Indian Premier League winner Virat Kohli of Royal Challengers Bengaluru has partnered with sports goods manufacturer Agilitas after his contract with Puma was over.
A media house cited sources indicating that Kohli is thought to have contributed INR 40 crore to the initial instalment. Notably, Abhishek Ganguly, the former head of Puma India, is in charge of Agilitas.
Ganguly was instrumental in getting the former captain of India to serve as the brand ambassador in 2017. Through his affiliation with Agilitas, Kohli maintains the business partnership he established years prior.
According to reports, Kohli and Puma struck an eight-year contract for INR 110 crore in 2017 that ended in 2025. At the time, Kohli became one of the brand’s global ambassadors, joining the likes of French football players Thierry Henry and Olivier Giroud, as well as Jamaican sprinters Usain Bolt and Asafa Powell, who had won Olympic medals.
Kholi’s Role in the New Partnership
Kohli will be more than just an investor in his new position with Agilitas. The legendary Indian cricket player will be a financial investor in the business and actively contribute to its expansion, which seeks to develop everything associated with sports.
At Agilitas, Kohli will also actively participate in business choices. Additionally, Kohli’s affiliation with Agilitas will boost sales, which will raise the company’s valuation.
According to a media report, Kohli’s first investment of INR 40 crore is only the first instalment of a bigger round. He plans to become more involved with Agilitas and provide more funds to the business himself.
About Agilitas and its Business Operations
Agilitas will provide everything from manufacturing to retaining in an effort to establish itself as a one-stop sports destination. Mochiko Shoes, which produces footwear for well-known brands like Adidas, Puma, New Balance, Skechers, Reebok, Asics, Crocs, Decathlon, Clarks, US Polo, and more, was previously purchased by it in 2023.
Agilitas will buy the businesses with the best experts in the industry to build what it cannot create internally. Following the acquisition of the Italian sports equipment giant’s licensing rights, Agilitas will also sell Lotto shoes in India and other countries.
Kohli’s One8
In partnership with Puma, Kohli registered the One8 brand in 2016, which had a market value of almost INR 250 crore. ‘Puma One8’ offered a unique selection of products. One8 now intends to use Kohli’s fame among cricket fans to create stores and expand the brand overseas.
It will resemble the investment made by tennis player Roger Federer in the Swiss sportswear brand On. In collaboration with the Swiss tennis player, a model known as “The Roger Advantage” was developed.
In addition, Kohli will be a co-creator and brand ambassador for One8. With its apparel and footwear, it might become India’s first aspirational brand to reach a worldwide audience. Additionally, it intends to distribute in major areas, including the US and the UK.
The Indian cricket team extends its influence beyond the field, with several cricketers making strides in the business sector. Top cricketers such as Sachin Tendulkar, M.S. Dhoni, and Virat Kohli have invested in numerous startups. Among these Indian cricketers, we will focus on Virat Kohli and his funded startups in this StartupTalky article.
Besides excelling in the field, he is well-established in the business sector. Kohli is recognised as India’s most valuable celebrity, with a brand value of $227.9 million as of 2024. In addition to owning several brands, including WROGN, he has invested in various startups. Recently, he has been actively engaging with emerging startups, some of which he and his wife, Anushka Sharma, have funded together.
Kohli is known for investing in startups across various sectors, including health, insurance, and travel. One of his most notable investments is in the Indian fintech startup Go Digit General Insurance Limited.
In this article, we will discuss Virat Kohli’s investments in startups. So, without any further ado, let’s get started.
Here is the list of startups Virat Kohli has invested in:
Agilitas
Company Name
Agilitas
Founder
Abhishek Ganguly, Atul Bajaj, Amit Prabhu
Virat Kohli Investment
Undisclosed
Agilitas – Virat Kohli Business Investments
In April 2025, Virat Kohli invested an undisclosed but reportedly significant amount in Agilitas, a sportswear and athleisure startup based in Bengaluru. The company was founded in 2023 by former PUMA India executives Abhishek Ganguly, Atul Bajaj, and Amit Prabhu. Kohli’s role goes beyond being a brand ambassador; he is also a co-creator, aiming to grow his lifestyle brand, One8, through standalone stores in India and international markets like the US and UK. This partnership follows the conclusion of his deal with Puma and fits with Agilitas’ goal of changing the Indian sportswear industry by using innovation and technology in its products.
Rage Coffee
Company Name
Rage Coffee
Founder
Bharat Sethi
Virat Kohli Investment
Undisclosed
Rage Coffee – Virat Kohli Investment in Startups
Virat Kohli invested an undisclosed amount in Rage Coffee on 23rd March 2022 and was appointed as the brand ambassador for the New Delhi-based coffee brand. This partnership aims to enhance Rage Coffee’s brand presence and credibility. The company plans to utilise the investment to scale production, launch innovative products, and strengthen its senior management team.
One of the top coffee startups in India, Rage Coffee is co-owned by founder and CEO Bharat Sethi, Sixth Sense Ventures, cricketer Virat Kohli, and actor Rannvijay Singha. In August 2024, GRM Overseas acquired a 44% equity stake in Swmabhan Commerce Pvt Ltd, the parent company of Rage Coffee, through a combination of primary infusion and secondary buyouts.
