Indian cricket legend Virat Kohli is stepping up his entrepreneurial innings with a ₹40 crore (approx. $4.7 million USD) investment in Agilitas Sports, a Bengaluru-based sportswear and equipment company founded by Abhishek Ganguly, the former Managing Director of Puma India.
With this strategic move, Kohli now owns a 1.94% stake in Agilitas, reflecting his growing focus on building a long-term business legacy beyond the pitch. This funding came through the allotment of 3,61,611 Class 2 Compulsorily Convertible Preference Shares at ₹1,106 each, according to regulatory filings with the Registrar of Companies (RoC).
Building a Sporting Empire — The Kohli Way
Kohli’s entry into Agilitas marks a significant business pivot, especially after his high-profile exit from a ₹110 crore endorsement deal with Puma India earlier this year. His shift indicates a deeper alignment with Agilitas’ mission — to create a full-stack, India-rooted, globally-aspiring sports ecosystem.
Founded in 2023, Agilitas Sports is reimagining the sporting goods sector by vertically integrating manufacturing, licensing, and retail, bringing world-class infrastructure and homegrown innovation under one roof.
A Game-Changing Ecosystem
Agilitas’ growing portfolio includes:
One8 — Kohli’s signature lifestyle label
Lotto — Licensing rights in India and Australia
Mochiko Shoes — A key manufacturing partner to major global brands like Adidas, Puma, Skechers, and New Balance
These assets, combined with Kohli’s brand equity and strategic influence, make Agilitas a formidable force in the “Make in India” manufacturing movement.
Funding Round Highlights
Total round exceeds ₹600 crore
Co-investors include cricketer Abhishek Sharma, SMLINE Ventures
Post-money valuation: ₹2,058 crore ($242 million)
Major shareholders:
Infinity Direct Holdings (Mauritius) – 37.73%
Abhishek Ganguly – 18.26%
Nexus Venture Partners – 9.16%
Virat Kohli – 1.94%
Yuvraj Singh – 0.51%
Scaling Domestic & Global Ambitions
With Kohli’s entry, Agilitas is now poised to aggressively scale its operations across India and global markets. His involvement is expected to elevate the brand’s reach and relevance, blending performance, style, and local manufacturing excellence.
“We’re not just creating a sportswear brand; we’re building an ecosystem that champions Indian innovation, quality, and self-reliance,” said Abhishek Ganguly, CEO of Agilitas.
Leadership in Action
Kohli’s investment in Agilitas reflects a broader trend among top-tier athletes transitioning into serious business leadership roles. From being one of the most recognized faces in global sports to becoming a stakeholder in India’s manufacturing future, Kohli continues to lead — this time from the boardroom.
Stay tuned to LeaderOnTop.com for more updates on emerging Indian entrepreneurs, influential investors, and leadership stories redefining the global business landscape.
