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Hitting a hattrick of 6’s to dazzle the crowd hasn’t been the only cool thing <keyword id="6354832" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="MS-dhoni" source="Orion">MS Dhoni</keyword> has been up to of late. The Indian cricketing legend continues to make waves off the pitch in many ways, one of which involves investing in interesting and impactful <keyword id="20067715" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="start-up" source="keywords">start-up</keyword> projects. His latest venture involves an undisclosed investment in <keyword id="20656950" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="electric-cycle" source="keywords">electric cycle</keyword> manufacturer <keyword id="20835176" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="EMotorad" source="keywords" meta.keywordsubtype="org" meta.entityname="EMotorad" meta.hostid="261" meta.entityid="EMotorad">EMotorad</keyword>. In addition to his financial backing, <keyword id="19896463" type="General" weightage="100" keywordseo="Dhoni" source="keywords">Dhoni</keyword> is set to serve as the <keyword id="21321553" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="brand-endorser" source="keywords">brand endorser</keyword> for the company, further solidifying his role in shaping its future direction. Expressing his excitement for this venture, Dhoni commented: “The future is in our hands. We are in an era where innovation plays a huge role in shaping sustainable solutions, and I’m a fan of new-age companies that build these. EMotorad stands at the forefront of shaping the future of mobility, and I am thrilled to be a part of this journey!” <keyword id="20835175" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="Kunal-Gupta" source="keywords">Kunal Gupta</keyword>, founder and chief executive of EMotorad, expressed confidence that MS Dhoni's association with the brand will significantly boost awareness and trust in the e-biking sector. He told ET: “There is no one better and more reliable than Dhoni who resonates with what our brand stands for, an avid biker himself.” <div type="twitter" handle="e_motorad" handlename="e_motorad" favoritecount="0" retweetcount="0" id="1776119471704608843"></div> This Pune-based startup now joins a growing list of startups that are part of Dhoni's diverse portfolio, which includes ventures spanning various sectors such as fitness, technology, automotive and digital solutions. As per The Economic Times, notable among his investments are Bengaluru-based fitness startup Tagda Raho, digital lending platform Khatabook, and Gurugram-based used car retailer Cars24. Founded in 2020 by Kunal Gupta, Rajib Gangopadhyay, Aditya Oza and Sumedh Battewar, EMotorad has rapidly gained traction in the Indian e-cycle market, capturing a 65% share. With a focus on cutting-edge technology and strategic partnerships, the company aims to revolutionise transportation by offering high-quality and value-driven solutions. Back in November 2023, EMotorad demonstrated its growth potential by securing substantial funding worth Rs 164 crore in a Series B round led by Panthera Growth Partners. It has raised a total of $20 million in equity thus far. The company boasts a network of more than 350 dealers nationwide, along with over 10 experience centres. Despite its strong foundation in India, its reach spans across eight countries, demonstrating its global presence and influence. Offline dominance aside, EMotorad also leverages online platforms to reach a wider audience, including e-commerce giants like Amazon and Flipkart. In the fiscal year ending March 2024, EMotorad reported sales of Rs 140 crore, a notable increase from Rs 115 crore the previous year. Looking ahead to FY25, the company targets sales of Rs 270 crore, with approximately Rs 130 crore stemming from domestic markets and the remainder anticipated from regions like the US and Europe. With plans underway for a new factory and the development of innovative e-cycle designs, EMotorad is poised for further expansion. By diversifying its product range, expanding its market reach, and now partnering with one of the most beloved sporting figures in the country, the company is fully committed to solidifying its position as a leader in the evolving mobility landscape. (With inputs from The Economic Times)

Dhoni goes electric: Former team India captain invests in affordable e-bike start-up EMotorad

