In this ‘Know Your Captain’ series, delve into the entrepreneurship side of our beloved Mahi
We know MS Dhoni as one of India’s most successful cricket captains and his exploits on the field require no special attention. However, the shrewd mind of Dhoni has also enabled him to be a part of several entrepreneurs’ journey. Not to forget, he himself has turned into an entrepreneur over the years.
In March 2022, MS Dhoni invested in Garuda Aerospace, a Chennai-based drone startup. Alongside his investment, Dhoni also took on the role of brand ambassador for the company. Garuda Aerospace, equipped with around 400 drones and 500 pilots, offers innovative drone solutions. Dhoni expressed his enthusiasm for being part of Garuda Aerospace, looking forward to witnessing its growth and unique offerings in the drone industry.
Dhoni’s partnership with Khatabook began in March 2020. He is both an investor and brand ambassador for this business utility solutions provider. Khatabook serves the MSME sector in India, which comprises approximately 6.3 crore businesses. Within a year, the platform accumulated 5 crore registered merchants across 12 languages, highlighting its rapid growth and extensive reach in the market.
In April 2023, Dhoni joined 7InkBrews, a food and beverage startup, as a brand ambassador and shareholder. The company introduced a new line of chocolates and beverages under the brand Copter7, inspired by Dhoni’s iconic helicopter shot and his jersey number. The brand was founded by Mohit Bhagchandani, with Adil Mistry and Kunal Patel as co-founders, and aims to offer a unique product line influenced by Dhoni’s cricketing style.
Dhoni’s involvement with CARS24, an e-commerce platform for pre-owned cars, began in August 2019. As part of a strategic partnership, Dhoni became a brand ambassador and equity holder in the company. Though the exact details of his investment were not disclosed, it was part of a Series D funding round. CARS24 provides a streamlined process for buying and selling certified pre-owned cars, offering sellers the best price within an hour. The company operates in India, the UAE, and Australia, marking its growth into a multinational auto tech entity.
Dhoni’s involvement with CARS24, an e-commerce platform for pre-owned cars, began in August 2019 // Picture Courtesy — India Today
In August 2023, Dhoni formed a strategic partnership with HomeLane, a home interiors company. As part of this three-year partnership, Dhoni joined HomeLane as a brand ambassador and equity partner. The company, which guarantees interior delivery within 45 days, operates in 16 cities across India, including Bengaluru, Chennai, Hyderabad, Mumbai, NCR, Kolkata, Pune, Coimbatore, Vizag, and Mysore. Since its inception in 2014, HomeLane has delivered over 15,000 homes, offering comprehensive design, delivery, installation, and post-installation services.
Dhoni’s entrepreneurial exploits are admirable // Picture Courtesy — Hindustan Times
MS Dhoni also owns Hotel Mahi Residency in Ranchi, Jharkhand, his home state. This hotel does not have any other franchises, making it a unique standalone property associated with the cricket legend.
Dhoni ventured into the fitness industry with his investment in SportsFit. Under the brand SportsFit World, Dhoni owns more than 200 gyms across India. SportsFit emphasizes the fitness standards required by professional athletes, reflecting Dhoni’s own commitment to physical fitness as a cricketer. This venture aims to inspire individuals to achieve high fitness levels, mirroring Dhoni’s approach to maintaining his athletic form.
MS Dhoni’s investment portfolio reflects his diverse interests and strategic approach to business. From drone technology and business solutions to fitness and home interiors, Dhoni’s investments span various sectors, showcasing his acumen beyond the cricket field. Each of these ventures benefits from his brand value and active involvement, contributing to their growth and success in the competitive market.
