From Cold Email to Startup Spark: How One Reply Changed Everything
Imagine sending your first cold email to one of India's biggest business leaders. Your heart pounds in your throat as you hit send. Most times, such emails vanish into the void without a reply. But what happens when a simple, quick response arrives? It can change everything.
Nikhil Kamath's Exceptional Habit of Responding Quickly
In a sea of busy founders who rarely check their inboxes, Nikhil Kamath stands out. The Zerodha founder maintains a rare habit of responding quickly to emails. This openness is not just a polite gesture. It serves as genuine motivation for dreamers and first-time entrepreneurs across India.
Recently, an entrepreneur posted on social media appreciating Kamath. He shared how a single hour's reply in 2020 kept him going through multiple failures and business pivots. That persistence eventually led to real success today.
The 2020 Email That Lit a Fire
Back in August 2020, Manoj Ahirwar took a bold step. The hopeful entrepreneur, originally from India and now based in Singapore, launched his startup MoneyFit. He decided to email Nithin Kamath directly.
To his complete shock, the Zerodha CEO replied in just one hour. Ahirwar shared the full story on social media, posting a screenshot of their exchange dated August 30, 2020.
The email subject line read simply: "I'm Manoj from India. Launched my Startup MoneyFit.io." Ahirwar sent his message at 9:03 pm. Kamath responded at 10:12 pm, tagging his team to review the startup.
This quick reply did not lead to investment from Zerodha. However, it lit an important fire within Ahirwar. He later wrote about the experience: "While I didn't end up getting investment from Zerodha, it was incredible to see how accessible he was. You could just reach out directly to the founder."
Instead of feeling rejected, Ahirwar gained momentum to keep building. That single response transformed his perspective completely.
The Entrepreneur's Rocky Journey to Success
Ahirwar's path was far from smooth. He graduated with a B.Tech from the National Institute of Technology, Karnataka. Before MoneyFit, he tried launching two other startups. Both ventures eventually shut down.
He then worked regular jobs in Bengaluru for several years. MoneyFit launched in 2020 but closed operations in 2022. Undeterred by these setbacks, Ahirwar started his current company in 2023.
That company now generates over $200,000 in annual revenue. Reflecting on his 2020 email to Kamath, Ahirwar noted: "When I look back, I realise that my startup MoneyFit wasn't ready for investment, but I'm glad I tried anyway."
He directly credits that 2020 moment for his persistence. Ahirwar explained: "I reached out to Nithin Kamath back in 2020 when I launched my startup MoneyFit. I didn't expect a reply, but he responded within an hour."
Why Such Responses Matter for Indian Entrepreneurs
Kamath's responsive style sets Zerodha apart in India's business landscape. As founder of a firm handling billions in daily trades, his openness inspires countless first-timers.
Ahirwar's success story demonstrates something powerful. Five years after that initial email, his company reaches significant revenue milestones. This shows how one thoughtful reply can sustain an entrepreneur's grit through multiple failures.
Such responses from established founders provide true motivation. They remind aspiring business leaders that accessibility matters. In India's competitive startup ecosystem, these small gestures often make the biggest difference.
The lesson here is clear for Indian entrepreneurs. Sometimes, reaching out directly yields unexpected rewards. Even when investment doesn't follow, the validation and encouragement can fuel years of determined work.
