A World Cup, a T20 World Cup, a Champions Trophy, leading India to World No. 1 in Test cricket and five IPL titles. One man, many accolades— that’s who MS Dhoni is.
However, the former India captain’s contributions are not restricted to the cricket field. He has played an instrumental role in the world of business by launching his own brands and backing India’s startup ecosystem.
The cricket legend, who turns 44 years old today, has demonstrated similar leadership and analytical skills to invest in several Indian startups.
The wicketkeeper batter, who recently applied to trademark “Captain Cool”, has shown interest and has placed his bet and faith on companies ranging from tech startups to rising brands and even the drone industry.
Here’s a look at companies Dhoni has backed.
Garuda Aerospace
Garuda Aerospace is one of India’s biggest drone startups focused on developing low-cost drone solutions to optimise industries. The Chennai-based company has secured authorisation for Remote Pilot Training Organisation (RPTO) from the DGCA for Small & Medium Class drones, making it the only drone company in India to hold both training and manufacturing certifications for small and medium-class drones.
The Chennai Super Kings icon first invested in the company in June 2022 and also became its brand ambassador. His initial investment amount was undisclosed. However, in February 2024, he acquired a 1.1% stake in the company at Rs 4 crore.
Khatabook
Khatabook is a Bengaluru-based fintech company for transactions among MSMEs. It has also received backing from investors like Sequoia Capital and Surge Ventures.
Dhoni placed his bet on the company with an undisclosed amount in March 2020. He also became the brand ambassador for the startup.
Tagda Raho
Tagda Raho is a Bengaluru-based fitness startup that blends traditional Indian equipment with modern workout methods. Their services have now been employed by sports teams like Lucknow Super Giants and the Haryana Steelers, and the National Cricket Academy in Bengaluru.
Dhoni invested an undisclosed amount in the company in 2023 to promote healthier lifestyle using traditional and modern methods.
Rigi
A relatively new startup founded in 2021, Rigi is a platform for creators, influencers and celebrities to grow, manage and monetise their community. It is aimed at both established and aspiring online creators who want to pursue their passion.
While Dhoni joined hands with the company in October 2023, when the company raised Rs 100 crore in a funding round led by Elevation Capital, with support from Accel, Stellaris, Sequoia Capital, and others.
Shaka Harry
Dhoni invested in another startup focused on healthy lifestyle called Shaka Harry in October 2022. Shaka Harry is a plant-based protein brand owned by Bengaluru-based company, Liberate Foods. It offers vegetarian alternatives to meat, catering to the growing demand for plant-based diets. Dhoni also owns a stake in the company but the amount he has invested remains undisclosed.
7InkBrews
Dhoni became a co-founder, shareholder and brand ambassador of 7InkBrews, a Mumbai-based food and beverage startup, in April 2021.
The company introduced the Copter7 range of artisanal chocolates and beverages. Drawing inspiration from Dhoni's iconic helicopter shot and his jersey number. Copter7 products were initially launched in Mumbai, Pune, Goa, and Bengaluru, with plans to expand to other regions.
Cars24
Dhoni had also invested in the popular secondhand car platform, Cars24, in August 2019 as a part of series D funding. Founded in 2015, the company streamlines the process of selling pre-owned vehicles.
Dhoni has an equity stake and also acts as the brand ambassador for the company.
HomeLane
HomeLane is another Bengaluru-based company focusing on home interiors. The startup aims to simplify home furnishing with a tech-driven approach.
In August 2021, Dhoni invested in HomeLane, the details of which were not disclosed.
EMotorad
EMotorad is an electric bicycle startup based out of Pune. Dhoni invested an undisclosed amount in the startup for equity in April 2022. He is also the brand ambassador for the company.
BluSmart
Dhoni had also invested in the now suspended BluSmart in June 2024. The Gurgaon-based startup focused on reducing carbon emissions by using an all-electric fleet and developing EV charging infrastructure. Dhoni’s Family Office had invested during the company’s pre-Series B funding round worth Rs 200 crore.
Brands Dhoni owns
Dhoni, the cricket captain never shied away from trying new things on the field, be it a surprise bowling change or a strategic field placement. Similarly, Dhoni has started several brands of his own, including sportswear brand Seven and fitness brand SportsFit World.
He also owns a stake in sports teams like Chennaiyyan FC in the Indian Super League, Ranchi Rays in Hockey India League and Mahi Racing Team India, a motorcycle racing team. Further, the former captain also has a Hotel Mahi Residency in Ranchi and a film production house called Dhoni Entertainment.
