Zerodha co-founder and prominent investor Nikhil Kamath has taken a strategic stake in One Hand Clap Media, a Mumbai-based creative agency founded by former AIB leaders Aakash Shah and Naveed Manakkodan. The financial details remain confidential.
A Fresh Backing for Bold Storytelling
One Hand Clap, founded in 2019, has built a reputation for crafting bold, fast-paced digital campaigns. Its team specialises in producing ad films, handling influencer-led strategies, and managing end-to-end digital content mandates.
The agency has partnered with high-profile brands, including Swiggy, Netflix India, CRED, BGMI, Bumble, EMotorad, Ather, and Prime Video India. It has grown rapidly to a team of around 85 professionals, with digital agility at its core.
What Drew Kamath In
Tech and business leaders often focus on scalable fintech or software plays. In contrast, Kamath’s investment highlights creative storytelling as a growing and scalable frontier. He believes the future lies in agencies that are culture-first, speed-focused, and digital-native.
Co-founder Aakash Shah observed, “Nikhil gets our DNA… We aim to disrupt the status quo.” Naveed Manakkodan added that Kamath’s support reinforces their goal to “redefine the agency model” with authentic and agile storytelling.
Scaling Creative Production
With fresh capital and strategic backing, One Hand Clap plans to enhance its content production and delivery capabilities. The agency intends to:
- Expand its in-house production infrastructure.
- Grow its creative team across Mumbai.
- Deepen services in influencer strategy and campaign execution.
- Secure new partnerships across entertainment, D2C, and tech sectors.
Industry Impact & Creative Evolution
The investment signals a maturation in India’s creative ecosystem. Brands are demanding faster, culturally relevant content, and agencies need innovative structures to deliver. One Hand Clap’s growth indicates that nimble, digital-first creative firms can attract both marquee brands and investor confidence.
By focusing on speed, adaptability, and narrative authenticity, the agency aims to stand out in the cluttered digital advertising space.
Kamath’s Expanding Angel Portfolio
This move aligns with Kamath’s broader investment portfolio, which includes non-tech, high-potential creative and cultural ventures. His purpose-driven approach places him among India’s leading angel investors and startup mentors.
His involvement adds credibility and momentum to One Hand Clap, potentially attracting further funding and major brand collaborations.
🔍 Quick Take
- Who invested: Nikhil Kamath, co-founder of Zerodha.
- Agency: One Hand Clap Media, founded by Aakash Shah & Naveed Manakkodan.
- What they do: Bold, digital-first content, ad films, influencer campaigns.
- Clients include: Swiggy, Netflix, CRED, BGMI, Bumble, EMotorad, Ather, Prime Video.
- Why it matters: Empowers creative storytelling, supports culture-led campaigns at speed.
This partnership brings creative and investor vision together, offering One Hand Clap a foundation to scale production, talent, and innovation. It also positions Kamath as a catalyst in India’s evolving creative economy, where narrative, culture, and commerce converge.
