Shiv Nadar

Founder of HCL Technologies

Current Networth - $34.9 Billion

Personal Stats

Name	Shiv Nadar
Role	Entrepreneur
Industry	Information Technology
Net Worth	$34.9 Billion

About Shiv Nadar
Businesses Owned
Early Life
Family
What Is Shiv Nadar's Net Worth?
Businesses and Brands Endorsements

About Shiv Nadar

Shiv Nadar is the founder of HCL Technologies and one of India’s most influential business leaders in the tech industry. Under his leadership, HCL transformed from a small IT hardware company in the 1970s into one of the world’s leading IT services firms, competing with giants like TCS and Infosys. Today, HCL Technologies operates in over 50 countries, providing IT consulting, software development, and digital solutions to major global corporations.

Beyond his business success, Nadar is known for his philanthropic contributions, particularly in education. Through the Shiv Nadar Foundation, he has established prestigious institutions like Shiv Nadar University, focusing on advancing research and innovation in India. Although he stepped down as HCL’s chairman in 2021, he remains active in shaping the company’s vision while prioritizing his philanthropic initiatives. His contributions to both the IT sector and education have cemented his legacy as a pioneer in India's tech-driven growth.

Businesses Owned

HCL Technologies
HCL Infosystems

Early Life

Shiv Nadar's early years shaped the foundation of his incredible journey as a tech visionary and philanthropist.

Born on July 14, 1945, in Moolaipozhi, a small coastal village located in the Thoothukudi district of Tamil Nadu, India.
Began his schooling in his village and later attended several schools across Tamil Nadu, including Town Higher Secondary School in Kumbakonam and Elango Corporation Higher Secondary School in Madurai.
Completed his high school education at St. Joseph Boys Higher Secondary School in Trichy.
Interestingly, Nadar’s early education was entirely in Tamil, and he didn’t know English until the age of 21.
After completing his high school diploma, Nadar began a pre-university education at American College in Madurai.
Earned a degree in Electrical and Electronics Engineering from PSG College of Technology in Coimbatore.
In 1967, Nadar began his career at Cooper Engineering Ltd. (part of the Walchand Group) in Pune.
Co-founded Microcomp, a company that produced calculators, in the early 1970s.
Established HCL (Hindustan Computers Limited) in 1976 with an initial investment of $2,227 and a vision to create an indigenous IT company in India.

Family

Shiv Nadar's family is an integral part of his life, reflecting his values of education, legacy, and philanthropy. Here’s an engaging look at his family:

The Padma Bhushan Award winner hails from a Tamil Hindu family and was the seventh of eight siblings.
His father, Sivasubramaniya Nadar, worked as a district judge, and frequent transfers meant Nadar attended multiple schools across Tamil Nadu during his childhood.
Nadar’s mother, Vamasundari Devi, was related to S.P. Adithanar, the founder of the popular Tamil newspaper Dina Thanthi.
Shiv Nadar is married to Kiran Nadar, a renowned art collector and philanthropist. She founded the Kiran Nadar Museum of Art (KNMA) in New Delhi.
Kiran is also a skilled bridge player, representing India and winning a bronze medal in the mixed team category at the 2018 Asian Games.
Born in 1982, Roshni Nadar Malhotra is the only child of Shiv and Kiran. She completed her education in the US, earning a degree in Communication from Northwestern University and an MBA in Social Enterprise from the Kellogg School of Management.
Roshni married Shikhar Malhotra, Vice Chairman of HCL Healthcare, and they have 2 sons, Armaan and Jahaan. In July 2020, Roshni became the Chairperson of HCL Technologies, succeeding her father and continuing the family’s legacy.

Shiv Nadar is the billionaire founder of HCL Technologies, one of India’s largest IT services companies, with a net worth exceeding $30 billion. Starting as a small hardware firm in the 1970s, HCL grew into a global IT powerhouse under Nadar’s leadership, securing multibillion-dollar contracts in cloud computing, cybersecurity, and digital transformation. His business acumen and strategic vision positioned HCL among the top technology firms worldwide, placing him alongside industry giants like Azim Premji (Wipro) and N. R. Narayana Murthy (Infosys). His wealth is built on decades of innovation, making him a key figure in India's tech revolution.

Beyond business, Nadar is one of India’s most generous philanthropists, having donated billions through the Shiv Nadar Foundation. His initiatives focus on education, funding prestigious institutions like Shiv Nadar University, and supporting underprivileged students. His philanthropic efforts rival those of global business leaders, reinforcing his legacy as both an entrepreneur and a social reformer. Even after stepping down as HCL’s chairman, Nadar continues to influence India’s technology and education sectors, ensuring his impact will last for generations.

Net Worth	$34.9 Billion
Yearly Income	NA
Profession	Businessman
Nationality	Indian
No. of Houses	4+
No. of Cars	1+

What Is Shiv Nadar's Net Worth?

As of March 2025, Shiv Nadar's net worth is estimated at $34.9 Billion.

