Updated: February 25, 2026
Akshata Murty isn’t just known as the wife of former UK Prime Minister Rishi Sunak—she’s a successful businesswoman, fashion designer, venture capitalist, and philanthropist in her own right. Born into one of India’s most respected families, she has built a life that bridges continents, cultures, and causes. From her roots in Karnataka to the corridors of power in London, Akshata’s story is one of quiet strength, sharp business acumen, and a commitment to giving back. Let’s dive into who she really is.
Table of Contents
Early Life and Family Roots
Akshata Narayana Murty was born on April 25, 1980, in Hubli, Karnataka, India. As the daughter of legendary Infosys co-founder N.R. Narayana Murthy and renowned author-philanthropist Sudha Murty, she grew up surrounded by innovation and social responsibility.
- Her father built Infosys into a global IT powerhouse from humble beginnings.
- Her mother, Sudha, broke barriers as one of India’s early female engineers and became a beloved writer and charity champion.
- This upbringing instilled values of hard work, education, and service—values Akshata carries forward today.
She pursued higher education across continents: an undergraduate degree from Claremont McKenna College in the US, followed by an MBA from Stanford Graduate School of Business (Class of 2006). That’s where she met Rishi Sunak—they bonded over shared ambitions and even joked later that their admissions essays seemed destined to cross paths. The couple married in 2009 and now have two daughters, Krishna and Anoushka.
Professional Journey and Business Ventures
Akshata has carved her own path far beyond her family legacy. She’s an active investor and entrepreneur, focusing on early-stage companies, particularly in consumer and lifestyle sectors.
She founded her own fashion label earlier in her career and has invested through Catamaran Ventures UK (the British arm of her family’s investment firm). Her portfolio includes stakes in British brands like luxury menswear company New & Lingwood and others in food and tech.
Her most notable asset remains her approximately 0.93% stake in Infosys, the IT services giant her father co-founded. This holding forms the core of her personal wealth and has drawn global attention over the years.
Akshata also serves on boards and supports initiatives in education and culture. Recently, she has been active on social media (Instagram @akshatamurty_official), sharing insights into fashion events like London Fashion Week and family life.
Net Worth and Lifestyle Insights
Akshata Murty’s success is reflected in impressive financial figures. Combined with Rishi Sunak, the couple ranks among Britain’s wealthiest, with a fortune largely driven by her Infosys shares and investments.
Here’s a quick overview of key details:
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Akshata Narayana Murty |
| Date of Birth | April 25, 1980 (Age 45 in 2026) |
| Spouse | Rishi Sunak (married 2009) |
| Children | Two daughters: Krishna and Anoushka |
| Primary Wealth Source | ~0.93% stake in Infosys |
| Combined Net Worth (with Rishi Sunak) | Approximately £651 million (as per 2024 Sunday Times Rich List; recent estimates around $800–870 million USD in 2025–2026 updates) |
| Key Roles | Venture capitalist, philanthropist, former fashion designer |
| Notable Recent Activity | Co-launching education charities, supporting maths/numeracy programs |
The couple owns properties in the UK and California, but they keep a relatively low-key lifestyle focused on family and impact-driven work.
Recent Activities and Public Life in 2026
Since Rishi Sunak stepped down as Prime Minister, the couple has shifted toward philanthropy and public engagement. In early 2026, they launched “Books Count,” an initiative with Bookmark Reading Charity to boost children’s maths skills through reading—Akshata and Rishi have spoken publicly about unlocking opportunities for young minds.
Rishi made headlines at the India AI Impact Summit in New Delhi (February 2026) with a humorous quip about keeping up with his brilliant in-laws during family dinners—highlighting the Murthy family’s tech and academic prowess (including astrophysicists and engineers). Akshata described their marriage as “yin to yang”—him analytical and future-focused, her intuitive and present-oriented—in a recent interview.
They also returned to Stanford GSB for a 2025 commencement speech, reflecting on their journey from students to global figures.
Conclusion
Akshata Murty stands out as more than “Rishi Sunak’s wife”—she’s a multifaceted leader who balances immense privilege with genuine purpose. Her story inspires many: blending Indian heritage with global influence, smart investments with heartfelt philanthropy, and family life with public service. As she and Rishi continue initiatives like education reform and charity work, Akshata remains a quiet force for positive change. In a world obsessed with headlines, her focus on impact over spotlight feels refreshingly authentic.