<ul><li><keyword id="6354832" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="MS-Dhoni" source="Orion">MS Dhoni</keyword> forayed into the world of business by making major investments in various companies across sectors.</li><li>His investments include <keyword id="4610420" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="Garuda-Aerospace" source="Orion">Garuda Aerospace</keyword>, Khatabook, Cars24, and many more.</li><li>He has an estimated net worth of $111 million and featured among highest paid athletes in the world in 2015.</li></ul>After bidding a goodbye to international cricket, former Indian team skipper Mahendra Singh <keyword id="6397" type="General" weightage="100" keywordseo="dhoni" source="Orion">Dhoni</keyword> seems to have turned into a full-time startup investor. He now has interests in companies across sectors like auto, liquor, agricultural, clothing etc. His latest venture is into the world of drones as he invested an undisclosed sum in Chennai-based drone company Garuda Aerospace today. He has also become its brand ambassador. The company works in the agri sector and has 300 drones along with 500 pilots operating in 26 countries. <div type="twitter" handle="garuda_india" handlename="Garuda Aerospace Pvt Ltd" image="http://pbs.twimg.com/profile_images/1435499480695013376/O7KKwlM-_normal.jpg" favoritecount="41" retweetcount="20" status="The Helicopter has arrived 🚁 Captain Cool #MSDhoni makes a strategic investment in India's Largest Drone Startup… https://t.co/Fuq72WLmzK" createdat="1654500456000" id="1533712192670814208"></div> <cmsannotation type="cmsannotation" annotationid="One of India’s highest paid athletes" comment="subhead" text="One of India’s highest paid athletes">One of India’s highest paid athletes</cmsannotation> Dhoni has an estimated<a href="https://www.sportskeeda.com/cricket/ms-dhoni-net-worth"> net worth</a> of $111 million and is featured among the highest paid athletes in the world in 2015 — earning as much as $31 million. Apart from investments, he endorses 20 brands including TVS Motors, Ashok Leyland and Exide Batteries. It hence comes as no surprise that he is carefully growing his wealth by investing in various ventures — which are mostly startups. Here are some companies in which Dhoni has invested in — 1. Khatabook Dhoni became the investor and brand ambassador of the Saas-based ledger company in March 2020. It is an online platform for companies to keep a digital log of their financial transactions and accept payments online. The company claims that it had managed to clock in five crore registered merchants in just a year. 2. Cars24 He became a part of the e-commerce platform for pre-owned cars in 2019 by investing an undisclosed sum in its Series D round. He is also its brand ambassador. 3. <keyword id="6359801" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="Seven" source="Orion">Seven</keyword> Dhoni who is known for his personal style launched his own lifestyle brand popularly known as Seven, after his iconic jersey number 7. Reportedly, he just owns the footwear segment of the brand, while the rest of it is owned by RS Seven Lifestyle. He is also the global brand ambassador of the company he launched in 2016. 4. 7InkBrews The food and beverage company announced Dhoni as its brand ambassador and shareholder of the company last April. Adil Mistry and Kunal Patel, co-founders of the company launched a whole new range of chocolates and beverages under the brand Copter7, which was inspired by Dhoni’s famous helicopter shot and his jersey number. 5. Hotel Mahi Residency This one is one of the lesser known investments made by the cricket legend. Very few people know that Mahi owns a hotel as well named as Hotel Mahi Residency located in Ranchi, Jharkhand. 6. HomeLane Dhoni became an equity partner and brand ambassador of the home interior company last August. The agreement was signed for three years, however, no other details were disclosed. HomeLane, founded in 2014, is a platform that promises to deliver home interiors within 45 days. 7. <keyword id="14129080" type="General" weightage="50" keywordseo="sports-fit" source="Orion">Sports Fit</keyword> He also owns a stake in Sports Fit, which is a gym franchise located in multiple locations in India such as Delhi, Mumbai. As per media reports, he owns around 200 gyms under this brand name. The Ranchi-based hockey team, which replaced the defunct <keyword id="4931806" type="General" weightage="50" keywordseo="ranchi-rhinos" source="Orion">Ranchi Rhinos</keyword> in 2014, is also owned by Dhoni. Previously, it was owned by the Patel-Uniexcel Group. 8. Ranchi Rays The Ranchi-based hockey team, which replaced the defunct Ranchi Rhinos in 2014, is also owned by Dhoni. Previously, it was owned by the Patel-Uniexcel Group. 9. Chennaiyin FC He is the co-owner of the popular football Indian Super League (ISL), which is men’s football league, franchise Chennaiyin FC. The other co-owner is Bollywood actor Abhishek Bachchan. SEE ALSO: <a target="_blank" class="c-link c-message_attachment__title_link" href="http://www.businessinsider.in/science/space/news/elon-musks-spacex-teases-next-gen-satellites-reveals-company-on-track-meet-goal-of-52-60-launches-this-year/articleshow/92040368.cms">Elon Musk's SpaceX teases next-gen satellites, reveals company on track meet goal of 52-60 launches this year</a> <a target="_blank" class="c-link c-message_attachment__title_link" href="https://www.businessinsider.in/finance/banks/news/indias-central-bank-denies-reports-that-it-is-replacing-mahatma-gandhi-with-tagore-and-kalam-on-currency-notes/articleshow/92037998.cms">India's central bank denies reports that it is replacing Mahatma Gandhi with Tagore and Kalam on currency notes</a>

M S Dhoni ventures into the world of drones — look at the other companies he invested in

<ul><li>Dhoni recently invested an undisclosed in <keyword id="4306161" type="PERSON" weightage="20" keywordseo="Cars24">Cars24</keyword>, a used car marketplace. </li><li>Earlier this year he had also invested in sports tech startup Run Adams. </li><li>He is also a brand ambassador of India’s first gaming unicorn <keyword id="6214644" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="20" keywordseo="Dream11">Dream11</keyword>.</li></ul>Indian cricketer Mahendra Singh Dhoni is hitting the ball out of the park off the field too! He has been actively building an investment portfolio and interestingly, the former skipper seems to have taken a liking for Indian <keyword id="6362513" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="20" keywordseo="startups">startups</keyword>. Here’s a look at the businesses where Dhoni has invested in or is a brand ambassador <div type="Slideshow" msid="70685410" hostid="261" title="MS Dhoni seems to be the favourite celeb for Indian startups" firstImageMsid="70685411" slideCount="5"></div>

