The Indian Cricket Team transcends the boundaries of the playing field, with numerous cricketers actively involved in the business sector. Esteemed players like Sachin Tendulkar, M.S Dhoni, and Virat Kohli have significantly contributed to the startup ecosystem. In this article, we will focus on Virat Kohli and his noteworthy involvement in funding startups.
Beyond his stellar on-field performances, Virat Kohli has firmly established himself in the business arena. As of 2021, he stands as India’s most valuable celebrity, boasting a brand value of $184 million.
Although there has been a reported decrease from $238 million in 2020, according to Forbes, Kohli remains a prominent figure in both sports and business. In addition to owning various brands, including WROGN, Kohli has diversified his portfolio by investing in multiple startups.
Notably, Kohli has not limited his engagement to established ventures; he has actively participated in supporting new and emerging startups. Some of these endeavors, often in collaboration with his wife, Anushka Sharma, showcase Kohli’s commitment to fostering the entrepreneurial spirit.
This intersection of sports and business underscores the dynamic role Indian cricketers play in shaping the future of the country, leaving an indelible mark on both realms.
A Strategic Vision: Virat Kohli’s Diversified Investments in Innovation
Renowned cricketer Virat Kohli has strategically diversified his investment portfolio, demonstrating a keen interest in various sectors such as health, insurance, and tour and travel.
Among his recent ventures, the plant-based meat startup, Blue Tribe, became a notable addition following an investment on February 8, 2021. Anushka Sharma, Kohli’s spouse, joined him in this investment, underscoring a collaborative commitment to the project.
Prior to Blue Tribe, Kohli directed his investment towards the wellness startup Hyperice on September 18, 2021, showcasing a consistent engagement in promoting holistic well-being.
Additionally, he played a pivotal role in augmenting the valuation of the Indian fintech startup Digit to $3.5 billion through a substantial contribution in its latest funding round.
This strategic move further solidified Kohli’s position as a discerning investor with a penchant for supporting innovative ventures.
It is noteworthy that beyond his involvement with Digit, Virat Kohli has extended his investment footprint across a myriad of startups spanning diverse sectors.
Here Are the some Startups Invested By Virat Kohli
Rage Coffee
Renowned cricketer Virat Kohli made a strategic investment in Rage Coffee on March 23, 2022. This collaboration extends beyond financial support, as Virat Kohli has also been appointed as the official brand ambassador for the New Delhi-based coffee brand. The precise amount of Kohli’s investment remains undisclosed.
This significant development is part of a larger funding initiative led by Virat Kohli, aimed at propelling Rage Coffee towards expanded production capabilities, the introduction of innovative products, and the acquisition of seasoned management professionals. This strategic move aligns with the company’s vision for growth and enhancement, as articulated in the official statement released by Rage Coffee.
Notably, this infusion of funds follows a previous funding round in August 2021, where Rage Coffee secured $5 million in investment during a Series A round led by Sixth Sense Ventures. The collaboration with Virat Kohli marks a pivotal moment for Rage Coffee, as it positions itself for further success and prominence in the market under the guidance and endorsement of the esteemed cricketer.
Blue Tribe
Renowned celebrity couple Virat Kohli and Anushka Sharma have recently made a strategic investment in Blue Tribe, an innovative startup specializing in plant-based meat products. Blue Tribe’s mission revolves around the production and distribution of premium delicacies such as frozen minced chicken, chicken nuggets, keema, sausages, and momos, all derived from plant sources. This marks a significant addition to Virat Kohli’s portfolio of investments in burgeoning startups.
While maintaining the same culinary appeal in terms of appearance, taste, and cooking style as traditional animal-based meat products, Blue Tribe’s offerings distinguish themselves by being entirely plant-based. Founded in 2017 by Sandeep Singh and Nikki Arora Singh, Blue Tribe positions itself as a pioneering player in the meat alternative industry.
The startup proudly utilizes a diverse array of plant ingredients, including peas, soybeans, lentils, grains, and more, all carefully selected for their proven ability to deliver a rich blend of proteins, vitamins, and essential nutrients crucial for a health-conscious lifestyle.
Sport Convo
Sport Convo, headquartered in London, stands as a pioneering social media startup meticulously crafted to bridge the divide between sports players and their fan base. The noteworthy endorsement of Sport Convo came from cricket luminary Virat Kohli, who, at the age of 26 in 2014, made a strategic investment in the platform.
Founded by the dynamic duo of Amrit Johal and Vishal Patel, Sport Convo has garnered support from a distinguished group of investors. Among them is Praveen Reddy, a Co-founder of Sport Convo, who plays a pivotal role in steering the company towards success. Additionally, Jasneel Nagi, the Chief Designer, has lent both creative vision and strategic insight to the venture.
