In a notable shift from the traditional investors dominating India’s startup scene, sports legends are increasingly taking the plunge into the thriving ecosystem.
The year 2023 witnessed esteemed names like Sachin Tendulkar, Virender Sehwag, and Sourav Ganguly, among others, making substantial investments in various startups. Even current players such as Neeraj Chopra and Hardik Pandya are catching the startup investment bug.
A Growing Trend: Active Players Joining the Investment Fray
With India boasting an impressive 111 unicorns and over $141 billion in funding, its startup ecosystem has become a magnet for investments from diverse industries. What’s intriguing is that this allure extends beyond retired players, as active sportsmen are increasingly making strategic bets in the startup world.
Noteworthy Investments by Sports Stars in 2023
- Ajinkya Rahane Backs OATEY: In August, cricketer Ajinkya Rahane made a significant investment in OATEY, a dairy alternative startup. Rahane not only provided financial support but also became the brand ambassador for OATEY, emphasizing the startup’s commitment to quality plant-based products.
- Hardik Pandya’s Double Play: Hardik Pandya made strategic investments in two startups in 2023. First, he backed D2C food startup Yu, joining as its brand ambassador. Later, Pandya invested in Arreto, a kids’ footwear startup, aligning with its innovative concept of shoes that grow in size as children age.
- Mahendra Singh Dhoni’s Double Delight with Rigi and Tagda Raho: The former cricket captain and wicketkeeper invested in Rigi, a platform for content creators, and Tagda Raho, a fitness startup. Both investments showcase Dhoni’s keen interest in supporting innovative ventures. —- India’s Startup
- Neeraj Chopra Boosts Stage: Olympic gold medalist Neeraj Chopra invested in Stage, a regional OTT platform catering to Haryana and Rajasthan. Chopra aims to revive India’s diverse regional dialects through this investment.
- Sachin Tendulkar Fuels AZAD Engineering: Known as the ‘Master Blaster,’ Sachin Tendulkar invested in AZAD Engineering, a Hyderabad-based company providing technology solutions in clean energy, aerospace, and defense. The investment aligns with Tendulkar’s commitment to Atmanirbhar Bharat and Make In India. — India’s Startup
- Shikhar Dhawan Snacks on TagZ Foods: Cricketer Shikhar Dhawan invested in TagZ Foods, a D2C snack brand, becoming its brand ambassador. The startup, offering healthy snacks like popped potato chips and gourmet dips, raised $2 million in a pre-Series A round.
- Sourav Ganguly’s Taste for JustMyRoots: Former Indian cricket team skipper Sourav Ganguly acquired a minority stake in food delivery startup JustMyRoots. Ganguly’s investment aligns with the startup’s goal to expand its footprint in the food delivery sector.
- Virender Sehwag’s Organic Bet on Two Brothers Organic Farm: Virender Sehwag joined hands with other investors to back Two Brothers Organic Farm, supporting its mission to expand business both in India and overseas. The investment aims to scale up manufacturing capacity and train farmers.
- Yuvraj Singh’s Foray into F&B with Greto: Yuvraj Singh entered the F&B industry by investing in Greto, a Delhi NCR-based startup offering probiotic drinks, natural ice cream, fruit yogurt, and snacks. Singh’s investment aligns with Greto’s plan to set up a franchise network across the country.
A Winning Combination: Sports Stars and Startups in 2023
As the curtains draw on 2023, these sports icons have not only made strides on the field but have also scored big in boardrooms, leaving an indelible mark on India’s dynamic startup landscape. Their strategic investments showcase a unique synergy between the worlds of sports and entrepreneurship, promising exciting developments in the years to come.
Sports Icons Score Big in India’s Startup Arena, Making Strategic Investments in 2023
1. Why are sports icons increasingly investing in Indian startups in 2023?
The allure of India’s booming startup ecosystem has attracted sports legends, including Sachin Tendulkar and Virender Sehwag. The conducive environment, marked by over 111 unicorns and a funding surplus exceeding $141 billion, offers a promising arena for strategic investments.
2. How has the startup investment trend extended to active sports players in 2023?
Unlike traditional norms, the startup investment fever is not limited to retired players. Current sports stars such as Neeraj Chopra and Hardik Pandya are actively participating in the startup investment landscape, showcasing a shift in the trend.
3. What inspired Ajinkya Rahane to invest in OATEY, a dairy alternative startup?
In August 2023, cricketer Ajinkya Rahane made an undisclosed investment in OATEY, a dairy alternative startup. Rahane not only provided financial backing but also assumed the role of the brand ambassador, citing the startup’s commitment to quality plant-based products.
4. How is Hardik Pandya making strategic investments in diverse sectors, including kids’ footwear and D2C food startups?
Hardik Pandya diversified his investment portfolio in 2023, backing Arreto, a kids’ footwear startup, and Yu, a D2C food startup. His investments reflect a keen interest in innovative concepts and promising ventures.
5. What motivated Mahendra Singh Dhoni to invest in Rigi and Tagda Raho?
The former cricket captain and wicketkeeper invested strategically in Rigi, a platform for content creators, and Tagda Raho, a fitness startup. Dhoni’s investments underline his support for innovative ventures in different sectors.
6. How does Neeraj Chopra’s investment in Stage contribute to regional entertainment?
Neeraj Chopra, the Olympic gold medalist, invested in Stage, a regional OTT platform catering to Haryana and Rajasthan. His investment aims to revive India’s diverse regional dialects and empower regional content creators.
7. Why did Sachin Tendulkar choose to invest in AZAD Engineering, and how does it align with his vision?
Sachin Tendulkar, known as the ‘Master Blaster,’ invested in AZAD Engineering, a Hyderabad-based technology solutions provider. The investment aligns with Tendulkar’s commitment to Atmanirbhar Bharat and Make In India, supporting technological advancements in various industries.
8. What inspired Shikhar Dhawan’s investment in TagZ Foods, and how is he contributing to the brand’s growth?
Shikhar Dhawan’s undisclosed investment in TagZ Foods, a D2C snack brand, showcases his commitment to healthy snacking. Dhawan, also the brand ambassador, is actively contributing to the brand’s growth and advertising campaigns.
9. How is the synergy between sports icons and startups shaping India’s entrepreneurial landscape in 2023?
sports icons’ strategic investments in startups have not only added a new dimension to India’s startup scene but have also demonstrated a unique synergy between sports and entrepreneurship. This dynamic interaction promises exciting developments and collaborations in the years ahead.
