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Off the field: MS Dhoni, Sachin Tendulkar, Virat Kohli, other cricketers start up a different game

Economic TimesEconomic Times · 10m ago
Off the field: MS Dhoni, Sachin Tendulkar, Virat Kohli, other cricketers start up a different game
Medial

Indian cricketers are increasingly looking beyond traditional endorsements and investing in equity deals and new ventures. MS Dhoni has acquired a stake in jewellery maker Bluestone, Sachin Tendulkar's sports shoe startup is backed by venture fund Peak XV Partners, and Yuvraj Singh has invested in sports athleisure firm Agilitas Sports. Current players like Virat Kohli, Rohit Sharma, and Hardik Pandya are also active investors. This trend reflects changing consumer expectations and the growing demand for sports goods and health products in India. Personalities like Sourav Ganguly, Ajinkya Rahane, Gautam Gambhir, Shikhar Dhawan, and KL Rahul are also involved in partnership deals and new business ventures.

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Entrepreneurs Bowled Over By Opportunities as Cricket Fever Sweeps India

VCCircleVCCircle · 1y ago
Entrepreneurs Bowled Over By Opportunities as Cricket Fever Sweeps India
Medial

The Indian Premier League (IPL) is not just a successful startup in itself, but also a source of opportunities for other startups. This year, over 30 startups are participating in the IPL, with 14 direct-to-consumer (D2C) startups associated with Mumbai Indians and Royal Challengers Bangalore. Despite fintech startups reducing their involvement, the IPL's massive viewership count of 505 million is too enticing to ignore. Startups also benefit from the Startup Power Play initiative by IPL broadcaster Star Sports, offering one startup per match day the opportunity to showcase a TV commercial. Cricketers like Sachin Tendulkar, Virat Kohli, and MS Dhoni are also investing in startup brands, particularly in the D2C, gaming, and fintech sectors. Sports tech and entertainment apps that analyze post-match content are also gaining traction. Overall, the IPL continues to provide opportunities for startups across various sectors.

WROGN raises $9 Mn from Aditya Birla Digital Fashion

EntrackrEntrackr · 9m ago
WROGN raises $9 Mn from Aditya Birla Digital Fashion
Medial

Men’s apparel brand WROGN has raised approximately Rs 75 crore (approximately $9 million) in funding from Aditya Birla Digital Fashion Ventures Ltd (ABDFVL), increasing ABDFVL’s stake in the D2C fashion brand from 17.10% to 32.84% on a fully diluted basis, as per a stock exchange filing. Earlier, in June this year, WROGN secured Rs 125 crore ($15 million) from TMRW House of Brands, an Aditya Birla Group company. This investment saw TMRW acquiring a 16% stake in WROGN, valuing the Bengaluru-based brand at around $105 million. Aditya Birla Group’s TMRW has now backed eight Indian fashion brands, including men’s casualwear brand The Indian Garage Co, casualwear Bewakoof, athleisure brand Nobero, children’s brand Nauti Nati, denim label Urbano, and casualwear brands JuneBerry and Veirdo. Founded in 2014 by siblings Anjana and Vikram Reddy, WROGN is a leading name in casual wear, offering a wide range of apparel, footwear, and accessories. Leveraging cricketer Virat Kohli’s influence, the brand has expanded its reach through exclusive brand outlets and partnerships with major e-commerce platforms. Since its inception, WROGN has raised approximately $90 million from investors like Accel, Flipkart, Virat Kohli, and Sachin Tendulkar. In November 2020, Flipkart invested an undisclosed amount in WROGN’s Series F round. Flipkart is also an investor in Hrithik Roshan’s HRX, which competes with WROGN. WROGN’s revenue from operations dropped by 29.2% to Rs 243.75 crore in FY24, down from Rs 344.3 crore in FY23. Despite implementing cost-cutting measures, the Virat Kohli-backed brand saw its losses up by 28.2%, reaching Rs 56.76 crore compared to Rs 44.26 crore in FY23, primarily due to a sharp decline in sales. According to a recent report by TMRW X Bain & Company, the fashion and lifestyle sector is India’s second-largest consumer category, valued at $110 billion, with online sales accounting for around $11 billion, or 10% of the market.

