Virat Kohli makes BIG investment in Bengaluru-based firm after RCB's win at IPL, says...company name is...

Virat Kohli joined hands with former Puma India head Abhishek Ganguly, continuing his business relationship despite the closure of the Puma deal. The star cricketer invested in Agilitas, the sporting goods manufacturing company started by Ganguly.  Kohli is believed to have invested a huge sum of Rs 40 crore in the first tranche, according to reports from MoneyControl.

Virat Kohli invested in Agilitas.

As per PTI reports, Kohli had completed his eight-year relationship with Puma as its brand ambassador in April. However, he declined the German sportswear giant's Rs 300 crore offer to renew the contract for the next eight years. Instead, he has decided to invest in Agilitas and own a stake in the firm, backed by former Puma India and South-East Asia Managing Director Abhishek Ganguly. “Kohli’s initial investment of ₹40 crore is just the first tranche of a larger round. He is set to invest more money personally into the company and increase his involvement with Agilitas,” the source told Mint.

Virat Kohli’s role in Agilitas

Kohli will be more than a brand ambassador in Agilitas. He has joined as an investor and co-creator. He will put money in exchange for ownership, taking an active role in shaping the firm.  Agilitas, with Kohli as an investor and co-creator, plans to go global, riding on the popularity of the ace Indian cricketer, according to industry sources. Set up in 2023, the company aims to create a diverse chain of all things related to sports. 

The company aims to build in-house to acquire companies that have expertise in the field. Back in 2023, it acquired Mochiko Shoes, which manufactures shoes for premium brands such as Adidas, Puma, Skechers and Reebok, among others. It has plans to introduce Kohli's One8, ensuring his active role in the company's scale-up. For the unversed,  One8, the brand registered in 2016 by Kohli, was in collaboration with Puma and had cornered a business of around Rs 250 crore. Now, One8 plans to open stores and take the brand abroad, leveraging the cricketer’s popularity among cricket fans.

(With inputs from PTI)