MS Dhoni's Diversified Portfolio
Mahendra Singh Dhoni has transitioned from 'Captain Cool' to a savvy investor with a remarkably diverse portfolio. He is the force behind the lifestyle brand 'Seven', which he co-owns, and has made strategic investments in a range of startups. His interests
span from fintech with an investment in Khatabook to mobility with CARS24 and even drone technology with Garuda Aerospace. Beyond the tech world, Dhoni has also invested in sports franchises, including co-owning the Chennaiyin FC football club in the Indian Super League and the Ranchi Rays hockey team. This broad approach shows a keen eye for different sectors, from high-growth startups to established sporting leagues.
Virat Kohli's Brand Empire
Virat Kohli has masterfully converted his on-field aggression and style into a powerful business empire. His primary venture is the brand 'One8', which started as a collaboration with Puma and has now expanded into a major sportswear and lifestyle label under Agilitas Sports, a startup in which Kohli is a key investor. He also co-founded the popular youth fashion brand 'Wrogn'. Beyond apparel, Kohli has a significant presence in the hospitality industry with his chain of restaurants, 'One8 Commune', located in major cities across India. His business acumen also extends to sports ownership with a stake in the ISL football club FC Goa, demonstrating a clear strategy of building businesses that align with his personal brand and passions.
Sachin Tendulkar, The Early Mover
Long before it became a trend, Sachin Tendulkar was laying the groundwork for a post-cricket business career. An early entrant into the restaurant business, he has since diversified his interests significantly. A major investment was in Smaaash Entertainment, a company focused on sports and virtual reality gaming experiences. In the fashion world, Tendulkar co-launched the men's apparel brand 'True Blue' in partnership with Arvind Fashions, aiming to give Indian menswear a global touch. He also runs his own sports management company, SRT Sports Management, with his wife, Anjali, and has invested in various tech startups like Smartron and JetSynthesys. His journey showcases a long-term vision for building a legacy off the field.
Yuvraj Singh, The Startup Champion
Yuvraj Singh has channeled his fighting spirit into becoming a prominent angel investor, specifically to support India's burgeoning startup ecosystem. He established 'YouWeCan Ventures' in 2015, a venture capital fund that invests in early-stage startups across various sectors like health-tech, e-commerce, and gaming. The fund is a reflection of his personal journey, with a mission to empower young entrepreneurs. His portfolio includes investments in companies like Healthians, a diagnostic healthcare service, and JetSetGo, a private jet marketplace. Through YouWeCan, Yuvraj has not only created a vehicle for financial returns but also a platform to mentor and promote the next generation of Indian innovators.
Kapil Dev, The Original Entrepreneur
India's 1983 World Cup-winning captain, Kapil Dev, was one of the first cricketers to successfully venture into business. His most well-known enterprise is Dev Musco Lighting, a company that specializes in installing high-quality stadium floodlights and has worked on major sporting arenas across the country. This venture has played a crucial role in modernizing India's sports infrastructure. He also ventured into the hospitality sector with his 'Kaptain's Retreat' restaurant chain. As one of the pioneers, Kapil Dev demonstrated how a cricketer's reputation for leadership and integrity could be translated into credible and successful business ventures long before it became a common career path.
Suresh Raina's Niche Focus
Suresh Raina has taken a more focused and personal approach to his entrepreneurial journey. Along with his wife, Priyanka, he co-founded 'Maate', a premium, all-natural baby care brand. The venture was born from their personal experience as parents and a desire to create toxin-free, high-quality products for children in India. The brand, which draws on Ayurvedic principles, operates in the premium segment and reflects a growing trend of entrepreneurs targeting specific consumer needs. This move into a niche market showcases a different but equally sharp business strategy, leveraging personal passion to build an authentic brand.