MS Dhoni seems to be the favourite celeb for Indian startups

<ul><li>Newly launched startup <keyword id="7750611" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="20" keywordseo="apne11">Apne11</keyword> has roped in <keyword id="1229" type="PERSON" weightage="20" keywordseo="Kapil-Dev">Kapil Dev</keyword> to be its brand advisor. </li><li>The Indian fantasy gaming market is a hot one right now with the ICC Cricket World Cup going on.</li><li>Startups like <keyword id="6214644" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="20" keywordseo="Dream11">Dream11</keyword> and Mobile Premier League have already become established names in the sector.</li></ul>As the fantasy gaming industry in India grows along with the World Cup fever, more and more startups are entering the industry. A newly launched startup Apne11 has roped in former Indian skipper Kapil Dev to be its ‘brand advisor’. “I am thrilled to be associated with Apne11 as it will present an open opportunity for millions to compete against one another and have the chance to connect with sports on an even deeper level than before,” said Dev. Apne11 follows the same mantra as most fantasy gaming startups – users get to choose their own team on the platform from amongst the players on the actual field and be awarded points in accordance with the performance of the selected team combination. Growing market The Indian fantasy gaming market is projected to touch $5 billion in the next two years, according to Roland Landers, CEO, All India Gaming Federation. However, this sector already has the presence of the likes of Dream11, which has over 60 million users and is also associated with major cricketing events like the Indian Premier League and the ICC World Cup along with having <keyword id="6354832" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="20" keywordseo="ms-dhoni">MS Dhoni</keyword> as its brand ambassador. Dream11 also became India’s first gaming unicorn in April 2019. Another player in the same field is Mobile Premier League which got 20 million users within seven months of its launch along with a funding of $35.5 million from Sequoia India. MPL has current Indian skipper <keyword id="6354486" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="20" keywordseo="virat-kohli">Virat Kohli</keyword> as its brand ambassador. See Also: <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/icc-cricket-world-cup-2019-star-network-and-hotstar-viewership/articleshow/69719956.cms">ICC Cricket World Cup 2019 viewership so far on Hotstar is far from the IPL peak</a> <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/icc-cricket-world-cup-2019-dream11s-userbase-can-hit-90-million/articleshow/69580087.cms">As England vs South Africa game kicks off, the World Cup is fuelling Dream11's dream run in 2019</a> <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/mobile-premier-league-raises-series-a-funding-of-35-5-million-from-sequoia-india-times-internet-and-goventures/articleshow/69017909.cms">This 7-month old startup has $35.5 million funding from Sequoia and Virat Kohli as its brand ambassador</a>

This 1983 cricket World Cup star just turned brand advisor for India’s latest fantasy gaming startup

<ul><li>The 39-year-old Dhoni is set for a return to competitive cricket in the upcoming IPL, to be played in the UAE from September 19 to November 10. </li><li>Speculations were rife about Dhoni's future since the 2019 World Cup as he failed to get a central contract from the BCCI. </li><li>While Dhoni kept quiet throughout, in March, the wicket-keeper batsman hinted that he is stiil not finished when he resumed training at Chepauk before the IPL was postponed due to the pandemic. </li></ul> Chennai Super Kings CEO Kasi Vishwanathan feels their talisman Mahendra Singh Dhoni, who has not played any competitive cricket since last year's World Cup semifinal, will be part of the franchise in 2021 and 2022 IPLs. The 39-year-old Dhoni is set for a return to competitive cricket in the upcoming IPL, to be played in the UAE from September 19 to November 10. "We can expect <keyword id="6354832" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="20" keywordseo="ms-dhoni">MS Dhoni</keyword> to be part of both (IPL 2020 and 2021) and probably for even the next year - 2022," Viswanathan was quoted as saying by indiatoday.in. "I am getting updates through the media only, saying he has been training in Jharkhand in indoor nets. But we don't have to worry about the skipper, boss. We don't worry about him at all. "He knows his responsibilities and he will take care of himself and the team." N Srinivasan, the vice-chairman and managing director of India Cements, owners of the CSK franchise, in January said that Dhoni would be retained by the team for the 2021 IPL mega-auction. Speculations were rife about Dhoni's future since the 2019 World Cup as he failed to get a central contract from the BCCI. While Dhoni kept quiet throughout, in March, the wicket-keeper batsman hinted that he is stiil not finished when he resumed training at Chepauk before the IPL was postponed due to the pandemic. Prior to that, Dhoni was seen practising at the Jharkhand State Cricket Association's (JSCA) indoor facility in his hometown Ranchi. CSK have planned a short training camp at their base from August 16 to 20. While CSK are hoping to leave for the UAE on August 21, Vishwanathan confirmed that all the players will assemble in Chennai on August 14. "It will be a skill-based plus training camp. It can't immediately start off with skills because they are coming back after a long off," he said. SEE ALSO: <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/politics/world/news/trump-was-rushed-from-the-briefing-room-by-secret-service-after-a-shooting-outside-of-the-white-house/articleshow/77474005.cms">Trump was rushed from the briefing room by Secret Service after a shooting outside the White House</a> <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/careers/news/mckinsey-facebook-amazon-nokia-and-some-other-companies-looking-for-a-product-manager-right-now/slidelist/77464438.cms">McKinsey, Facebook, Amazon, Nokia — and some other companies looking for a product manager right now</a> <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/business/startups/news/how-karan-bajaj-sold-his-less-than-18-month-old-startup-white-hat-jr-to-byjus/articleshow/77415329.cms">A WhatsApp message, six weeks of talks and a $300 million deal – how Karan Bajaj sold his less than 18-month old startup White Hat Jr to Byju’s</a>

