Akshata Murty: Inspiring Journey of an Indian Businesswoman and Global Investor
From Fashion Designer to Powerful Business Icon and Philanthropist
Introduction
Akshata Murty is a prominent Indian businesswoman and investor whose remarkable journey has made her a respected global figure. Known for her intelligence, vision, and resilience, she has made a name for herself not only as the daughter of legendary Infosys co-founder N. R. Narayana Murthy but also as a self-made entrepreneur and fashion designer.
Her life reflects a unique combination of tradition and modernity. From humble beginnings in Karnataka to becoming one of the wealthiest women in the United Kingdom, Akshata has navigated both praise and criticism. She has faced challenges with grace while building a strong legacy in business, philanthropy, and innovation.
Quick Bio of Akshata Murty
| Field | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Akshata Narayana Murty |
| Date of Birth | 25 April 1980 |
| Birthplace | Hubli, Karnataka, India |
| Nationality | Indian |
| Ethnicity | South Indian (Kannada origin) |
| Age | 45 (as of September 2025) |
| Father | N. R. Narayana Murthy |
| Mother | Sudha Murty |
| Sibling | Rohan Murty |
| Spouse | Rishi Sunak (married August 2009) |
| Children | Two daughters – Anoushka and Krishna |
| Education | Baldwin Girls’ High School, Claremont McKenna College, FIDM, Stanford University |
| Profession | Businesswoman, Investor, Fashion Designer |
| Net Worth (2025) | Approx. £651 million (US $830 million) |
| Key Business Role | Director, Catamaran Ventures |
| Major Shareholding | 0.91% stake in Infosys |
Early Life and Education
Humble Beginnings in Karnataka
Akshata Murty was born on 25 April 1980 in Hubli, Karnataka, India. She grew up in an environment filled with ambition and vision. During her childhood, while her parents were deeply involved in building Infosys, Akshata was raised for some years by her grandparents in Bangalore’s Jayanagar area.
From a young age, she displayed a strong interest in academics and creativity. This balance of intellect and artistry shaped her personality and prepared her for a future in both business and design.
Educational Journey Across Continents
Akshata completed her schooling at Baldwin Girls’ High School in Bangalore. She later moved to the United States to study Economics and French at Claremont McKenna College in California. Her passion for design led her to pursue apparel manufacturing at the Fashion Institute of Design & Merchandising (FIDM) in Los Angeles.
To strengthen her leadership skills and business acumen, she earned an MBA from Stanford University, where she met her future husband, Rishi Sunak, former Prime Minister of the United Kingdom.
Career Journey of Akshata Murty
From Fashion Designer to Entrepreneur
Akshata began her career as a fashion designer, creating her own label, Akshata Designs. This venture reflected her love for creativity and innovation. While the label eventually closed in 2012, it marked her entry into the world of entrepreneurship and gave her valuable lessons about business challenges and consumer markets.
Her journey as a designer helped her connect with global trends and taught her the importance of sustainable practices in the fashion industry.
Rise as a Global Businesswoman
In 2007, Akshata joined Tendris, a Dutch clean-tech company, as Marketing Director. After gaining valuable corporate experience, she transitioned into the world of venture capital.
In 2013, she became a director at Catamaran Ventures, a family venture capital firm founded by her father. This role gave her the platform to invest in innovative businesses across industries such as technology, education, and sustainability.
Key Investments and Roles
Akshata Murty holds a 0.91% stake in Infosys, one of India’s most respected IT companies. This stake generates millions in annual dividends, making her one of the wealthiest women of Indian origin.
She has also invested in high-profile businesses, including Jamie Oliver’s restaurant chain, Wendy’s India, Koru Kids, Digme Fitness, and Soroco, a tech company founded by her brother Rohan Murty.
Financial Success and Net Worth
Akshata Murty’s financial success is a reflection of her strategic investments and leadership.
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In 2024, her combined net worth with Rishi Sunak was estimated at £651 million (approx. US $830 million).
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In 2023 alone, she reportedly earned £6.8 million in dividends from her Infosys shareholding.
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Her primary sources of wealth include her Infosys stake, venture capital investments, and global business ventures.
Her financial journey highlights her ability to balance inherited wealth with self-made accomplishments.
Public Life and Challenges
UK Tax Controversy
In 2022, Akshata faced intense media attention when her non-domiciled status in the UK became public. This status allowed her to avoid paying UK taxes on overseas income.
Facing criticism, she voluntarily gave up this status and began paying full UK taxes on her worldwide income. This decision was praised by many as a step towards transparency and integrity.
Role as the Prime Minister’s Spouse
During Rishi Sunak’s tenure as the UK Prime Minister, Akshata often represented India on the global stage. She balanced the role of a supportive spouse while continuing her own business pursuits, becoming a figure of admiration and scrutiny in equal measure.
Properties and Lifestyle
Akshata Murty and her family own several prestigious properties:
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Kirby Sigston Manor in North Yorkshire
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A mansion in Kensington, London
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A luxury flat in South Kensington
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A penthouse apartment in Santa Monica, California
These properties reflect her global lifestyle and elite status as a business leader.
Legacy of Akshata Murty
Akshata Murty’s legacy goes beyond her wealth and business success. She represents the new generation of Indian women leaders making a global impact.
Her work with Catamaran Ventures has supported startups and sustainable businesses worldwide, helping to create opportunities for innovation and employment.
She is a role model for aspiring entrepreneurs, proving that resilience and vision can lead to extraordinary achievements.
Conclusion
Akshata Murty’s life is a story of determination, ambition, and balance. As an Indian businesswoman, fashion designer, and global investor, she has built a reputation that inspires millions. While she has faced controversies, her ability to overcome challenges demonstrates her strength and leadership.
Her journey from Karnataka to global boardrooms showcases the power of education, innovation, and a relentless drive to create meaningful impact. Akshata Murty continues to be a symbol of success, carrying forward the legacy of her family while shaping her own path.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1. Who is Akshata Murty?
Akshata Murty is an Indian businesswoman, investor, and fashion designer, best known as the daughter of Infosys co-founder Narayana Murthy and the wife of Rishi Sunak, former Prime Minister of the UK.
2. What is Akshata Murty’s net worth?
As of 2025, her combined net worth with Rishi Sunak is approximately £651 million (around US $830 million).
3. What are her main sources of income?
Her primary sources of wealth include her Infosys stake, dividends, venture capital investments through Catamaran Ventures, and other global business ventures.
4. When and where was Akshata Murty born?
She was born on 25 April 1980 in Hubli, Karnataka, India.
5. What businesses does Akshata Murty invest in?
Her investments span various industries, including restaurant chains like Jamie Oliver’s group, education firms like Koru Kids, and fitness ventures like Digme Fitness.
6. Who are Akshata Murty’s parents?
Her parents are N. R. Narayana Murthy, co-founder of Infosys, and Sudha Murty, an author and philanthropist.
7. How did she respond to the UK tax controversy?
In 2022, Akshata voluntarily gave up her non-domiciled status and began paying full UK taxes on her worldwide income to maintain transparency and public trust.
