MS Dhoni, popularly known as “Captain Cool” and one of the greatest cricket leaders India has produced, has quietly reshaped his legacy off the pitch by emerging as a serious player in the world of startup investments. As of August 2025, Dhoni’s diversified portfolio comprises more than 12 ventures across electric mobility, fintech, drones, plant-based foods, wellness, interiors, and cutting-edge digital platforms.
Electric Mobility: Charging India’s Urban Future
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BluSmart Mobility: Dhoni, via his family office, joined BluSmart’s Rs420 crore Series B round in 2024. The company once boasted a fleet of 8,000+ electric vehicles and rapid growth, only to face regulatory turbulence in April 2025 due to found mismanagement and service suspension. Despite the setback, Dhoni’s endorsement accelerated BluSmart’s profile in India’s green transport ambitions.
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EMotorad: In 2023, Dhoni bought an equity stake and became brand ambassador for the Pune-based e-bike maker. EMotorad surpassed 80,000 sales in under two years, giving urban commuters an eco-friendly edge.
Fintech: Disrupting Finance for the Masses
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Khatabook: Dhoni invested in this MSME-focused finance startup in 2020. His active involvement supported the platform’s leap to 50million+ downloads and strengthened India’s small business ecosystem.
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Acko: In July 2025, Dhoni’s family office Midas Deals invested in digital insurer Acko. Dhoni also lent his star power as brand ambassador, a synergy that overlapped with his known passion for automobiles.
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CARS24: Since 2019, Dhoni has backed CARS24, the used car marketplace, championing its rapid expansion across India.
Drones & AgriTech: Flying High with Innovation
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Garuda Aerospace: Dhoni’s investment between 2022–24 of Rs4-5 crore (1.1% stake) helped propel Garuda, based in Chennai, to become a dominant agri and defense drone supplier. The company boasts a 50% market share, multiple patents, and ambitious global exports.
Plant-Based Food & Wellness: Leading Health Trends
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Shaka Harry: Dhoni entered this sector in October 2022 by backing Bengaluru’s plant-based protein startup. The move aligns with surging interest in sustainable diets and wellness.
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Tagda Raho: In 2023, Dhoni supported Tagda Raho, a fitness brand reviving Indian workout tools, which doubled its revenues by FY24.
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HomeLane: Dhoni has been a strategic investor since 2021 and increased his stake in early 2024, targeting India’s expanding home interiors market.
Digital Platforms: Riding the Creator Economy Boom
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Rigi: Dhoni invested in Rigi in 2023—a SaaS platform that monetizes creator and influencer content through paid communities, workshops, and subscriptions, tapping into the digital economy’s explosive growth.
Food, Beverage and Real Assets: Offbeat Bets
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House of Biryan (HOB): Dhoni’s latest move is a ₹40crore investment in the chef-led cloud kitchen chain famed for “Meri Wali Biryani,” supporting its overseas ambitions.
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7Ink Brews (Copter7): Co-founded in 2021, Copter7 delivers unique beverages and chocolates inspired by Dhoni’s jersey number, merging cricketing fame with entrepreneurial creativity.
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Centricity & SILA Group: Dhoni’s family office participated in multi-million dollar rounds in wealthtech and real estate management platforms, enhancing his exposure to India’s growing financial and real asset sectors.
Investment Approach & Market Impact
Dhoni’s strategy is centered on:
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Early, high-conviction bets in sectors with future promise
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Active participation as a brand ambassador
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Preference for sustainable and innovative business models
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Leveraging brand reputation not just for visibility, but for strategic business value
His investments have:
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Inspired a new generation of athlete-investors in India
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Catalyzed tech adoption in EVs, fintech, agri-drones, and health
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Shown resilience and vision, even as some ventures (e.g., BluSmart) faced setbacks
Dhoni’s second innings in business mirrors the composure and foresight that defined his cricket career. His investment journey illustrates the potency of strategic celebrity capital in shaping India’s dynamic startup landscape—and sets a benchmark for athletes seeking lasting relevance beyond the field.