Chennai Super Kings CEO wants MS Dhoni to play with them till IPL 2022

New Delhi, Mar 17 () Business accounting app Khatabook on Tuesday announced that cricketer Mahendra Singh Dhoni has invested in the company, and has become its brand ambassador. Khatabook is aiming to onboard another 2 crore merchants over the next 12 months. The firm plans to use proceeds from the latest equity investment to expand its product portfolio and double down on its technology and capabilities. "Having grown up in small-town India, I saw friends and family struggle with outdated modes of doing business and tracking finances. Khatabook has had an outsized impact on the lives of India's small merchants and retailers," Dhoni said. * * * * *Fintech firm Fintso raises $2.6 mn in maiden round of funding* Fintech start up Fintso on Tuesday announced raising USD 2.6 million from a set of individual angel investors including top officials of Mankind, Einfochips and Deutsche Bank. "Fintso, a 3-month-old fintech startup, founded by Wealth Management industry veterans, George Mitra and Rajan Pathak, has raised USD 2.6 milliom from a set of individual Angel investors. Investors include Rajeev Juneja (CEO of Mankind Pharma), Pratul Shroff (Founder of Infochips) and Dilip Khandelwal (MD and Head of Technology, Asia Pacific, Deutsche Bank)," the company said in a statement.Fintso said it will use the capital to develop platform to help independent financial advisors and mutual fund distributors to nurture client relationships, enable seamless operations, and help them enhance productivity. PRS SHWSHW

MS Dhoni invests in biz accounting app Khatabook

<ul><li>Cricketer Mahendra Singh Dhoni has invested in <keyword id="4306161" type="PERSON" weightage="20" keywordseo="Cars24">Cars24</keyword>, in its series D round of funding.</li><li>Cars24, which had recently opened up to franchising, aims to have over 300 outlets in India in the next two years. </li><li>It had also received an NBFC licence from the RBI to offer loans for the purchase of used cars. </li></ul>Indian cricketer <keyword id="6354832" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="20" keywordseo="ms-dhoni">MS Dhoni</keyword> has Ferrari 599 GTO, Hummer H2, the GMC Sierra cars in his stable. His most recent purchase was the Jeep Grand Cherokee Trackhawk SUV model that is estimated to cost over ₹87 lakhs in India. 
 
 
 
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 However, the former Indian captain is now making to make some money out of used cars by investing an undisclosed amount into car marketplace Cars24 and will now also be the startup’s brand ambassador. The investment is a part of the startup’s series D round of funding. “Besides being a fan of all things to do with cars, I am also a fan of new age companies that are disruptive, innovative and shaping the future. CARS24 is definitely one of these companies,” Dhoni said in a statement. Cars24, which was founded in 2015, has grown rapidly over the years and hoped to breakeven by December 2019. Cars24 sells over 13,000 cars every month through its platform and over 4 years has sold 1.6 lakh cars. The startup also recently opened up the doors for franchising, which will help it set-up 300 outlets in tier-2, tier-3 and tier-4 cities over the next two years. It also has the RBI approval to offer loans for the purchase of used cars. Currently present in 35 cities and 150 branches, Cars24 plans to be in 70 cities and 230 branches by 2019. “We only have 2% market share right now of the $30 billion used car market. In India, 5 million used cars are sold every year. Our objective is to take this number of 2% to 20% over the next 5 years,” co-founder and CEO Vikram Chopra had told Business Insider in an earlier interview. Dhoni’s money and brand will go a long way in supporting the dream.

MS Dhoni who splurges on fancy cars is now looking to make money from used cars

Indian cricket team captain <a href="http://www.businessinsider.in/searchresult.cms?query=dhoni&amp;sortorder=effectivedate">MS </a><a href="http://www.businessinsider.in/searchresult.cms?query=dhoni&amp;sortorder=effectivedate">Dhoni</a>-backed ‘<keyword id="6359801" type="COMPANY" weightage="20" keywordseo="Seven">Seven</keyword>’, a footwear and apparel brand, crossed $2.5 million in turnover in just first three months of its operations. 
 
Chairman of Rhiti Group Arun Pandey said the brand is now aiming to touch a turnover of $10 million in the domestic market and around $3-4 million from international markets by the end of this fiscal. 
 
Dhoni owns the footwear side of the brand Seven, whereas Pandey's RS Seven Lifestyle, which is part of the Rhiti group, owns the apparel and accessories business. 
 
