First Rule of Business: Sell What People Need, Not What You Like— Nikhil Kamath, Co-Founder of ZerodhaIn the world of entrepreneurship, great ideas are abundant but what separates successful ventures from the rest isn’t passion alone, it’s product–market fit. This truth was encapsulated in a simple yet powerful statement attributed to Zerodha co-founder Nikhil Kamath: “First rule of business: Sell what people need, not what you like.” Understanding the PhilosophyAt its core, Kamath’s observation challenges founders to look beyond personal preferences and biases. Many entrepreneurs fall in love with their product or vision — whether it solves an actual problem or not. But customers, the ultimate arbiters of value reward solutions that address genuine needs. As one interpretation of Kamath’s quote puts it: the market doesn’t care what you like; it pays for what it needs. This isn’t merely philosophical. In practice, aligning offerings with customer needs drives real adoption, revenue growth, and sustainable business models.How Zerodha Lived This RuleZerodha’s journey itself is a case study in this principle. When Kamath and his brother Nithin Kamath launched the company in 2010, India’s brokerage landscape was dominated by high commissions and complex trading processes. Ordinary retail investors struggled with accessibility and… Read MoreYourStory RSS Feed