This collaboration of visionary minds, including the endorsement of an international sports icon like Virat Kohli, underscores the depth and potential of Sport Convo as a platform fostering meaningful connections between sports figures and their devoted fans.
Universal Sportsbiz
Sportsbiz, a leading fashion startup, has recently secured a substantial funding of INR 19.3 crores from Cornerstone Sports LLP, the investment entity associated with the renowned cricketer Virat Kohli. Notably, Virat Kohli, in collaboration with Cornerstone Sports, commands a significant stake in the company, holding a total of 4282 shares. Each share, valued at INR 47,571 with a nominal value of INR 10, reflects the robust support from key stakeholders.
Originating as a startup with the backing of cricket legend Sachin Tendulkar, Sportsbiz has further strengthened its investor base with the addition of Virat Kohli. The latter’s involvement in a previous promotional event for the fashion brand underscores a strategic partnership that goes beyond financial backing, showcasing a mutual commitment to the success and growth of Sportsbiz in the dynamic world of fashion.
Galactus Funware Technology Pvt. Ltd
The esteemed Captain of the Indian Cricket Team, Mr. Virat Kohli, has strategically chosen to invest in Galactus Funware Technology Pvt. Ltd., a Bengaluru-based startup. This investment was initiated in the early months of 2019, during which Mr. Kohli acquired debentures amounting to INR 33.42 lakh.
Notably, Mr. Kohli formalized a significant partnership with Galactus Funware Technology Pvt. Ltd., committing to a decade-long association. As part of this collaboration, he secured compulsory convertible debentures valued at INR 33.32 lakh. Upon the completion of the stipulated 10-year period, Mr. Kohli is poised to possess a noteworthy 0.051 stake in the company, employing a 1:1 conversion ratio.
To elucidate, for each compulsory convertible debenture (CCD) held, Mr. Kohli is entitled to receive one share in the company.
This strategic investment reflects Mr. Virat Kohli’s astute business acumen and his commitment to fostering innovation and growth within the entrepreneurial landscape.
Digit
Digit, an insurance startup based in Pune, was established by Kamlesh Goyal, Philip Varghese, and Vijay Kumar. The company is strategically supported by the Fairfax Group in Canada, under the ownership of Indo-Canadian entrepreneur Prem Watsa, with its global headquarters situated in Toronto.
In January 2020, Digit initiated its inaugural external funding round, securing a notable investment of $84 million. Leading this round were prominent investors, namely A91 Partners, Faering Capital, and TVS Capital. This marked a pivotal moment for the company, signifying a robust influx of capital into its operations.
Building on this momentum, Digit experienced another significant funding round just a month later. Renowned cricketer Virat Kohli, alongside his wife Anushka Sharma, demonstrated their confidence in Digit’s potential by injecting approximately $340,000 (INR 2.5 crore) into the enterprise. Kohli and Sharma individually hold shares valued at INR 1.73 crore and INR 43 lakh, respectively, collectively constituting a 0.25% ownership stake in Digit.
Beyond individual investors, Cornerstone Sports LLP, representing Virat Kohli, exhibited further commitment to Digit by contributing an additional INR 1 crore. Notably, the company’s own employees displayed a robust vote of confidence in Digit’s vision, collectively investing over INR 30 crore during this funding round.
These strategic investments underscore Digit’s appeal to a diverse range of stakeholders, positioning the company for continued growth and success in the dynamic insurance sector.
Hyperice
Renowned Indian cricketer and captain of the national men’s cricket team, Virat Kohli, has recently made a strategic investment in the wellness startup, Hyperice, marking the company’s entry into the Indian market. Kohli has assumed the role of athlete investor and global brand ambassador for Hyperice, aligning himself with a distinguished roster of athlete investors and brand ambassadors that includes Naomi Osaka, Erling Haaland, and Ja Morant.
Founded in 2010 by Anthony Katz and headquartered in the United States, Hyperice has established its presence in key international markets such as the US, France, UK, Italy, Spain, Germany, and Portugal. The company is now poised to extend its reach to the burgeoning Indian market. Over the years, Hyperice has diversified its product offerings, boasting an extensive range that encompasses the innovative contrast therapy device Hyperice X, the popular percussion massager Hypervolt, the cutting-edge vibrating rollers Vyper, portable heat massages Venom, Hypersphere, the Normatec massager line, and various other wellness solutions.
As Hyperice prepares to embark on its expansion journey into India, Virat Kohli’s endorsement and investment further solidify the brand’s global standing and underscore its commitment to providing innovative and effective wellness solutions to a broader audience.
