India is a nation deeply entrenched in sports culture, a fact underscored during Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman’s budget speech on July 23, when she allocated an impressive INR 3,442.32 crore to the sports ministry, a marked increase from INR 3,396.96 crore in the previous fiscal year. Notably, INR 900 crore of this budget is earmarked for Khelo India, the government’s flagship initiative aimed at nurturing sports at the grassroots level. This injection of funds reflects a burgeoning recognition of sports as a pivotal element of national identity.
The influence of governmental action coupled with a vibrant sports ecosystem has positioned India as a dazzling focal point for sporting leagues. The Indian Premier League (IPL) leads the charge, closely followed by the Pro Kabaddi League and the Indian Super League, making waves and attracting attention on a global scale.
Yet, in the shadow of this explosive growth, a lingering question emerges: why has India’s startup ecosystem—now the world’s third largest—struggled to seize the vast opportunities that abound in the sports sector? The answer is multi-faceted. Critical investment has flowed into franchise teams, but the integration of technology within Indian sports has lagged alarmingly behind.
Remarkably, Indian sports tech startups have cumulatively secured a mere $139 million across 29 funding deals from 2014 through November 2022. Despite this disappointing financial landscape, there exists a fertile ground for innovative tech solutions aimed at enhancing various aspects of sports. From streamlining venue bookings to providing data analytics for athlete performance tracking, the prospects are tantalizing, yet largely unexplored.
Fortunately, amidst financial uncertainties, a palpable momentum is gathering within India’s sports tech arena. With influential figures, like cricketer Shikhar Dhawan, launching sports tech funds; IIT Madras hosting its inaugural Sports Tech Start-Up Conclave; and Centre Court Capital introducing an INR 350 crore sports tech fund, India’s sports tech sector appears poised for a renaissance.
Now, without further ado, let’s delve into some of the most exciting startups that are destined to carve out a significant niche in this promising domain, projected to exceed $3.5 billion by 2027.
Startups Scoring Big in the Indian Sports Tech Arena
FITPASS
Founded in 2015 by Akshay Verma and Ayushi Verma, FITPASS is revolutionizing access to fitness by connecting users with an extensive network of gyms and studios. The subscription-based model allows members to work out whenever, wherever, with entry to over 8,100 partner facilities across more than 75 cities. Not merely a gym pass, FITPASS extends its offerings to AI-driven health assessments, tailored wellness plans, personalized nutrition consultations, and unlimited doctor interactions.
In 2017, it attracted $1 million in funding from Shooting Star, a VC firm affiliated with Olympic ace Abhinav Bindra, highlighting the pool of support backing this ambitious platform.
Footrax
Hailing from Ahmedabad, Footrax aims at the intersection of technology and sport, crafting high-tech IoT devices to enhance performance. Established in 2017, it develops affordable wearables that not only cater to elite athletes but aspiring young talent eager to amplify their abilities. GPS-driven technology empowers users to harness data, making informed decisions that elevate their game.
Game Theory
In a bid to pair athletes by skill level, Bengaluru’s Game Theory employs computer vision technology within smart courts, evaluating player performance in real-time. Founded in 2019 by Sudeep Kulkarni and supported by notable investors such as Rainmatter and Nithin Kamath, this innovation offers not just coaching but a profound understanding of player progress. Following a strategic acquisition in 2022 of sports analytics startup Matchday.ai, Game Theory continues to expand its technological capabilities.
Hudle
Established in 2015 by Suhail Narain, Arjun Singh Verma, and Sonam Taneja, Hudle caters to India’s sports aficionados by enabling the discovery and booking of diverse sporting activities across 1,000 venues nationwide. Beyond promoting fitness, Hudle fosters a sense of community among users. In a strategic move to further its reach, Hudle acquired Delhi-based Sportido, enhancing its foothold in the North Indian amateur sports ecosystem.
KheloMore
The brainchild of former Indian cricketer Jatin Paranjape along with Ujwal Deole, KheloMore is redefining sports engagement. It offers easy venue bookings for various sports, empowering users through its “Pay and Play” feature for immediate access. With programs spanning personal training, nutrition, and yoga, KheloMore is not just a sports platform; it’s a holistic approach to fitness. After raising $2 million in funding, it is gearing up to expand its operations and launch cricket academies across the country in partnership with established sporting organizations.
Machaxi
Founded in 2019 by Pratish Raj, Tushar Raj, and Ashish Anand, Machaxi stands at the forefront of nurturing sporting talent through technology-enabled coaching. Focusing on the youth, it provides parents with tools to track their children’s progress across various sporting endeavors. The company secured INR 4.8 crore in Pre-Series A funding, marking its intent to broaden its impact across multiple cities.
Padel Park
Pioneered by Parth Jindal and team in 2022, Padel Park is cultivating a burgeoning interest in the racket sport of padel tennis within India. With a commitment to establishing courts and training programs, it has already operationalized 10 courts in Mumbai, aiming to expand to 45 locations. Partnered with Sky Padel Spain, the startup has reported impressive revenue growth.
SportVot
Founded in 2019, Mumbai-based SportVot focuses on live-streaming solutions for sports events. It offers a robust platform for tournament organizers featuring multi-camera captures, detailed scoring for various sports, and monetization opportunities through advertisements. With recent funding victories, it aims to enhance its tech offerings for even broader market reach.
SportsForLife
Incorporated in 2024, SportsForLife seeks to invigorate India’s sports culture, driven by Dealshare co-founder Sourjyendu Medda. The Bengaluru-based startup aims to make substantial contributions to sporting academies and nurture a culture of athleticism. Early funding successes have set the stage for its ambitious roadmap.
SportsSkill
Recognizing the immense potential of athlete-coach connections, SportsSkill was co-founded by Abhinav Sinha and Chetan Desai in 2021. It provides a platform for performance tracking and coaching connections. The startup has recently attracted investment from WestBridge Capital, with further funding initiatives on the horizon.
StanceBeam
Supported by cricket star Shikhar Dhawan, StanceBeam offers advanced analytics and sensor technology aimed primarily at enhancing cricket performance. Founded in 2017, it delves into motion analysis and caters to athletes across a multitude of sports.
str8bat
With an ambition to transform performance analytics in sports, str8bat employs AI-driven solutions, including real-time data tracking for cricket. Having recently secured significant funding, str8bat is gaining traction among elite players and sporting organizations, further solidifying its position in the market.
Stupa Sports Analytics
Founded by Megha Gambhir and Deepak Malik in 2019, Stupa Sports Analytics integrates AI into sports management, facilitating player performance analyses for federations. With recent funding to expand its reach, it aims to enhance athlete and fan experiences alike.
As these innovative startups chart their paths, it’s clear that the future of sports technology in India holds tremendous promise—one that is brilliantly illuminating the sporting landscape as we know it.