Virat Kohli acquires 1.94% in Agilitas Sports; Abhishek Sharma joins as investor

EntrackrEntrackr · 17d ago
Virat Kohli acquires 1.94% in Agilitas Sports; Abhishek Sharma joins as investor
Medial

Virat Kohli acquires 1.94% in Agilitas Sports; Abhishek Sharma joins as investor Indian cricketing icon Virat Kohli has invested Rs 40 crore (approximately $4.7 million) in Agilitas Sports, a sporting goods manufacturing company, as part of the first tranche of what is reportedly a larger funding round. This investment adds to Kohli’s growing startup portfolio, which already includes ventures like Rage Coffee, Digit Insurance, Mobile Premier League (MPL), and Wrogn, among several others. The board of Agilitas Sports allotted 3,61,611 class 2 CCPS at an issue price of Rs 1,106 each to raise the aforementioned amount, its regulatory filing accessed from Registrar of Companies (RoC) shows. In addition to this, the firm is also raising Rs 3 crore from SMLINE Ventures and Indian cricketer Abhishek Sharma, another filing shows. According to Entrackr’s estimates, the Bengaluru-based firm has been valued at Rs 2,058 crore (approximately $242 million) post money. Agilitas Sports has so far raised over Rs 600 crore to date, including a strategic investment of Rs 15 crore from Spring Marketing Capital in September last year. Following the latest infusion, Mauritius-based Infinity Direct Holdings has emerged as the largest shareholder in the company with a 37.73% stake, followed by Co-founder and CEO Abhishek Ganguly, who holds an 18.26% stake. Nexus Venture Partners owns 9.16%, while cricketers Virat Kohli and Yuvraj Singh hold 1.94% and 0.51% stakes, respectively. Founded in 2023 by ex-Puma India head Ganguly, Agilitas Sports follows an integrated model, combining manufacturing, brand licensing, and retail. It recently acquired Mochiko Shoes, which makes footwear for brands like Adidas and Puma. Agilitas is also building its own brands, including Lotto in India and Australia, and plans to expand through retail and a strong “Make in India” focus. Virat Kohli recently ended his Rs 110 crore endorsement deal with Puma India which began in 2017 and was reportedly valued at Rs 300 crore at the time of exit in 2025, to join Agilitas Sports. He is expected to not only serve as the brand ambassador but also play a role in the company’s business decisions.

Virat Kohli-backed WROGN’s revenue dips 29% in FY24

EntrackrEntrackr · 10m ago
Virat Kohli-backed WROGN’s revenue dips 29% in FY24
Medial