However, the former India captain’s contributions are not restricted to the cricket field. He has played an instrumental role in the world of business by launching his own brands and backing India’s startup ecosystem.
The cricket legend, who turns 44 years old today, has demonstrated similar leadership and analytical skills to invest in several Indian startups.
The wicketkeeper batter, who recently applied to trademark “Captain Cool”, has shown interest and has placed his bet and faith on companies ranging from tech startups to rising brands and even the drone industry.
Here’s a look at companies Dhoni has backed.
Garuda Aerospace
Garuda Aerospace is one of India’s biggest drone startups focused on developing low-cost drone solutions to optimise industries. The Chennai-based company has secured authorisation for Remote Pilot Training Organisation (RPTO) from the DGCA for Small & Medium Class drones, making it the only drone company in India to hold both training and manufacturing certifications for small and medium-class drones.
The Chennai Super Kings icon first invested in the company in June 2022 and also became its brand ambassador. His initial investment amount was undisclosed. However, in February 2024, he acquired a 1.1% stake in the company at Rs 4 crore.
Khatabook
Khatabook is a Bengaluru-based fintech company for transactions among MSMEs. It has also received backing from investors like Sequoia Capital and Surge Ventures.
Dhoni placed his bet on the company with an undisclosed amount in March 2020. He also became the brand ambassador for the startup.
Tagda Raho
Tagda Raho is a Bengaluru-based fitness startup that blends traditional Indian equipment with modern workout methods. Their services have now been employed by sports teams like Lucknow Super Giants and the Haryana Steelers, and the National Cricket Academy in Bengaluru.
Dhoni invested an undisclosed amount in the company in 2023 to promote healthier lifestyle using traditional and modern methods.
Rigi
A relatively new startup founded in 2021, Rigi is a platform for creators, influencers and celebrities to grow, manage and monetise their community. It is aimed at both established and aspiring online creators who want to pursue their passion.
While Dhoni joined hands with the company in October 2023, when the company raised Rs 100 crore in a funding round led by Elevation Capital, with support from Accel, Stellaris, Sequoia Capital, and others.
Shaka Harry
Dhoni invested in another startup focused on healthy lifestyle called Shaka Harry in October 2022. Shaka Harry is a plant-based protein brand owned by Bengaluru-based company, Liberate Foods. It offers vegetarian alternatives to meat, catering to the growing demand for plant-based diets. Dhoni also owns a stake in the company but the amount he has invested remains undisclosed.
7InkBrews
Dhoni became a co-founder, shareholder and brand ambassador of 7InkBrews, a Mumbai-based food and beverage startup, in April 2021.
The company introduced the Copter7 range of artisanal chocolates and beverages. Drawing inspiration from Dhoni's iconic helicopter shot and his jersey number. Copter7 products were initially launched in Mumbai, Pune, Goa, and Bengaluru, with plans to expand to other regions.
Cars24
Dhoni had also invested in the popular secondhand car platform, Cars24, in August 2019 as a part of series D funding. Founded in 2015, the company streamlines the process of selling pre-owned vehicles.
Dhoni has an equity stake and also acts as the brand ambassador for the company.
HomeLane
HomeLane is another Bengaluru-based company focusing on home interiors. The startup aims to simplify home furnishing with a tech-driven approach.
In August 2021, Dhoni invested in HomeLane, the details of which were not disclosed.
EMotorad
EMotorad is an electric bicycle startup based out of Pune. Dhoni invested an undisclosed amount in the startup for equity in April 2022. He is also the brand ambassador for the company.
BluSmart
Dhoni had also invested in the now suspended BluSmart in June 2024. The Gurgaon-based startup focused on reducing carbon emissions by using an all-electric fleet and developing EV charging infrastructure. Dhoni’s Family Office had invested during the company’s pre-Series B funding round worth Rs 200 crore.
Brands Dhoni owns
Dhoni, the cricket captain never shied away from trying new things on the field, be it a surprise bowling change or a strategic field placement. Similarly, Dhoni has started several brands of his own, including sportswear brand Seven and fitness brand SportsFit World.
He also owns a stake in sports teams like Chennaiyyan FC in the Indian Super League, Ranchi Rays in Hockey India League and Mahi Racing Team India, a motorcycle racing team. Further, the former captain also has a Hotel Mahi Residency in Ranchi and a film production house called Dhoni Entertainment.
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