Indian sports technology and video game startups are attracting the attention of venture capital firms, including Centre Court Capital. The Mumbai-based fund is backed by steel tycoon Sajjan Jindal and is raising up to 3.5 billion rupees ($42 million) for its inaugural fund to invest in these sectors. Centre Court Capital aims to make 15 to 18 investments, primarily in Series A rounds, over the next three years.
The shift in mindset towards fitness, sports, and gaming in India presents new opportunities for startups in this sector. Ghouse, the founder of Centre Court Capital, notes that changing consumer preferences are driving this trend. He has already secured 2 billion rupees from backers, including Jindal’s family trust as the anchor investor, and is looking to raise the remaining amount by November.
Centre Court Capital will focus on technologies that enhance athletic performance, content creation, monetization, and consumer-facing companies specializing in sleep and general fitness. The fund has already invested in two startups – a broadcast technology company and a sports analytics provider. It is also in discussions with gaming studios. Investors in the fund include PremjiInvest, USK Capital, Small Industries Development Bank of India, GMR Sports, and SG Sports.
Ghouse is leading the fund as he was previously involved with investing in cricket team Delhi Capitals and other franchises during his tenure at JSW Group’s Jindal Steel Works (JSW). He has partnered with Alok Samtaney, a former principal at TVS Capital Funds who joins him as a partner at Centre Court Capital. Together they are focused on identifying promising startups to invest in the Indian sports technology and gaming sectors.
In conclusion, Centre Court Capital is raising funds to invest in Indian sports technology and video game startups with an aim to capitalize on changing consumer preferences towards fitness