Virat Kohli-backed men’s apparel brand WROGN’s parent company has been struggling to grow, as the company’s revenue dropped by over 29% in the fiscal year ending March 2024. At the same time, the firm’s losses surged by 28.2%, nearing the Rs 57 crore mark during the same period. WROGN’s revenue from operations dwindled 29.2% to Rs 243.75 crore during FY24 as compared to Rs 344.3 crore in FY23, its consolidated financial statements sourced from the Registrar of Companies show. For background, WROGN reported a flat scale in FY23. The firm also generated Rs 21 crore from interest and gain on financial assets which took its overall revenue to Rs 264.8 crore in FY24. Founded in 2014 by brother-sister duo Anjana and Vikram Reddy, WROGN is engaged in the business of trading outdoor products such as apparel, footwear, and accessories among others. Leveraging Kohli’s influence, the brand has rapidly expanded its presence through exclusive brand outlets and strategic partnerships with marketplaces. On the expenses front, cost of materials formed 53.6% of the total expenses. This cost slid 29% and stood at Rs 163.91 crore in FY24. Employee benefits expenses also saw a dip by 7.5% to Rs 32.26 crore during the same period. Significantly, the employee cost also includes ESOP expenses worth Rs 1.96 crore. Commission paid to the selling agents was down by 28% in FY24 at Rs 30.83 crore while other expenses such as advertising promotions and legal & professional fees also shrank significantly. In total, the overall expenditure of the company went down by 24.7% to Rs 305.56 crore during FY24 from Rs 405.6 crore in the previous fiscal year. For the complete expense breakdown, head to TheKredible. WROGN tried to cover up its losses by taking cost-cutting measures but due to the sharp fall in collection, its losses increased by 28.2% to Rs 56.76 crore during the year against Rs 44.26 crore in FY23. Its operating cash outflows, however, improved by over 63% to Rs 5.23 crore during the year. Its outstanding swelled to Rs 636.58 crore as of FY24. As per TheKredible, the firm’s EBITDA margin and ROCE stood at -6.04% and -72.07%, respectively. On a unit level, WROGN spent Rs 1.25 to earn a rupee of operating revenue during FY24. FY23-FY24 FY23 FY24 EBITDA Margin -4.42% -6.04% Expense/₹ of Op Revenue ₹1.18 ₹1.25 ROCE -25.49% -72.07% Aditya Birla’s TMRW recently picked up a 16% stake in WROGN at a $105 million valuation by pouring in Rs 125 crore or $15 million. It’s worth noting that Aditya Birla also acquired a similar brand Bewakoof in December 2022. WROGN has raised around $90 million from the likes of Accel, Flipkart, Kohli, and Sachin Tendulkar since its inception in 2014. In November 2020, Flipkart invested an undisclosed amount in WROGN’s Series F round. The e-commerce major is also an investor in Hrithik Roshan’s HRX which competes with WROGN. According to TheKredible’s D2C report, fashion (apparel, jewelry, footwear, eyewear, and accessories) is the largest category attracting a large set of consumers. India’s fashion industry is booming, with the potential to reach $43.2 billion by 2025. But seeing how anaemic or even negative the numbers have been for most, one can only marvel at the outlier that a Zudio has been over the last two years with its triple-digit growth. Of course, the broader slowdown in the category has been blamed on multiple possible factors, including a craze for investment in the stock markets directly or indirectly. Or perhaps the prioritisation of getting an iPhone over other branded products, considering the rise in iPhone sales in India. Either way, WROGN’s numbers indicate a problem it has acknowledged for some time now, and is making efforts to manage. The challenge it faces is as tough as any pitch Kohli has played on, one suspects.

Preity Zinta and Shubman Gill joins as co-founders of gym chain DRIVE FITT

EntrackrEntrackr · 11m ago
Preity Zinta and Shubman Gill joins as co-founders of gym chain DRIVE FITT
Medial

Bollywood actress Preity Zinta and Indian cricketer Shubman Gill have joined as co-founders of member-based gym facility DRIVE FITT to empower the Indian fitness market. Launched by Mark Sellar and Deke Smith, DRIVE FITT blends cricket training facilities involving high-tech bowling machines in the nets, yoga studios, comprehensive strength, conditioning, and cardio training with gym amenities and plans to open its flagship facility later this year. According to market research, the Indian fitness market is estimated to reach approximately $9.5 billion by 2025. DRIVE FITT will provide different membership options, including monthly, quarterly, half-yearly, annual, and family memberships, alongside a daily pass. The daily pass will cost around Rs1,000, while monthly memberships start at Rs 7,000, and yearly memberships can reach up to Rs 35,000. Family memberships will be available for two adults and one or two children. DRIVE FITT has appointed Nikhil Kakkar, former COO of Gold’s Gym, as its COO. Kakkar, who has 16 years of experience at Gold’s Gym, will spearhead the company’s operations and franchising efforts. The brand’s offerings would be crafted by Gill, along with Australian cricketers Chris Lynn and Ryan Harris. The chain will launch its first facility in Gurugram this October, with a second location in Noida scheduled for November. The platform aims to establish 300 franchises across India within the next three years.

