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How to Build ₹100 Crores: Gajendra Kothari’s Investing Secrets

Imagine that you start with a small investment of 10,000/month and eventually grow it to 100 crore in a period of fifteen years. This is the success of Gajendra Kothari, who is the brains behind One Idiot and the Chief Executive Officer of Etica Wealth Management. Life has proved him right, because wealth is very much within reach of those who strive to have it, and not the right of a lucky few. It stems from wise financial choices, a powerful mindset, and a profound understanding of how money works. Gajendra Kothari shares his path to financial freedom, showing how anyone can follow simple steps to grow their wealth and live life on their own terms.

The Power of the “One Idiot” Mindset

Gajendra Kothari’s journey began with a powerful idea inspired by a YouTube short film. This film featured an “idiot” who built ₹100 Crores, lived simply, and enjoyed life on his own terms. The film showed how remaining frugal and grounded helps build true wealth. This “idiot” bargained for ₹ two worth of vegetables and cooked for himself, even with great riches.

Inner Scorecard vs. Outer Scorecard

Many people believe being rich means showing off big cars and large homes. Gajendra Kothari calls this the “outer scorecard.” True wealth comes from an “inner scorecard.” This means having the confidence to:

• Walk away from bad situations.
• Work with people you admire.
• Live life exactly how you want.

A tree with the most fruit bends the lowest. In the same way, truly wealthy people often stay humble and grounded. Gajendra Kothari himself plans to own a Rolls-Royce not to show it off, but to inspire others and offer free rides. He wants people to see that if that car can encourage them, anything is possible.

Why Aim for ₹100 Crores?

Gajendra Kothari manages wealth for others. He felt he needed to “walk the talk.” To inspire people to build wealth, he had to prove he could do it himself. By aiming for and achieving ₹100 Crores through regular investing, he could demonstrate that his methods are effective. This goal became a way to live his purpose and empower others.

Building Wealth the Smart Way

Building wealth is not just about making money. It is about understanding the core principles that drive financial growth and personal satisfaction.

Solve a Problem, and Money Will Follow

Gajendra Kothari believes that simply wanting to make money is a small, shallow goal. Instead, focus on solving a genuine problem in the world. When you solve a problem, cash becomes a reward, not the main aim.

For example:

• Swiggy and Zomato solve the problem of getting food delivered to your home.
• Practo makes it easy to find and consult doctors.
• Skechers shoes solved the problem of bending down to tie laces by creating slip-on shoes. People are willing to pay more for this simple solution.

Gajendra Kothari’s work in wealth management helps people manage their finances effectively. He helps remove the worry that 95% of life’s problems are linked to money. When you solve such a big problem, the world will pay you for it.

The Power of Consistency and Compound Interest

Gajendra Kothari started his Systematic Investment Plan (SIP) with just ₹10,000 a month 15 years ago. Today, his SIP contributions have grown to ₹41,20,000 per month. This massive growth is due to the power of compounding and relentless consistency.

Think of it like hitting a large stone. The stone might break on the thousandth hit, but every single hit before that was critical. Consistency is key. You keep hitting, even when you don’t see results—eventually, the stone breaks.

Similarly, in investing, the early years might show small growth. But if you stay consistent, the growth becomes exponential, like a hockey stick. This “vertical growth” means your money starts working much harder for you over time.

The Asymmetrical Game: High Rewards, Low Risk

In life, Gajendra Kothari advises playing an asymmetrical game. This means putting in a small extra effort for much larger results.

• Symmetrical Game: 80% effort gives 80% results.
• Asymmetrical Game: 85% effort gives 100% results. 100% effort can provide 200% results.

This applies to investing as well. Equity investments, for example, are an asymmetrical game. You invest ₹100. The worst that can happen is you lose ₹100. But if that investment turns into a “Mona Lisa,” it could become ₹100,000. Over 10-20 years, even with some bad choices, a few good investments can lead to huge returns.

Steps to Financial Freedom

Building a ₹100 crore portfolio is an ambitious goal that requires discipline and advanced investment strategies. However, before you can build a skyscraper, you need a solid foundation. If you're just beginning your financial journey, it's crucial to first read our ultimate finance guide for your 20s & 30s to get the fundamentals right.

For young people looking to achieve financial freedom, Gajendra Kothari offers clear advice.

Cultivate a Strong “Why”

Before chasing money, find your strong “why.” Why do you want to do what you do? This purpose should be bigger than just earning money. It might take years to find, but it is crucial. Once your “why” is clear, the “how” and “what” will follow.

The first driving force of Gajendra Kothari was his ability to produce 100 crore. Now his driving force has changed towards changing the lives of 10 crore people. This broadened goal makes him enthusiastic and motivated.

Invest in Yourself: Skills and Mindset

Your most significant investment is always yourself. Your mind has unlimited potential.

• Build skills: The more skilled you are, the more you can earn. Gajendra Kothari charges much more for seminars today than he did years ago because he has built his skills and confidence.
• Learn constantly: Reading books and taking courses can give you infinite returns. A single idea from a ₹30 book or a ₹5,000 course can change your life. Warren Buffett credits a public speaking course for much of his success.
• Mindset is everything: If you believe you can do it, you are right. If you think you cannot, you are also right. Your thoughts are your only limiting factor.

