India’s investment community is mourning the sudden death of Siddhartha Bhaiya, founder and managing director of Aequitas Investment. He passed away on December 31, 2025, after suffering a cardiac arrest while on a family vacation in New Zealand. He was 44.
The company confirmed the news on January 2, 2026, calling it a moment of deep loss for the organisation and the wider financial ecosystem.
“It is with profound sadness that we share the news of the passing of our Managing Director, Mr Siddhartha Bhaiya, on 31 December 2025, following a sudden cardiac arrest while on a family vacation in New Zealand,” the company said in a statement.
Who Was Siddhartha Bhaiya?
Siddhartha Bhaiya was a seasoned Indian fund manager and the founder of Aequitas Investment, known for his disciplined and contrarian approach to the stock market.
He had over two decades of experience in portfolio management and earned a reputation for making bold market calls, including warning of corrections during peak market phases. Bhaiya began his career at Nippon India Mutual Fund, where he worked for nearly seven years before launching Aequitas in 2012.
Under his leadership, the firm grew into a ₹7,700-crore PMS and AIF platform, recognised for early investments in small-cap multibaggers and strong long-term returns.
Siddhartha Bhaiya Net Worth
After leaving Nippon India Mutual Fund in 2012, where he worked for almost seven years as a fund manager, Bhaiya founded Aequitas. He led the firm’s growth into a ₹7,700-crore PMS and AIF platform, widely recognised for early investments in high-growth small-cap stocks.
As per his professional disclosures, Bhaiya generated a 34% compounded annual growth rate and 2,800% absolute returns, making Aequitas’ PMS funds top performers on Dalal Street, delivering returns as high as 28x.
Why Siddhartha Bhaiya Stood Out in the Market
Siddhartha Bhaiya earned respect for taking independent and often contrarian market views. He warned of a market correction in 2024 when Indian equities were trading at record highs. Many ignored the call at the time.
In April 2025, when global markets faced volatility due to reciprocal tariffs announced by US President Donald Trump, Bhaiya made another bold move. He held nearly 90% cash while most investors stayed fully invested.
This disciplined approach became his signature style.
Siddhartha Bhaiya: Rise as a Fund Manager
Siddhartha Bhaiya began his professional journey in 2005 as a fund manager at Nippon India Mutual Fund. He quickly built a reputation for strong analytical skills and disciplined investing.
He became one of the youngest fund managers in the Portfolio Management Services division. At the time, the unit managed assets worth nearly $200 million.
After nearly seven years at the firm, Bhaiya moved on in September 2011 to chart his own path.
Founding of Aequitas Investment by Siddhartha Bhaiya
In 2012, Siddhartha Bhaiya founded Aequitas Investment Consultancy Pvt. Ltd. The firm focused on serving ultra-high-net-worth individuals and family offices.
Over the years, Aequitas grew into a $650 million assets-under-management firm. Bhaiya served as Managing Director and Chief Investment Officer.
As per his professional disclosures, the firm delivered a compounded annual growth rate of 34%. This performance helped Aequitas carve a niche in India’s competitive investment advisory space.
Siddhartha Bhaiya was a Chartered Accountant by qualification. He held his certification from the Institute of Chartered Accountants of India. Colleagues often described him as methodical, data-driven, and deeply committed to long-term thinking.
Siddhartha Bhaiya Vision Behind Aequitas
Aequitas described Bhaiya as the backbone of the organisation.
“He was not only a visionary investor, but also a builder of institutions — deeply committed to intellectual honesty, disciplined decision-making, and long-term thinking. His ability to combine rigorous analysis with clarity of purpose shaped Aequitas into a distinctive organisation grounded in strong values, robust processes, and a culture of accountability,” the company said.
The firm reassured investors that it remains committed to the principles Bhaiya stood for.
“Members of our team will be in touch with you in the coming days should you wish to connect or have any questions,” Aequitas added.