ET reported within three months between April and June 2016, the footwear business contributed 56.5 per cent to the turnover while the rest has come from apparel and accessories. 
 
It is noteworthy Seven is also Dhoni's official jersey number. 
 
"Today's generation has begun to embrace a much more active and health-conscious lifestyle. Seven addresses the value gap in the market," said Dhoni. 
 
Meanwhile, Pandey said they will be investing in setting up company-owned retail stores across key metro markets by the end of this year besides investing in innovative designs and technology in their product line-up. 
 
"We have sold our first consignment to a handful of international markets including the Middle East, Africa and few countries in South East Asia. The response has been excellent and we're now gearing up for a formal launch in these markets, including Australia," Pandey told ET.

Dhoni's brand Seven has done something that startups are struggling to do these days

<ul><li><keyword id="4306161" type="PERSON" weightage="20" keywordseo="Cars24">Cars24</keyword> has raised $100 million from existing and new investors. </li><li>Its latest investor includes Sunil Mittal’s son Shravin Bharti Mittal, who leads the investment firm Unbound.</li><li>Its previous investors KCK, Agnelli (Fiat) Family and Sequoia India too were a part of the round. </li></ul>Cars24, the <keyword id="71298" type="PERSON" weightage="20" keywordseo="used-cars">used cars</keyword> <keyword id="125920" type="PERSON" weightage="20" keywordseo="marketplace">marketplace</keyword>, raised $100 million in a series D round of funding. The startup raised the funding from Unbound, a London-based investment firm and Moore Strategic Ventures, a New York-based investment firm. Its previous investors KCK, Agnelli (Fiat) Family and Sequoia India too were a part of the round. In August, Indian cricketer <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/ms-dhoni-invests-in-used-car-marketplace-cars24/articleshow/70659442.cms">MS Dhoni</a> too had participated in the same round for an undisclosed amount. He is also the brand ambassador for the startup. Interestingly, Unbound is led by Sunil Mittal’s son Shravin Bharti Mittal. Cars24 sells over 13,000 cars every month through its platform. In 4 years, it sold 1.6 lakh cars. It is present in 35 cities and 150 branches. It aims to double its reach to 75 Indian cities by the end of the year. With the new funds, the company plans to set a strong foothold for its recently announced non-banking financial company (NBFC) business. “Our motive is to expand across India and give our customers a hassle-free selling experience. Any car owner can sell their car at a great price in less than an hour by driving down to the nearest CARS24 branch. To make it a reality, we’ve been investing heavily in making our tech more robust, as well as convenient and friction-less for all,” said Vikram Chopra, co-founder and CEO, sharing the information on latest capital infusion. Even as the auto industry has been in the midst of a slowdown, Cars24 has been growing at 5% every month. In an earlier interview with Business Insider, Chopra said that the company also hopes to breakeven by December 2019. “We only have 2% market share right now of the $30 billion used car market. In India, 5 million used cars are sold every year. Our objective is to take this number of 2% to 20% over the next 5 years,” Chopra had said earlier. See Also: <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/ms-dhoni-investments-in-indian-startups/articleshow/70685320.cms">MS Dhoni seems to be the favourite celeb for Indian startups</a>

MS Dhoni backed Cars24 closes its series D round with $100 million

<ul><li><keyword id="6214644" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="20" keywordseo="Dream11">Dream11</keyword> is India’s first gaming unicorn and it is aiming to add another 23 million users in 45 days. </li><li>The startup has gained over 17 million users during this year’s Indian Premier League. </li><li>Former Indian cricket team captain <keyword id="6354832" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="20" keywordseo="ms-dhoni">MS Dhoni</keyword> is the brand ambassador of the startup. </li></ul>India’s first gaming unicorn the fantasy league startup Dream11 has had quite the dream run this year. Having gone from 50 million users in April to over 67 million users after the IPL, with the World Cup, it is only gearing up for more users and traffic. Besides MS Dhoni, who is Dream11’s brand ambassador, 9 new cricketers have been signed up by the startup with the commencement of the <keyword id="4054187" type="PERSON" weightage="20" keywordseo="ICC-Cricket-World-Cup-2019">ICC Cricket World Cup 2019</keyword> – Jos Buttler, Ben Stokes, Jonny Bairstow, Faf du Plessis, Quinton de Kock, Kagiso Rabada, Andre Russell, Jason Holder and Kane Williamson. “We expect to have 90 million users by the end of the World Cup and 100 million by the end of 2019.” Bhavit Sheth, COO, Dream11 had told Business Insider in an earlier interview. Bhavit Sheth and Harsh Jain had co-founded the startup 11 years ago. So, according to estimates the startup during this year’s IPL gained over 17 million users, while during last year’s IPL it had gained over 30 million users. When in 2014, Dream11 raised its first round of funding they still had just 300,000 users. In 2019, the startup turned unicorn with an investment from Steadview Capital which came on board after buying secondary shares from Dream11’s existing investors Kalaari Capital, Think Investments &amp; Multiples Equity. For the IPL, The Board of Control for Cricket in India had announced Dream11 as an official partner. See Also: <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/dream11-is-eyeing-the-unicorn-tag-riding-on-ipl-and-cricket-world-cup-in-2019/articleshow/68458528.cms">2019 may be the biggest year for this 11-year old Indian gaming startup</a> <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/gaming-startup-dream11-strikes-gold-as-the-official-partner-of-ipl/articleshow/68426121.cms">Gaming startup Dream11 strikes gold as the official partner of IPL</a>

