A new breed of angels—sports stars, actors, and young professionals—is edging its way into investment territory as big-name startup investors go easy on early-stage funding. Data from Tracxn showed former Indian cricket team captain Mahendra Singh Dhoni-led with six investment rounds, followed by cricketer Ajinkya Rahane with three. Cricketers Sachin Tendulkar and Shikhar Dhawan backed two companies each, while cricketer Sourav Ganguly and tennis player Sania Mirza also contributed.
Badminton player P.V. Sindhu joined the list as the newest athlete angel last year with three investments in startups.
The sports icons are increasingly participating in early-stage funding even as the top three angel investors of 2023 reduced their investments in 2024, reflecting a pullback in angel funding to startups.
According to Padmaja Ruparel, co-founder of the Indian Angel Network, the profile of angel investors is broadening beyond wealthy entrepreneurs.
"Younger professionals with high-paying jobs are increasingly allocating funds to this high-risk asset class. It's remarkable to see angel investing mature into a bona fide asset class," she told Mint.
Dhoni holds a stake in drone maker Garuda Aerospace, electric vehicle (EV) startup EMotorad, EV mobility startup BluSmart, fitness startup Tagda Raho, among others.
Esta historia es de la edición January 04, 2025 de Mint Mumbai.
Comience su prueba gratuita de Magzter GOLD de 7 días para acceder a miles de historias premium seleccionadas y a más de 9,000 revistas y periódicos.
Ya eres suscriptor ? Conectar
Esta historia es de la edición January 04, 2025 de Mint Mumbai.
Comience su prueba gratuita de Magzter GOLD de 7 días para acceder a miles de historias premium seleccionadas y a más de 9,000 revistas y periódicos.
Ya eres suscriptor? Conectar
How we should adapt to a Trumpian world order
We must avoid the lock-in of a trade deal, grab business openings and strengthen mutually beneficial ties, but hold firm on autonomy. Broadly, let's aim for what'll make India great
Re-imagine the National Green Tribunal for superior outcomes
The NGT should be legislatively re-equipped to champion environmental justice while promoting sustainable development
Paytm's merchant acquisitions stretch to global markets
One97 Communications, the parent company of fintech giant Paytm, is expanding its global footprint with new subsidiaries in the UAE, Saudi Arabia, and Singapore after reporting a marginal reduction in net loss to ₹208.3 crore in the third quarter, compared to the same period last year.
Billionaire wealth grew 3x faster in '24
Billionaire wealth across the globe surged by $2 trillion in 2024 to $15 trillion at a rate three times faster than the previous year, a study showed on Monday.
India's credit guarantee scheme for startups holds high potential
It provides much needed collateral-free loans at a time when risk capital has been slowing down
Why Everyone Is Trying Out Stick-It-On Patches
From acne to chronic pain relief, the market for transdermal patches is growing. Mint explores the science, and reasons for this growing interest
Women, skip the bro-split and try the flow-split
Exercise plans aligned to menstrual cycles can be effective for women
Why everyone is trying out stick-it-on patches
From acne to chronic pain relief, the market for transdermal patches is growing. Mint explores the science, and reasons for this growing interest
Groww picks banks for India IPO
The IPO could raise over $750 million and Billionbrains Garage may seek a valuation of $7 bn to $8 bn
Trump's Presidency: End of the Washington Consensus
Cracks in its free-market orientation surfaced earlier, but other major US policies may get upended too
