Pune, 16/10/24: SportsSkill, a cutting-edge sports technology company, has announced its angel round of funding with KP Balaraj, a notable investor and former national-level tennis player
SportsSkill plans to transform athletic training by integrating advanced artificial intelligence into its sports performance mobile application. The app will provide real-time, data-driven insights through health metrics, computer vision analytics, and machine learning. Athletes will receive intelligent evaluations across essential areas such as technique, fitness, tactics, and nutrition. Athletes will receive personalised training programs, real-time performance analytics, and interactive coaching sessions designed to optimise their performance and development. This approach will enable athletes to understand their performance on a deeper level and make targeted improvements.
“We envision a future where tech is an indispensable partner in every athlete’s journey,” said Abhinav Sinha, co-founder of SportsSkill and former international squash player. “Our app empowers athletes, coaches, and others to make informed decisions, providing them with the tools to enhance their skills, refine their techniques, and ultimately, unlock their full potential. The future of the SportsSkill platform includes the integration of real-time expert advice delivered through an AI chatbot, offering tailored recommendations based on unique user data. This transformative approach will allow athletes to make strategic choices regarding their training, nutrition, and mental preparation, enhancing their ability to compete and achieve excellence.”
“This partnership with KP is not just about funding; it’s about redefining sports training globally,” added Chetan Desai, Co-Founder of SportsSkill and former ATP-ranked tennis player. “His mentorship will be instrumental in scaling our platform and driving innovation in athlete training and development.”
KP Balaraj, a former National-level tennis player and accomplished venture capitalist, brings invaluable insights and strategic guidance to the table. This fund is raised through the KPB family trust, a family-run organization that invests in highly motivated entrepreneurs, impactful NGOs, and visionary educational institutions. Previously, Balaraj co-founded and led WestBridge Capital for nearly two decades and served as Managing Director at Sequoia Capital India. His career also includes a role at Goldman Sachs, focusing on private equity in Asia.
Notably, KP Balaraj’s investment validates SportsSkill’s transformative approach to sports technology. He was recognized as one of PM Modi’s “Champions of Change” for his contributions to venture capital and the startup ecosystem in India.
“We are excited to support two world-class athletes in their endeavour to build a game-changing sports tech business,” said KP Balaraj. “SportsSkill has the potential to disrupt traditional training methods and empower athletes from grassroots to professional levels. Together, we aim to make a lasting impact on how sports are played, taught, and experienced across the nation.”
With KP Balaraj’s support, SportsSkill is set to accelerate its vision of making advanced training tools accessible to athletes of all levels. The funding will be used to expand into new markets, enhance the app’s tech infrastructure, and enable global scaling. By focusing on intelligent and user-centric solutions, SportsSkill aims to be an inspiring and indispensable partner for athletes, fostering growth and success in the competitive world of sports.
Abhinav Sinha, a lawyer turned serial sports entrepreneur, is a former international squash player who mentored the Indian team for the Asian Junior Championship (2023), British Junior Open (2020), and World Junior Championship (2024 & 2019). Abhinav represented India at the World Juniors and Asian Juniors in 2009. As a two-time National Champion (Pro Coach) in 2019 and 2020, he combines his global sports exposure and experience to provide players at all levels the opportunity to excel in their respective sports. Through SportsSkill, he has brought technological advancements to the players.
Chetan Desai, who is passionate about sports, is one of the finest tennis players, boasting more than 50 years of experience in the game. He is a former ATP-ranked player with a career high of 310 and has around two decades of experience in sports management. Chetan won a Gold medal in the inaugural National Games (Olympic Format) hosted in 1985 in New Delhi. His leadership spans C-suite roles across FMCG, garment exports, sports management, and media and advertising industries worldwide.