Under-40 list.
Kamath co-founded Zerodha, India’s largest discount brokerage, in 2010 along with his brother Nithin Kamath. Zerodha is currently valued at nearly $8 billion, according to Forbes. While Nithin serves as CEO, Nikhil holds the role of Chief Financial Officer (CFO).
22-Year-Old AI Founders Rewrite Global Records
The list also features Surya Midha and Adarsh Hiremath, both just 22 years old, making them the world’s youngest self-made billionaires. Each holds an estimated net worth of $2.2 billion, ranking 27th globally.
The duo are co-founders of Mercor, a San Francisco-based AI recruitment startup launched in 2023, alongside Brendan Foody. Mercor helps leading AI labs recruit top talent and train advanced AI models. In October 2025, the company was valued at $10 billion, cementing its founders’ place in global tech history.
India’s Rising Power in the Global Tech Economy
From fintech and stock trading to artificial intelligence, Indian founders are shaping the future of global innovation. Their presence on the Forbes Under-40 list reflects India’s expanding role in the world’s tech economy, driven by entrepreneurship, disruptive ideas, and a rapidly evolving startup ecosystem.
