Zerodha co-founder Nikhil Kamath has made a fresh investment in the creative space by backing One Hand Clap, a digital-first advertising agency. Founded by Aakash Shah and Naveed Manakkodan in 2019, the agency is known for combining humor, culture, and smart storytelling. Both founders previously worked with the comedy group All India Bakchod (AIB), and their new venture reflects their roots in viral, relatable content.
The news was shared via an Instagram post by Shah, who expressed excitement about the agency’s next phase. He described the investment as a major milestone and credited Kamath with understanding their vision.
One Hand Clap: From Two to 85
What started as a small creative experiment with just two people has grown into a full-fledged agency with a team of 85 professionals. One Hand Clap has delivered major campaigns for big brands like Netflix, Swiggy, Prime Video, BGMI, CoinDCX, and Bajaj Chetak. One of their standout efforts includes a parody ad starring MS Dhoni for EMotorad, which went viral and boosted the brand’s digital reach.
The agency thrives on authenticity, quick content execution, and cultural relevance—traits that Kamath reportedly finds aligned with his own philosophy as an investor.
Nikhil Kamath Fuels the Growth
While financial details of Kamath’s investment have not been disclosed, it marks a strong show of confidence. The funding is expected to help One Hand Clap expand its production capacity, build more ambitious campaigns, and explore new creative formats. This move also reflects Kamath’s broader interest in investing outside of traditional tech sectors, such as fintech and SaaS, by supporting cultural and creative startups.
Shah said the team feels empowered by the trust placed in them, and Manakkodan added that the investment proves how brand storytelling today demands a mix of authenticity and adaptability.
Changing Investor Focus
This deal is part of a growing trend where prominent investors are turning their attention toward content-led ventures in India. As brands look for fresh, creative ways to connect with audiences, agencies like One Hand Clap are becoming crucial partners in shaping narratives that go beyond traditional ads.
With Nikhil Kamath’s backing, One Hand Clap is now positioned to redefine what creative storytelling can look like for digital-first India.