Exclusive: WestBridge to join Spinny’s ongoing round with $35-40 Mn

EntrackrEntrackr · 1m ago
Exclusive: WestBridge to join Spinny’s ongoing round with $35-40 Mn
Medial

Used car platform Spinny has expanded its ongoing funding round to $170 million with new backing from WestBridge Capital, according to two sources familiar with the matter. “WestBridge has joined the round with $35–40 million in primary capital, which will push the total fundraise to around $170 million,” said one of the sources, requesting anonymity. The investment follows Entrackr’s earlier report from May, which said that Spinny is raising $131 million led by the US-based Accel Leaders Fund. According to the sources, the valuation of the Niraj Singh-led company remained flat at $1.5–1.7 billion. The Gurugram-based firm became a unicorn in July 2021 with a valuation of $1.8 billion. So far, Spinny has raised more than $500 million from investors including Tiger Global, Elevation Capital, General Catalyst, and Fundamentum, among others. In December 2021, the company also roped in cricket icon Sachin Tendulkar as a strategic investor and brand ambassador. The firm enables both the buying and selling of quality used cars through a full-stack retail model. It manages the entire supply chain, including vehicle inspection, refurbishment, documentation, and financing. According to industry estimates, Spinny sells nearly 11,000 cars each month through its retail and B2B auction platforms. Recently, the company also acquired auto media and car content platform Autocar India and kicked off operations of its NBFC which is a fully owned subsidiary of the parent company. For the fiscal year ending March 2024, the firm’s revenue from operations increased to Rs 3,725.02 crore from Rs 3,259.78 crore in FY23. During the same period, its losses decreased by 28% to Rs 590.37 crore. Spinny’s core competitor Cars24 reported a 25% year-on-year increase in revenue in FY24 to Rs 6,917 crore. The SoftBank-backed company posted a net loss of Rs 498 crore and an adjusted EBITDA loss of Rs 318 crore for the same period.

Glenn Maxwell joins as investor in Drive FITT

EntrackrEntrackr · 3m ago
Glenn Maxwell joins as investor in Drive FITT
Medial

Drive FITT, a membership-based sports club designed around cricket, fitness, and recovery with cutting-edge technology, has raised an undisclosed amount from Australian cricketer Glenn Maxwell. Bollywood actress Preity Zinta and Indian cricketer Shubman Gill joined as co-founders of DRIVE FITT to empower the Indian fitness market back in July 2024. Co-founded by Preity G Zinta, Shubman Gill, Mark Sellar, Deke Smith, and Vikram Aditya Bhatia, Drive FITT integrates the sport of cricket, fitness, and recovery, enhancing performance and wellness with real-time data tracking and personalized training experiences. The platform offers access to cricket training, advanced performance tracking, and recovery programs. "Joining the Drive FITT team is exciting for me. Cricket, fitness, and recovery have been essential to my journey, and this concept brings them together uniquely and innovatively. I'm looking forward to contributing my experience and helping shape a space that supports athletes at every level,” said Glenn Maxwell. With this investment, Maxwell will play an active role in shaping Drive FITT’s vision by contributing his expertise to training methodologies and player development. His commitment extends beyond financial support—he will also engage in brand advocacy, develop training content, and leverage his on-field experience to enhance the facility’s offerings. According to market research, the Indian fitness market is estimated to reach approximately $9.5 billion by the end of this year. DRIVE FITT provides different membership options, including monthly, quarterly, half-yearly, annual, and family memberships, alongside a daily pass. The daily pass will cost around Rs1,000, while monthly memberships start at Rs 7,000, and yearly memberships can reach up to Rs 35,000. Family memberships will be available for two adults and one or two children.

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