How a midnight email became India's most inspiring startup story

A late-night email in 2020 between two entrepreneurs has become a well-known story in India's startup scene. Manoj Ahirwar, then launching his fintech venture MoneyFit, reached out to Nithin Kamath, the founder of Zerodha. What followed was a brief but impactful exchange that many now see as a lesson in persistence and mentorship.

Manoj Ahirwar sent his message to Nithin Kamath after midnight, shortly after starting MoneyFit. Within an hour, Kamath replied and shared the pitch with his team at Zerodha. For Ahirwar, receiving a personal response from the founder of India's largest retail stockbroker—a company with over 15 million users by 2026—was unexpected and encouraging.

The interaction did not result in funding, but Ahirwar later shared the story online. His post went viral, drawing praise for his determination and Kamath's approachable response. Many in the startup community noted how small gestures from established founders can influence newcomers.

MoneyFit did not grow as planned, but Ahirwar did not give up. He went on to launch another company, which has since earned over $200,000 in revenue. He often credits his progress to persistence rather than chasing quick success.

Zerodha, founded in 2010, had grown without external funding by offering low-cost brokerage services. By 2026, it held 20-25% of India's active trading accounts while remaining profitable. Kamath's own journey—from startup struggles to industry leadership—made his response to Ahirwar all the more meaningful.

The exchange between the two founders remains a talked-about moment in India's startup world. While no investment came from it, Ahirwar's story highlights how brief but genuine interactions can leave a lasting mark. His current venture's revenue growth shows how early encouragement can shape long-term outcomes.