Shiv Nadar's net worth has steadily grown over the last decade. In March 2014, his net worth was $11.1 billion, which grew to $25.5 billion in 2023, and in 2024, it reached $37 billion. Currently, he's the fourth richest Indian behind Mukesh Ambani, Gautam Adani, and Savitri Jindal.

The primary source of Nadar’s wealth is his 60.77% stake in HCL Technologies, the global IT powerhouse he founded in 1976. With a market capitalization of $59.65 billion as of July 2024, his ownership in HCL is valued at $32.1 billion.

His net worth peaked in December 2024, when HCL Technologies saw a 33% surge in stock value, boosting Nadar’s net worth by $10.5 billion in just one year, bringing his wealth to $44.4 billion by the end of the year. However, his wealth had gone down since then.

Shiv Nadar's recent net worth decrease was after he transferred his 47% stake in HCL Corporation and Vama Sundari Investments (Vama Delhi) to his daughter, Roshni Nadar Malhotra, as part of a succession plan. This move will make Roshni Nadar Malhotra the third-richest Indian.

Beyond HCL, the Padma Bhushan Award winner has diversified his portfolio with other ventures. He co-founded NIIT Limited in 1982, focusing on building a skilled IT workforce. Nadar is known to make angel investments in promising companies. Additionally, he has invested in companies like Coforge Limited, further strengthening his presence in the IT sector.

Businesses and Brands Endorsements

What Businesses Does Shiv Nadar Own or Is Involved In?

The visionary entrepreneur has built an impressive portfolio of businesses and investments, cementing his status as one of India’s most influential business leaders. From founding HCL Technologies to exploring diverse industries, his journey showcases innovation and strategic foresight. Here’s an overview of his key ventures:

HCL Technologies: Shiv Nadar co-founded HCL Technologies in 1976 with an initial investment of $2,085. He remains involved as the Chairman Emeritus. Today, HCLTech is a global IT services giant operating in over 60 countries. As of 2024, the company employs approximately 227,481 people, boasts a market capitalization of over $59.75 billion, and generates $13 billion in revenue annually. As of 2024, Nadar and his family hold a 61% stake in the company, which is worth an estimated $32.1 billion.
HCL Infosystems: The Nadar family owns 50% of HCL Infosystems from the total $52.44 million. Today, HCL Infosystems operates as a distribution and services company, focusing on enterprise solutions, system integration, and IT services.
Other Ventures: Nadar’s business interests extend to listed companies under the Shiv Nadar Group, including HCL Infosystems Limited, Coforge Limited, NIIT Limited, Swiss Military Consumer Goods Ltd, International Data Management Ltd, and Universal Office Automation Ltd.

What Are Shiv Nadar’s Notable Endorsements?

The visionary founder of HCL Technologies did not endorse any brands. Instead, he has chosen to invest his wealth in charitable philanthropic activities.

Assets and Lifestyle of Shiv Nadar

The Indian entrepreneur’s spending habits stand in contrast to the lavish lifestyles of other tech billionaires. While his wealth is substantial, Nadar maintains a relatively modest and low-key lifestyle. He and his wife, Kiran Nadar, are passionate patrons of art and culture, sponsoring events like the HCL Bridge Tournament in India. Nadar's impressive art collection is also housed in the Kiran Nadar Museum of Art.
However, the bulk of Nadar's wealth is channeled through the Shiv Nadar Foundation, which he established in 1994. In the year 2024, Shiv Nadar was recognized as the top donor in India, contributing a staggering $260 million to various causes.

Does Shiv Nadar's Real Estate Properties

As the founder of the tech giant HCL Technologies, Nadar has a portfolio of real estate properties worth millions, including luxury properties in Delhi, Chennai, and other global locations. Let's take a look in detail:

Delhi (Primary Residence): The founder of HCL Technologies' primary residence is located in one of Delhi's most exclusive neighborhoods. This extravagant mansion is estimated to be worth between $24 and $36 million and serves as Nadar's main residence.
Additional Delhi Property: Near his current residence in Delhi, Nadar owns another property, a 1,930-square-yard plot that he purchased in 2014 for $13.8 million. The Bungalow was bought for his daughter Roshni Nadar and son-in-law Shikhar Neelkamal Malhotra. The existing small bungalow was planned to be rebuilt into a larger mansion.
Chennai Properties: He also owns several properties in Chennai, which is significant, given his family roots in the region. However, the specific details about these properties are not extensively documented in the available sources.

Shiv Nadar's Cars

Shiv Nadar’s car collection remains largely private, but he has been spotted with a Bentley Mulsanne EWB, featuring a striking blue and silver dual-tone finish. The Mulsanne was spotted by an Instagram page called, Automobili Ardent India, confirming its ownership. Additionally, he is rumored to own a Rolls-Royce Phantom VIII and a Jaguar XJL, though these remain unverified.

What's Next For Shiv Nadar?

Shiv Nadar is set to continue shaping the company's global expansion as Chairman Emeritus and Strategic Advisor. While stepping back from daily operations, he remains a guiding force, offering strategic insights to drive growth. With his daughter, Roshni Nadar Malhotra, already playing a key role in the business, Nadar is likely to further streamline leadership transitions to ensure a seamless future for HCL.