Game Theory, a sports gamification tech startup, has announced the successful closure of its ‘Masters’ funding round, receiving substantial financial investments from Indian sporting legends, including Padma Bhushan awardee and chief national badminton coach, Pullela Gopichand. Other notable investors in this round include former professional squash player Saurav Ghosal and renowned table tennis player Sharath Kamal.
The Bengaluru-based startup, founded in 2019 by Sudeep Kulkarni, integrates technology with sports education to enhance training and casual play through its mobile app. Game Theory’s technology stack leverages computer vision-driven analytics, artificial intelligence-powered performance tracking, and real-time feedback to help athletes develop from foundational skills to elite competitive levels.
Vision for the Future
Game Theory aims to shape future champions in preparation for the 2036 Olympics. The startup believes that the expertise and backing of its new investors will be instrumental in achieving this vision. In a statement, the company emphasized the substantial financial investments made by these athletes, setting them apart from typical celebrity partnerships that primarily involve brand association.
Investing in Grassroots Development
Gopichand, a former top-ranked badminton player, emphasized the importance of a strong grassroots program to create a large talent pool for the future. He said, “Our country has seen significant growth in badminton over the last few years, with aspirations from across all economic strata to participate in the sport. By investing in this venture, I hope to contribute to building a robust sports ecosystem that nurtures talent from the grassroots level. With Game Theory’s technology, we’ll not only be able to deliver a great programme but also scout future talents, helping us win in the sport on a global scale. We can now create a structured and highly personalised pathway that guides young athletes to excel globally, particularly at the Olympics.”
Gopichand also played a key role in establishing the sports analytics startup Matchday AI, which was acquired by Game Theory in November 2023.
Collaborative Efforts
Saurav Ghosal, reflecting on the collaboration, said, “By focusing on long-term athlete development and utilising state-of-the-art technology, we can ensure our athletes are skilled, resilient, and ready to compete at the highest levels.”
Sharath Kamal, a Khel Ratna awardee and a 10-time senior national champion, echoed the sentiment, stating, “The collaboration will ensure a systematic approach to grassroots development and allow more easy adoption of innovative training methods, which is the need of the hour.”
Broader Impact
The funds raised will be used to advance athletes’ training using cutting-edge technologies, providing a more focused, personal, and habit-forming experience. Coaches will be able to concentrate on long-term athlete development and grassroots programs, enhancing training outcomes specific to each individual.
In October 2023, Game Theory had raised $2 million from investors including Nithin Kamath’s Rainmatter, tennis player Rohan Bopanna, WEH Ventures, and Prequate Advisory along with other angel investors.
Continued Growth in Sports Tech
Game Theory’s funding news comes amidst a series of successful fundraisings in the sports tech sector. Sports-focused technology platform Khelomore, co-founded by former cricketer Jatin Paranjape, recently raised $2 million funding led by Rajdip Gupta of Clear Bridge Ventures and Ashwin Damera, the co-founder of Eruditus. Additionally, in May, sports tech firm Stupa Sports Analytics raised Rs 28 crore funding from Centre Court Capital and PeerCapital.
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