New Delhi [India], March 25: Former Indian cricketer Zaheer Khan has invested in Machaxi, a sports tech startup, during its Pre-Series A funding round. Founded by Pratish Raj, Tushar Raj, and Ashish Anand, Machaxi is innovating sports engagement by acquiring existing private sports centers. These centers are then rebranded, upgraded with top-tier infrastructure and technology, transforming them into vibrant hubs for sports enthusiasts. The company’s goal is to broaden sports participation across the country.
Machaxi employs a strategy combining school partnerships, community outreach programs, and establishing a presence in localized sports centers to attract and retain young athletes. The company currently trains over 2,000 children monthly across its 25 centers located in Bangalore. In collaboration with Olympian Nisha Millet, Machaxi is setting new standards in sports training and facility management.
Zaheer Khan expressed his enthusiasm, stating, “Sports embody passion, discipline, and community. Machaxi’s vision of making quality sports facilities accessible through smart tech solutions deeply aligns with me. I am excited to be a part of their journey and help build a stronger sports ecosystem in India.”
Nikhil Kaushik, a Partner at Ecosystem Ventures, added, “At ESV, we invest not only capital but also thought, connections, and purpose. Securing Zaheer Khan’s involvement was not only about leveraging his name; it was about harnessing his passion for sports and his capacity to inspire. We believe the right investors bring more than just money—they contribute credibility and vision. With Zaheer as an anchor investor, Machaxi is well-positioned to make a significant impact on India’s sports landscape.”
About Ecosystem Ventures: Ecosystem Ventures (ESV) is an early-stage fund that invests between $250,000 and $1 million in Pre-Series A rounds. Founded in 2020 by Abhishek Sanghvi, ESV has made 19 investments to date, achieving an exceptional track record of a 50%+ IRR at the portfolio level, without any write-offs.
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