As England vs South Africa game kicks off, the World Cup is fuelling Dream11's dream run in 2019

<ul><li><keyword id="7087972" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="20" keywordseo="mobile-premier-league">Mobile Premier League</keyword> has reportedly signed the Indian cricket captain for ₹120 million. </li><li><keyword id="6354832" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="20" keywordseo="ms-dhoni">MS Dhoni</keyword> had earlier come on board as a brand ambassador for fantasy gaming platform Dream11. </li><li>With the World Cup and IPL around the corner, these <keyword id="7391940" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="20" keywordseo="e-gaming">e-gaming</keyword> platforms are set to garner more users and reach. </li></ul>Indian e-sports startup Mobile Premier League has signed on <keyword id="6354486" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="20" keywordseo="virat-kohli">Virat Kohli</keyword> as its brand ambassador for <a href="https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/business/india-business/gaming-startup-mpl-ropes-in-kohli-in-rs-12-crore-deal/articleshow/68262218.cms">₹120 million. </a> What makes the deal unique is that the Mobile Premier League being just 10 months into the business decided to bring on board Kohli, who is currently <a href="https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/business/india-business/gaming-startup-mpl-ropes-in-kohli-in-rs-12-crore-deal/articleshow/68262218.cms">India’s top</a> celebrity brand endorser. Meanwhile, former Indian men’s cricket team captain and Kohli’s friend, Mahendra Singh Dhoni endorses the fantasy gaming platform Dream11. Dhoni was signed by the startup as its brand ambassador in 2018 for an undisclosed amount. With the upcoming frenzy of not just IPL but also the World Cup, e-sports platforms are looking at raking in a lot of business, targeting more users. While users admittedly get the incentive to also make money through these platforms, that does not appear to be the important factor driving the growth of these startups. A recent study done by the Indian Federation of Sports Gaming and KPMG showed that across all age and income groups, ‘Fun and Excitement’ is the primary motivator for playing fantasy sports. “The ‘Opportunity to win money’ was seen as one of the motivators for around 30% of respondents, however, this was only the 5th most important factor for engagement,” stated the report. The Indian online gaming market has hit it off in a big way with the segment set to <a href="https://www.thehindu.com/business/indian-gaming-market-to-grow-to-11-bn-by-2021/article23712355.ece">grow</a> to $1.1 billion by 2021. With the cricketers battling it out in the game of endorsements, what remains to be seen is who can help the startups hit it out of the park. See Also: <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/heres-why-indian-brands-can-no-longer-ignore-the-countrys-women-during-ipl-matches/articleshow/68153213.cms">Brands can no longer ignore Indian women during the country's most popular sporting event</a> <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/india-is-building-the-worlds-largest-cricket-stadium-bigger-than-the-one-in-melbourne/articleshow/67421201.cms">India is building the world’s largest cricket stadium–bigger than the one in Melbourne</a>

It’s Virat Kohli Vs MS Dhoni in the Indian e-gaming space

An interesting consequence of the release of <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/M.S._Dhoni:_The_Untold_Story">M.S. Dhoni : The Untold Story</a> is that many little-known anecdotes from <keyword id="3778468" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="100" keywordseo="MS-Dhonis-career">MS Dhoni’s career</keyword> can now be appreciated by a larger audience. 
 The one that caught my attention the most was the story around Dhoni’s selection into the <keyword id="8675" type="ORGANIZATION" weightage="100" keywordseo="Indian-cricket-team">Indian cricket team</keyword>. 
 
While many in the selection panel, such as <a href="http://www.espncricinfo.com/ci/content/story/143058.html">Sandeep Patil, were pushing for Dinesh Karthik</a>, Dhoni made it to the side on the back of a <a href="http://www.espncricinfo.com/ci/content/story/135231.html">firm recommendation by then-captain Sourav Ganguly</a>, and Ravi Shastri. 
 
For all of his astounding success, <keyword id="6354832" type="ORGANIZATION" weightage="100" keywordseo="MS-Dhoni">MS Dhoni</keyword> started off as Non-Consensus selection. 
 
Why is this significant ? 
 
Most of us start with the assumption that extraordinary sporting talent is obvious to spot and should lead to a unanimous approval by the selection panel. 
 
Nothing could be further from the truth. 
 
I began to see interesting parallels between sporting selections and the way Venture Capital (VC) investors pick their investments, inspired by a set of <a href="https://25iq.com/2014/06/14/a-dozen-things-ive-learned-from-marc-andreessen/">quotes from Marc Andreessen</a>. 
 
“We think you can draw a 2×2 matrix for venture capital. …And on one axis you could say, consensus versus non-consensus. And on the other axis you can say, successful or failure. 
 
