Virat Kohli, the cricketing virtuoso who led the batting statistics with 700+ runs in IPL season, is a startup investing icon as well. He began investing at the age of 25, and now, at 35, he is a sophisticated angel investor with a broad portfolio. Kohli's commercial endeavors, which have a net value in excess of Rs 1000 crore, demonstrate his strategic ability. Let's look at the 7 significant investments that demonstrate his insight and commercial acumen:
Chisel Fitness (2015): Kohli has invested over Rs 90 crore in establishing a network of gyms and fitness facilities to promote fitness and wellbeing across India. In 2017, Kohli collaborated with Zeeva, a Hong Kong-based consumer electronics business, to introduce MuveAcoustics in India.
Virat's investment in Bengaluru-based company Galactus Funware Technology Pvt Ltd (MPL) in 2019 demonstrates his interest in the growing online gaming business. MPL became the Indian Cricket Team's official uniform sponsor and merchandising partner in 2020.
Virat and Anushka invested Rs 2.2 crore in Canadian billionaire Prem Watsa's company, Digital Insurance (2020). Digital Insurance quickly reached a valuation of $870 million, demonstrating its strong growth.
Universal Sportsbiz Pvt Ltd (2020): This design firm, backed by Sachin Tendulkar and set to receive Rs 19.3 million from Kohli in 2020, shows Kohli's diversified investment approach by effortlessly combining sports and fashion.
In 2021, Virat became an investor and brand ambassador for Hyperice, a business that promotes wellness and recovery, with worldwide celebrities including Erling Haaland and Naomi Osaka.
Virat invested in Rage Coffee, a fast-growing Indian coffee startup, in 2022. Rage Coffee, which is currently available in over 2500 locations, is challenging established brands such as Starbucks and Nescafe.
Blue Tribe (2023): Virat and Anushka Sharma have funded this unique Indian plant-based meat enterprise, promoting sustainable food and healthy lifestyles. Virat Kohli's investments span fitness and gaming to insurance and fashion, demonstrating a sharp eye for opportunity and a commitment to nurturing innovative, growth-oriented enterprises.
