What happens when a finance giant decides to stop chasing profits and starts backing creators instead? That’s the story of Zero1 by Zerodha, a one-of-its-kind media network launched in 2023 by India’s leading brokerage Zerodha, in collaboration with LearnApp.
Its goal is refreshingly simple: support creators making honest, high-quality content in finance, business, wellness, and career growth, without pushing products, chasing trends, or worrying about virality.
In a world where influencer culture often mixes advice with advertising, Zero1 stands out. Through direct funding, logistical support, and authentic visibility, the network is quietly changing how India’s best YouTubers, podcasters, and educators work and collaborate.
The idea for Zero1 came from a simple realisation: not every important conversation about money and life fits neatly under a brokerage brand. Zerodha’s team saw creators who wanted to talk about financial literacy, entrepreneurship, and personal well-being in meaningful ways, but without the constraints of brand marketing. And so, Zero1 was born not as a campaign, but as a non-profit initiative.
Unlike most company-backed networks, Zero1 doesn’t focus on selling products or earning ad revenue. Instead, it funds creators purely to foster deeper storytelling and honest education.
A Zerodha insider even shared on Reddit, “Zero1 isn’t profit-driven. We bear all production costs, and creators have complete independence. They can work with anyone else, they just acknowledge Zero1’s support.”
Zero1 takes the financial burden off creators. It covers everything from scripting and editing to studio expenses, allowing them to focus on ideas instead of income. But it doesn’t stop there.
The network gives creators instant exposure by featuring them on Zero1’s own social handles and inviting them to Zero1 Fest, an offline event described by fans as “Lollapalooza for finance nerds.” Here, audiences and creators connect in person, share ideas, and build genuine community.
What makes Zero1 even more revolutionary is its hands-off approach. The network doesn’t buy equity, take control, or dictate creative direction.
Creators keep full ownership of their channels and are free to collaborate with other sponsors or platforms. Zero1’s only presence is as a quiet enabler, not a brand forcing its way into the content.
Some of the popular partner channels include Full Disclosure, Breakdown, Think School Hindi, Backstage with Millionaires, FinshotsTV, Wint Wealth, and others.
Zero1 by Zerodha also creates content on its own channels, where Prateek from LearnApp hosts most of the videos. In just a short time, Zero1 has helped launch and support impactful shows such as ‘De-influencing’, ‘Psychology of Money, and ‘Girl Boss’.
Online discussions about Zero1 often highlight its “no mis-selling, no cross-selling” approach. Users on Reddit praise it as a model of trust-building in a landscape crowded with clickbait and affiliate links.
With monthly reach now crossing 2.5 million users through meet-ups, events, book giveaways, and online summits, Zero1 is proving that meaningful content can thrive even without the usual profit play.
By supporting creators instead of using them for marketing, Zerodha’s Zero1 has redefined what a brand-backed media network can be. It’s not just about talking money anymore; it’s about rebuilding trust, one thoughtful conversation at a time.