 
 
<a href="https://25iq.com/2014/06/14/a-dozen-things-ive-learned-from-marc-andreessen/">Image Source</a> 
 
And of course, you make all your money on successful and non-consensus. … it’s very hard to make money on successful and consensus. Because if something is already consensus then money will have already flooded in and the profit opportunity is gone. 
 
And so by definition in venture capital, if you are doing it right, you are continuously investing in things that are non-consensus at the time of investment. 
 
And let me translate ‘non-consensus’: in sort of practical terms, it translates to crazy. You are investing in things that look like they are just nuts…..The entire art of venture capital in our view is the big breakthrough for ideas. The nature of the big idea is that they are not that predictable… 
 
….Most of the big breakthrough technologies/companies seem crazy at first: PCs, the internet, Bitcoin, Airbnb, Uber, 140 characters.. It has to be a radical product. It has to be something where, when people look at it, at first they say, ‘I don’t get it, I don’t understand it. I think it’s too weird, I think it’s too unusual.’” 
 
Of course, making a non-consensus selection, whether in the world of sports or startups, is easier said than done. Consensus by definition, represents a balanced, sensible, rational view that is, in most cases, also correct. 
 
What then does it take to cross the line in order to make a crazy non-consensus selection ? 
 It turns out that the story of Sachin Tendulkar’s selection into the Indian <keyword id="1521" type="CITY" weightage="100" keywordseo="Cricket">cricket</keyword> team might hold the answer. 
 
Back in 1989, the selection panel was debating whether the 16-year old Tendulkar was ready for international cricket. 
 
“What if he fails?” some in the panel asked. 
 
When it came to decision time, the ball was thrown to senior selector Naren Tamhane, who said, <a href="http://archive.mid-day.com/news/2009/sep/130909-Raj-Singh-Dungarpur-sad-demise-Cricketing-Legend-Sports-Mumbai.htm">“Gentlemen, Sachin Tendulkar never fails”</a> prompting a <a href="http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/bharat-ratna-sachin-tendulkar/top-stories/It-was-3-2-in-Sachin-Tendulkars-favour-for-1989-Pak-tour-Selector/articleshow/23919252.cms">narrow 3–2 win in favour of Tendulkar</a>. 
 
Given how Tendulkar’s career played out, Tamhane’s audacious statement appears prophetic, courageous, and even, badass. 
 
Think any longer though and you realize that it was a ludicrous, heavily biased, and quite simply, incorrect statement to make. 
 
But perhaps bias, a strong optimistic bias, is the only way we will ever make a non-consensus bet on an unproven rookie, or a crazy start-up idea. 
 
Bias repeatedly causes us to make many of our worse judgements and decisions. 
 
However, an optimistic bias is also the driving force that makes the entrepreneur believe that his odds of success are infinitely higher than his competition, the selector believe than an unproven teenage cricketer never fails, and a crazy, incomprehensible idea can be the next technological breakthrough. 
 
To borrow from <a href="https://www.techinasia.com/rare-insight-sequoia-startup-investment-calls">Shailendra Singh</a>, a winning non-consensus investment happens as a result of someone 
 
“…willing to put his neck on the line and is literally pounding the table to assert investment in a startup he believes in..” 
 
That sort of conviction will always necessarily need to be loaded with bias. 
 
But why go through all the song and dance of a heavily-biased non-consensus selection when the stakes are so high ? 
 
Wouldn’t it be safer to just go with a consensus selection ? 
 
Wouldn’t it ? 
 
In the 1984 NBA college draft, the Portland Trail Blazers <a href="http://www.npr.org/2012/12/20/167677752/film-bad-legs-hindered-bowies-time-in-portland">chose Sam Bowie over a certain Michael Jordan</a> (Who was then picked up by the Chicago Bulls). 
 
And no, it was not even close to being a Non-consensus decision. In fact, according to “Dr. Jack” Ramsay, the head coach of the Portland Trail Blazers at the time, 
 
“It made the most sense for us to select Sam Bowie. It was almost a no-brainer.” 
 
 
 
<a href="http://www.pictaram.com/media/1250834033860699165_2869843864">Image Source</a> 
 
Yes, it was a consensus selection to not pick Michael Jordan. 
 
So the next time you are considering ranting about how investors and sports selectors get their picks wrong, remember that someone once called the decision to not pick Michael Jordan a no-brainer, and was paid for it.