Blue Tribe
Company Name
Blue Tribe
Founder
Nikki Arora Singh, Sandeep Singh
Virat Kohli Investment
Undisclosed
Blue Tribe – Virat Kohli Business Investments
Celebrity couple Virat Kohli and Anushka Sharma have invested in Blue Tribe, a startup specialising in plant-based meat products. The company aims to manufacture and distribute delicacies such as frozen minced chicken, chicken nuggets, keema, sausages, and momos. This investment adds another promising venture to Virat Kohli’s portfolio.
Blue Tribe was founded by Sandeep Singh and Nikki Arora Singh in 2017 as a meat alternative startup. The company claims to use vegetables like peas, soybeans, lentils, grains, and more, all of which are known to provide a mix of proteins, vitamins, and other nutrients necessary for healthy living.
Anushka Sharma and Virat Kohli have been following a meat-free diet for many years. In a statement dated 8th February 2022, Anushka Sharma expressed their desire to “tell people how they can be more conscious and leave less impact on the planet by switching to a plant-based diet.”
Universal Sportsbiz Pvt Ltd (USPL) is a prominent fashion startup founded in 2012 by Anjana Reddy, focusing on youth-oriented apparel brands. In 2020, Virat Kohli, through Cornerstone Sports LLP, invested approximately INR 19.3 crore in USPL, acquiring 4,282 shares at a price of INR 47,571 per share, with a nominal value of INR 10 each.
This investment aligns Kohli with cricket legend Sachin Tendulkar, who is also an investor in the company. Prior to this investment, Kohli collaborated with USPL for promotional events related to their fashion brand Wrogn, which he co-owns. In June 2024, Aditya Birla Group’s fashion and lifestyle venture, TMRW, acquired a 16% stake in USPL for INR 125 crore.
Galactus Funware, Parent Company of MPL – Virat Kohli Investment Companies
In early 2019, Virat Kohli invested around INR 33.32 lakh in Bengaluru-based Galactus Funware Technology Pvt. Ltd., the parent company of Mobile Premier League (MPL), by acquiring compulsory convertible debentures (CCDs). These CCDs are set to convert into equity after ten years, granting Kohli a 0.051% stake in the company. Notably, in November 2020, MPL Sports, a subsidiary of Galactus Funware, became the official kit sponsor and merchandise partner for the Indian cricket team.
Digit Insurance
Company Name
Digit Insurance
Founder
Kamesh Goyal
Virat Kohli Investment
INR 2 crore ($262k)
Virat Kohli Investment in Startups – Digit
Virat Kohli and Anushka Sharma invested in Go Digit General Insurance in early 2020, contributing a combined total of approximately INR 2.5 crore. Kohli purchased 266,667 shares at INR 75 per share, amounting to INR 2 crore, while Anushka Sharma invested INR 50 lakh. Their investment was part of a funding round before Digit Insurance’s IPO.
Go Digit General Insurance launched its IPO in May 2024, with a price band set between INR 258 to INR 272 per share. On its listing day (May 23, 2024), the stock debuted at INR 286 per share on NSE, reflecting a 5.15% premium over the issue price.
Following the IPO, Kohli’s stake saw a significant rise, with his 266,667 shares valued at approximately INR 7.25 crore at the upper price band of INR 272, marking an over 3.5x appreciation. Anushka Sharma’s investment also experienced proportional growth.
Chisel Fitness
Company Name
Chisel Fitness
Founder
Satya Sinha
Virat Kohli Investment
INR 90 crore ($11.81 million)
Virat Kohli Investment in Startups – Chisel Fitness
Virat Kohli partnered with Chisel Fitness, a Bengaluru-based fitness startup, to launch a chain of gyms and fitness centers across India. He holds a 30% stake in the company and has invested approximately INR 90 crore into the venture. The brand is jointly owned by Kohli, Chisel Fitness, and CSE, the sister concern of Cornerstone Sport & Entertainment, which manages Kohli’s commercial interests.
The company is in discussions with international sports-based fitness experts to enhance its offerings.
Hyperice
Company Name
Hyperice
Founder
Anthony Katz
Virat Kohli Investment
Undisclosed
Virat Kohli Investment in Startups – Hyperice
Virat Kohli invested in Hyperice, a U.S.-based wellness and recovery technology startup, marking the company’s expansion into India. He joined Hyperice as an athlete investor and global brand ambassador, alongside other renowned athletes like Naomi Osaka, Erling Haaland, and Ja Morant.
Founded in 2010 by Anthony Katz, Hyperice specialises in high-performance recovery and wellness products. It has a strong presence in the U.S., France, the UK, Italy, Spain, Germany, and Portugal and is now focusing on growing its footprint in India.
Hyperice has expanded its product line over the years, offering Hyperice X (contrast therapy device), Hypervolt (percussion massager), Vyper (vibrating rollers), Venom (portable heat massage), Hypersphere, and Normatec (massager line), catering to athletes and fitness enthusiasts worldwide.
