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Indian-American entrepreneur Baiju Bhatt has made a striking appearance on Forbes’ 2025 list of the youngest billionaires in the United States. As the only Indian-origin individual among the top ten youngest billionaires, Bhatt’s journey from humble beginnings to a $6 billion net worth is a compelling narrative of innovation, resilience, and cultural pride.
Here’s a detailed look at the man behind Robinhood, the fintech revolution he helped ignite, and the personal story that shaped his rise.
Key highlights from the Forbes 400 ranking
- Baiju Bhatt, age 40, is listed among the ten youngest billionaires in the 2025 Forbes 400 ranking of America’s richest individuals
- He is the only Indian-origin entrepreneur in this elite group, which includes names like Meta’s Mark Zuckerberg and Walmart heir Luke Walton
- Bhatt’s net worth is currently estimated at $6 billion, largely attributed to his 6 percent stake in Robinhood
Robinhood and the rise of a fintech visionary
- Bhatt co-founded Robinhood in 2013 with Vlad Tenev, whom he met while studying at Stanford University
- The app disrupted traditional finance by offering commission-free stock trading, democratizing access to investing for millions
- Bhatt served as co-CEO until 2020, then transitioned to Chief Creative Officer before stepping down from executive duties in 2024
- Despite stepping back, he remains on Robinhood’s board and retains a significant ownership stake
Robinhood’s meteoric growth in 2024
- Robinhood’s stock surged by 400 percent over the past year, driven by
- A boom in crypto-related transactions
- Introduction of new financial products like IRAs and high-yield savings accounts
- Record-breaking revenue of $3 billion in 2024
Roots in resilience: Bhatt’s early life and family struggles
- Born to Gujarati immigrant parents, Bhatt’s family moved to the US when his father was accepted into a PhD program at the University of Huntsville, Alabama
- He grew up in Poquoson, Virginia, and pursued physics and mathematics at Stanford, earning his master’s degree in 2008
- In a recent interview, Bhatt shared that his father was diagnosed with kidney failure when Baiju was just five years old
- The family faced severe financial hardship, forcing his father to abandon his PhD and take up employment to cover medical expenses
- These challenges deeply shaped Bhatt’s worldview and drive, instilling a sense of responsibility and ambition from a young age
Aetherflux: Bhatt’s new frontier
- In 2024, Bhatt transitioned to a new venture, Aetherflux, a space-based solar energy company
- While details remain under wraps, the move signals Bhatt’s continued interest in transformative technologies and sustainable innovation
Cultural identity and emotional undercurrents
- Bhatt’s story resonates with many Indian-Americans who navigate dual identities and intergenerational expectations
- He has spoken candidly about the emotional toll of growing up as an only child in a financially strained household, often feeling powerless as his father’s health declined
- The family’s last visit to India was in 1997, underscoring the sacrifices made in pursuit of stability and opportunity
Why this matters
- Bhatt’s inclusion in the Forbes 400 is more than a personal milestone—it’s a cultural moment for the Indian diaspora
- His journey reflects the power of education, innovation, and resilience in overcoming systemic barriers
- As Robinhood continues to evolve and Aetherflux takes shape, Bhatt’s influence on American entrepreneurship and global tech is only set to grow
Sources: MSN News, Hindustan Times, Forbes, Financial Express
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