The Selection Dilemma

Saturday night will see a clash between the master and the apprentice. MS Dhoni, who is on the last bend of his career and has been turning up only for <keyword id="13886" type="COMPANY" weightage="20" keywordseo="Chennai-Super-Kings">Chennai Super Kings</keyword> (CSK) since his retirement from international cricket last year, will lead the three-time champions against Delhi Capitals (DC), who will be captained by Rishabh Pant, his long-term successor as India's first choice wicketkeeper. Pant has said in the past that he wants to emulate Dhoni but seems to be carving his own niche. While his power-hitting has already been well-known, his batting went a notch higher since the last Indian Premier League (IPL) as he helped India win the Test series in Australia and against England at home. His wicketkeeping skills came as a pleasant surprise during both series and now it will be his captaincy skills that will be put to test. Pant replaced the injured Shreyas Iyer, who is nursing a shoulder injury. The last year's runners-up have also added Steve Smith to their squad. Their pace bowling attack, comprising Kagiso Rabada, Anrich Nortje, <keyword id="149050" type="COMPANY" weightage="20" keywordseo="Umesh-Yadav">Umesh Yadav</keyword> and Ishant Sharma along with all-rounders Chris Woakes, Tom Curran and Marcus Stoinis, is among the best in the league. Experienced and acclaimed spinners like off-spinner R Ashwin and leg-spinner Amit Mishra make up a very strong bowling line-up that will test the CSK batting line-up that performed very poorly in the last edition. The CSK batting will rely a lot on Faf du Plessis but the return of Suresh Raina, who missed the last season, will be a boost for the three-time champions as they look to do better this time than the seventh place finish they got last season. India's Test batting stalwart Cheteshwar Pujara too has been included in the CSK line-up for his first IPL in seven years. The India No. 3 batsman was seen using a higher back-lift and hitting sixes in one of the net sessions. CSK blundered last year by not reading the pitches well and not playing their spinners early enough. They realised their mistake and started to give Mitchell Santner and Imran Tahir matches. But it was too late by then. One man who could make a difference is Shardul Thakur, who has done exceedingly well for India since the last IPL. He would be leading their pace bowling along with Deepak Chahar or Aussie Jason Behrendorff, who has come in for Josh Hazlewood. But essentially, CSK's fate on Saturday will depend on how their batting stands up to DC's bowling. DC squad: Rishabh Pant (captain/wicketkeeper), Shikhar Dhawan, Prithvi Shaw, Ajinkya Rahane, Steve Smith, Sam Billings, Shimron Hetmyer, Ishant Sharma, Kagiso Rabada, Anrich Nortje, Umesh Yadav, Tom Curran, Avesh Khan, Lalit Yadav, Pravin Dubey, Ripal Patel, Lukman Hussain Meriwala, M Siddharth, Marcus Stoinis, Axar Patel, Ravichandran Ashwin, Chris Woakes, <keyword id="3788898" type="COMPANY" weightage="20" keywordseo="Vishnu-Vinod">Vishnu Vinod</keyword> (wicketkeeper), <keyword id="128070" type="COMPANY" weightage="20" keywordseo="Aditya-Tare">Aditya Tare</keyword> (wicketkeeper) CSK squad: MS Dhoni (captain/wicketkeeper), Suresh Raina, Narayan Jagadeesan, Ruturaj Gaikwad, KM Asif, Karn Sharma, Ambati Rayudu, Deepak Chahar, Faf du Plessis, Shardul Thakur, Mitchell Santner, Dwayne Bravo, Lungi Ngidi, Sam Curran, Ravindra Jadeja, Imran Tahir, Robin Uthappa, Moeen Ali, <keyword id="2102949" type="COMPANY" weightage="20" keywordseo="K-Gowtham">K Gowtham</keyword>, Cheteshwar Pujara, M.Harisankar Reddy, K.Bhagath Varma, C Hari Nishaanth, R Sai Kishore <h4 style="color: rgb(44, 44, 45);">SEE ALSO:<a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/tech/mobile/news/nokia-x20-specifications-nokia-new-phones-price-in-india/articleshow/81981039.cms">Six new Nokia smartphones announced – price, specifications and availability details you should know</a> <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/business/startups/news/founders-take-note-heres-why-most-startups-fail/articleshow/81981138.cms">Founders, take note: here’s why most startups fail</a> <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/tech/apps/news/google-phone-app-now-lets-you-record-calls-automatically-from-unknown-numbers/articleshow/81982791.cms">Google Phone app now lets you record calls automatically from unknown numbers</a> <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/business/startups/news/adar-poonawalla-serum-institute-of-india-has-bought-stake-policybazaar/articleshow/81985425.cms">Serum Institute of India buys into IPO-bound insurance unicorn PolicyBazaar, as True North sells part stake in secondary sale</a> </h4><h4 style="color: rgb(44, 44, 45);"></h4>

You Searched For "ms dhoni startups" and got 13 results

Dhoni goes electric: Former team India captain invests in affordable e-bike start-up EMotorad

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This 1983 cricket World Cup star just turned brand advisor for India’s latest fantasy gaming startup

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Chennai Super Kings CEO wants MS Dhoni to play with them till IPL 2022

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MS Dhoni invests in biz accounting app Khatabook

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MS Dhoni who splurges on fancy cars is now looking to make money from used cars

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Dhoni's brand Seven has done something that startups are struggling to do these days

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MS Dhoni backed Cars24 closes its series D round with $100 million

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It’s Virat Kohli Vs MS Dhoni in the Indian e-gaming space

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The Selection Dilemma

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It's master vs disciple: Dhoni takes on Pant in today's second IPL match as CSK clashes with DC

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