The global boom in technology and artificial intelligence has pushed the number of self-made billionaires aged 39 or younger back to record levels, matching the peak last seen in 2021. According to Forbes’ latest data as of December 2025, there are now 71 self-made billionaires under 40 worldwide, with Indians and Indian-origin founders featuring prominently among the top 40.
Among them are Ankur Jain, Nikhil Kamath, and two 22-year-old AI entrepreneurs, highlighting how fintech, rewards platforms and artificial intelligence are driving new-age wealth creation linked to India and its diaspora.
Ankur Jain tops Indian-origin names, Kamath anchors India-based wealth
At the top of the Indian-origin group 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 chief executive officer of Bilt Rewards, a New York–based rewards startup launched in 2019 that allows renters to earn points on rent payments. Private investors valued Bilt at $10.8 billion in July. Jain had earlier cofounded contact management app Humin, which was sold to Tinder in 2016.
Close behind is Nikhil Kamath, ranked 20th with a net worth of $3.3 billion, making him the only India-based entrepreneur in the global top 40 under-40 list. Kamath cofounded Bengaluru-based discount brokerage Zerodha in 2010 with his elder brother Nithin Kamath. Zerodha has grown into one of India’s largest stockbroking platforms, and Forbes estimates the privately held firm’s valuation at nearly $8 billion. Nikhil Kamath serves as chief financial officer, while Nithin Kamath is chief executive officer.
Mercor founders signal AI’s growing role in billionaire wealth
Rounding out the Indian-origin representation are Surya Midha and Adarsh Hiremath, both ranked 27th globally with estimated net worths of $2.2 billion each. The two are cofounders of San Francisco–based AI recruiting startup Mercor, alongside Brendan Foody.
Founded in 2023, Mercor helps major artificial intelligence labs recruit talent and train models. The company was valued at $10 billion in October, instantly making the trio the youngest self-made billionaires in the world at age 22. Midha serves as chairman of the company, while Hiremath is its chief technology officer. Both were named Thiel Fellows in 2024.