Centre Court Capital, a newly established venture capital firm, has announced the launch of a Rs 350 crore fund dedicated to investing in the burgeoning fields of sports technology and gaming.
With a significant portion of the fund already secured, backed by the Sajjan Jindal Family Trust and a consortium of prominent investors, Centre Court Capital aims to drive innovation and growth in these dynamic sectors.
Background:
Centre Court Capital’s inception is spearheaded by Mustafa Ghouse, former CEO of JSW Sports, and Alok Samtaney, previously an Investment Director at TVS Capital and Sabre Partners.
The firm’s strategic vision is bolstered by the substantial support of anchor investor, the Sajjan Jindal Family Trust, renowned for its investments in JSW Group and its active involvement in sports ventures.
Investment Partners:
Among the diverse consortium of investors partnering with Centre Court Capital are the Small Industries Development Bank of India (SIDBI), PremjiInvest,
USK Capital, GMR Sports, and SG Sports. These collaborations reflect a collective commitment to fostering innovation and entrepreneurship within the sports and gaming ecosystems.
Statement from Parth Jindal:
Parth Jindal, founder of JSW Sports and key figure within the Sajjan Jindal Family Trust, expressed his enthusiasm for the venture, emphasizing the transformative potential of sports and gaming industries in India.
He cited the significant strides made in sports development over the past decade and underscored the trust’s keen interest in nurturing emerging talent within the esports and gaming sectors.
Fund Structure and Regulatory Compliance:
Centre Court Capital operates as a SEBI-registered Category II AIF (Alternative Investment Fund), ensuring adherence to regulatory standards and investor protection.
The firm is poised to extend its reach beyond domestic boundaries, with plans to establish an offshore feeder fund in GIFT City, catering to international investors seeking exposure to India’s dynamic sports tech landscape.
Investment Strategy:
The fund’s investment strategy prioritizes early-stage opportunities, allocating funds ranging from Rs 8-24 crore to promising ventures.
Moreover, Centre Court Capital intends to allocate a substantial portion of the fund towards follow-on investments, demonstrating a commitment to long-term partnership and sustained growth within its portfolio companies.
Vision Statement from Mustafa Ghouse:
Mustafa Ghouse, General Partner at Centre Court Capital, articulated the firm’s strategic focus on leveraging technology to redefine the sports and gaming experience.
He highlighted the exponential growth witnessed in both public and private investments within these sectors, emphasizing Centre Court Capital’s aspiration to catalyze innovation and disrupt conventional paradigms.
Conclusion:
Centre Court Capital’s entry into the venture capital landscape marks a significant milestone in the evolution of India’s sports and gaming industries. With a robust fund structure,
strategic partnerships, and a visionary leadership team, the firm is poised to drive transformative change and unlock the vast potential of sports technology and gaming innovation in the country.
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