India’s software market has consistently attracted global attention, drawing not only tech professionals but also celebrities and cricket stars. Many Indian cricketers are now exploring investment opportunities and entrepreneurship alongside their sports careers.
In a recent development, Team India’s wicketkeeper-batter Rishabh Pant has entered the tech world. TechJockey, a software marketplace, announced that Pant has acquired a 2% stake in the company, valued at INR 7.40 crore.
The company, founded in 2017 by Zomato’s former VP Akash Nangia and former McKinsey executive Arjun Mittal, connects software vendors with small businesses. TechJockey expanded to the U.S. in early 2024.
“The fresh capital was raised at a valuation of Rs 370 crore (approximately USD 44.17 million), with Pant acquiring a 2 percent stake,” Nangia stated, as reported by the Economic Times. Speaking about his decision, Pant shared, “In cricket, having the right technology for live streaming, commentary, and DRS is crucial. The right tools help make quick, smart decisions. I’ve seen how effective software can be for business growth, so investing in TechJockey made sense to me.”
“I really like how SaaS companies operate and see great potential in that concept,” he added.
Nangia praised Pant’s involvement, calling it “a significant win.” He highlighted Pant’s deep understanding of the software business and his influence in helping the company grow, especially in the U.S. market. “Having Rishabh on board is a huge boost for us, not just because of his cricketing stature, but also his business insight,” Nangia said.
TechJockey reported INR 125 crore in revenue for 2023-2024 and aims to reach INR 170-180 crore by 2025. Currently, the company serves 500,000 businesses and offers over 500 software categories.