Manage Your Risks

Before diving deep into investments, cover your basic risks:

• Term Insurance: It is insurance that protects your family in case of an unfortunate event, thus ensuring the financial stability of your family.
• Health Insurance: This forms part of the medical emergency coverage, meaning that the assets of the business or investments do not have to be liquidated to cater to a health crisis.

Start Investing Early with SIPs

Once your risks are covered, start saving and investing a portion of your income. Even ₹5,000 a month can build significant wealth over 25 years.

• Diversify: Don’t put all your savings back into your business. Take 10-20% and invest it in other companies through mutual funds.
• Long-term focus: If you invest in normal equity funds for 10-15 years, you can build substantial wealth. An index fund is a simple option if you are unsure where to start.

It is wise to work with a financial advisor. While you can manage investments yourself, a professional can help you avoid costly mistakes and potentially achieve much better results.

Job or Entrepreneurship?

There is no single path to success.

• Direct Entrepreneurship: If you have a strong idea and confidence, you can start a business directly. Be ready to fall, learn, and grow. Knowing you can always find a job if needed gives confidence.
• Job First: Working a job provides a comfort zone but can also hinder the “hustle” needed for entrepreneurship. If you are in a job, use your extra hours (evenings, weekends) for a side hustle. Build it until it can support you, then quit your job to pursue your dream project.

Gajendra Kothari believes that your highest returns will come from investing your time and energy into your own business and hard work.

The System of Investment

Gajendra Kothari’s simple, yet effective, strategy is: Earn from business, invest everything back into compounding mutual funds. This creates a “double engine compounding” effect where both his business and investments grow vertically.

Keep your investment goals clear. Whether it is for a house, retirement, or a holiday, know what you are saving for. Keep investing consistently until you reach that goal. Don’t let market ups and downs deter you.

What is a Systematic Withdrawal Plan (SWP)?

An SWP (Systematic Withdrawal Plan) is useful later in life, especially when your active income stops. For example, if you save ₹5,000 a month for 25 years and get 12% returns, you could build a ₹10 Crore corpus. From this, you can withdraw a regular monthly income, like ₹50,000 to ₹70,000, and your main investment will likely continue to grow for many years. Gajendra Kothari, however, plans to keep his active income going, so he might never need an SWP.

Wisdom for a Meaningful Life

Money and success are often considered the end goals. However, true satisfaction is based on deeper values.

The Importance of Relationships and Happiness

Gajendra Kothari underlines that at the end of life, people do not want to pursue any accolades or official honors. On the contrary, they want to spend time with their loved ones. Strong connections with family and friends are crucial. A Harvard study found that people with strong relationships lived happier, longer lives.

Gajendra Kothari defines ultimate happiness as service to humanity. He believes that helping others, especially those less fortunate, brings immense joy and meaning.

Core Pillars of a Good Life

Gajendra Kothari outlines four key pillars for a perfect life:

1. Health: This is the most important. Without good health, nothing else matters. Take care of your body before it is too late.
2. Wealth: Money solves 95% of life’s problems. It may not buy happiness, but poverty certainly does not bring it.
3. Relationships: Having people to talk to, share with, and rely on makes life rich. Strong family bonds and friendships are vital.
4. Happiness/Purpose: This is unique for everyone. For Gajendra Kothari, it is serving humanity. Finding your purpose gives life meaning beyond personal gain.

The “Mudita” Concept: Joy in Others’ Happiness

Mudita is a concept that involves feeling joy in the happiness of others. When you truly celebrate others’ success and well-being, your own happiness becomes unlimited because there are billions of people to share joy with.

Gajendra Kothari believes that if your name can bring a smile to someone’s face, even when you are not there, you have lived a perfect life.

Key Principles for Success

• Love Your Work: Do what you are passionate about. This helps you work longer and harder without feeling drained.
• Attention: The world today is rife with distractions, and it is wise to keep the focus on one thought or goal. Do not constantly change, do not seek new, seductive things.
• Be Prepared: A well-prepared mind has a way of picking up opportunities. It is always better to constantly learn and build on your skills in case an opportunity comes, and you will be in a position to utilize it.
• SlowDown To Success: Don’t seek a shortcut or fame. Gradual, continuous growth allows the lessons to be assimilated, the firm base to be built, and the absolute pleasure of success to be enjoyed. More pressure and complications often arise from rapid success.
• Be Kind and Mindful: Be a good person. Be kind and considerate to others. Always think about whether your actions cause harm. When you focus on being a good person, other good things tend to follow.
• Delegate and Leverage Time: Understand the value of your time. In case another party can do a task at a cheaper cost and with the same competence, delegate it. Use your knowledge and money to regain more time and focus on those things you are capable of doing yourself.

It is with the help of such principles that you can not only become a wealthy individual but also live a purposeful, relationship-filled, and happy life. This path is not always smooth sailing,, and the outcome is inexplicable.