Virat Kohli also made an investment in Sport Convo. However, Sport Convo Limited was dissolved on 16 August 2022, ceasing its operations.
Virat Kohli’s Business Ventures & Brand Collaborations
Apart from investing in some of the most promising startups, Kohli is also known for his own business ventures. Here is a list of companies owned by Virat Kohli:
One8 Commune
One8 Commune is a premium restobar chain owned by Virat Kohli, marking his entry into the food and beverage industry. The first outlet was launched in 2017 in New Delhi, and since then, it has expanded to multiple cities across India, including Mumbai, Pune, Kolkata, and Bengaluru.
Known for its chic ambiance and modern yet classy décor, One8 Commune offers a diverse menu catering to a variety of tastes, including vegetarian, vegan, and healthy options, aligning with Kohli’s personal lifestyle. The restobar has quickly become a go-to destination for casual and fine dining, attracting both food enthusiasts and Kohli fans alike.
With its growing presence, One8 Commune continues to grow as one of India’s most popular dining and hangout spots.
Nueva
Nueva is a fine dining restaurant and bar in New Delhi, co-owned by Virat Kohli. Established in 2017, it offers a South American-inspired culinary experience, featuring a menu that blends European, American, Pan Asian, and Peruvian flavors. The restaurant’s interior is adorned with Native American art, creating a chic and elegant ambiance.
Puma One8
In 2017, Virat Kohli collaborated with German sportswear brand Puma to launch his athleisure brand, One8. The collection includes activewear, footwear, and accessories, reflecting Kohli’s personal style and commitment to fitness. Puma’s design team drew inspiration from Kohli’s wardrobe to create the One8 range, ensuring it resonated with his persona. The brand name, “One8,” is derived from Kohli’s jersey number, 18, which holds special significance for him.
The partnership has been highly successful, with the One8 collection contributing significantly to Puma India’s sales. In the 2019 fiscal year, the association with One8 accounted for 10% of Puma India’s revenue, highlighting the brand’s popularity and market impact.
FC Goa
FC Goa, a professional football club in the Indian Super League (ISL), was co-founded in 2014 and partially owned by Virat Kohli, who holds a 12% stake. Kohli’s investment reflects his passion for football and his vision to promote the sport in India. Under his co-ownership, FC Goa has grown into one of the top-performing teams in the league, forming strategic partnerships and focusing on player development to strengthen Indian football.
UAE Royals
UAE Royals, a Dubai-based tennis team, was founded in 2014 and gained global recognition with tennis legend Roger Federer as part of its lineup. In 2015, Virat Kohli joined as a co-owner, investing in the franchise to promote tennis and expand its reach. His involvement aimed to bring more visibility to the sport and strengthen its presence in the region.
Bengaluru Yodhas
Bengaluru Yodhas, a Pro Wrestling League team based in Bangalore, became Virat Kohli’s third sports venture outside cricket when he was announced as the co-owner in 2015. His involvement aimed to boost the popularity of wrestling in India and support emerging talent in the sport.
Wrogn
Wrogn is a premium fashion brand co-owned by Virat Kohli, known for its trendy and youthful apparel. Founded by Anjana Reddy in 2012, Kohli joined as a co-owner in 2013, adding his signature style to the brand’s identity. Headquartered in Bengaluru, Wrogn has grown into a popular choice for modern, fashion-forward consumers.
Stepathlon Kids
Being a fitness freak himself, it is not surprising that Virat Kohli is investing in something related to fitness. Stepathlon Kids is a lifestyle brand that focuses on the health and wellness of kids. Virat Kohli launched Stepathlon Kids in collaboration with Stepathlon in 2016. The brand promotes and urges kids to follow a healthy lifestyle and eating habits. It is India’s first gamified health platform aimed at encouraging children to adopt an active lifestyle.
Many promising sportsmen, such as Kapil Dev and Sachin Tendulkar, have invested in startups. With India’s growing startup ecosystem, Virat Kohli has also joined the club by investing in multiple businesses across industries.
Known for his stellar performances on the field, the cricket icon has already established himself as one of the finest athletes in the sport’s history. Beyond cricket, Kohli is making strategic investments and collaborating with promising brands, further solidifying his presence in the business world.
FAQs
What is the net worth of Virat Kohli?
As of 2024, according to Mint, Virat Kohli’s net worth is estimated to be Rs 1050 crore ($123 million).
What is the age of Virat Kohli?
Virat Kohli was born on 5 November 1988 and is 36 years old.
Is Virat Kohli an investor?
Virat Kohli is an investor in many startups across different categories from mobile gaming, fashion wear, food products, and fintech industries. He has invested in brands like Rage Coffee, Blue Tribe, Digit Insurance, and more.
Which companies are owned by Virat Kohli?
Virat Kohli owns or co-owns the brands Wrogn, One8, Nueva, FC Goa, UAE Royals, and Bengaluru Yodhas.
What are the companies that Virat Kohli has invested in?
