Sachin's second innings as an investor-entrepreneur: 7 ventures he has invested in

[This article was updated on April 24, 2016.]

“Chase your dreams, because dreams do come true.” Sachin retired from international cricket with these inspiring lines on November 16, 2013, leaving millions of fans in tears. After having dodged ‘bullets’ from fast bowlers and hitting them for 30,000+ runs, Sachin has indeed taught us several life lessons.

Like Sachin, startups too face several new balls (read obstacles) everyday and have the option to let it pass or use the opportunity to score runs. Working hard and keeping patience are certainly lessons to be learnt from Sachin’s life. And there are several more.

Today, on the occasion of his birthday, we look at Sachin’s second innings as a businessman and an investor. Perhaps, it is all that he has learnt over 24 years of his cricketing career which makes him the investor that he is. Sachin has been in the hotel business for quite some time now with his signature restaurants named ‘Sachins’ and ‘Tendulkar’s’. Sachin has also invested in sports. Let us look at his investments.

1. Musafir | Travel portal

Musafir is a UAE-based internet travel company that was founded in 2007 by Albert Dias, Sachin Gadoya and Sheikh Mohammed Abdullah Al Thani. Sachin Tendulkar has a 7.5% stake in the company alongside being the brand ambassador for the company. Musafir has now entered India and wants to take a pie in the growing online travel market which is currently dominated by Makemytrip, Cleartrip and Yatra.

In the travel space, Sachin is the second celebrity after Salman Khan became the Yatra ambassador. Bringing a star onboard surely pays dividends for the companies.

2. Smaaash Entertainment | Sports Simulation

Sachin Tendulkar has an 18% equity stake in sports simulation venture of Shripal Morakhia’s Smaaash Entertainment. Morakhia is the well-known founder of Sharekhan.

Smaaash Entertainment, founded in 2009, focuses on providing sports simulation technology based on cricket, football, racing, and other recreational activities, as well as a host of leisure activities, including a lounge, a spa, arcade gaming, music, and dining for men, women, and children.

3. Sachins and Tendulkar’s | RestaurantHe has joined hands with famous hotelier Sanjay Narang of Mars group and opened hotels. The restaurants are in Colaba and Mulund in Mumbai. There is a third one in Bangalore as well. His hotels are named 'SACHINS ' and 'TENDULKAR'S' . These hotels are highly posh, stylish, and serve multi-cuisine gourmet food. The menu features some of Sachin's favourite dishes from his travels across the globe.

4. Kochi Franchise, Indian Super League | Sports League

Sachin is the co-owner of the Kochi ISL franchise along with Hydrabad-based PVP ventures. Kerala Football Association claims that Sachin's entry will lead to the revival of the game itself in the state. Kerala, one of the few states in India where football is a much-followed and played sport, had seen a decline in its popularity in the recent years mainly because of the scarcity of funds. Football fans in Kerala hinge their hopes on Sachin’s ability to bring in the funding.

5. S Drive and Sach | Healthcare and sports fitness products

Sachin is a stakeholder in the joint venture between the Future Group and the Manipal Group. The JV has a variety of products in the health supplement, sports goods, fitness equipment and lifestyle accessories categories. They are marketed under the brand names S Drive and Sach. The products are retailed across the multiple Future Group formats like Big Bazaar, Central, Planet Sports, Manipal Cure & Care.

6. Universal Collectabilia | Celebrity Merchandise

Sachin owns 26% stake in the celebrity merchandise and brand extension firm. In 2012, Accel Partners had committed $5mn in the startup, which is jointly owned by Anjana Reddy, who is part of the Deccan Chronicle family. The company also has celebrity contacts with big names like Rajnikanth, MS Dhoni and Virat Kohli.

The company claims to be India’s first celebrity-commerce company. It has over a thousand memorabilia in the offing. Fans have the chance to buy authentic memorabilia personally autographed by their icons from the world of sports, politics and even Hollywood.

7. Mumbai Franchise, International Tennis Premier League | Sports League

Sachin is also the co-owner of the Mumbai franchise of the newly formed International Tennis Premier League (ITPL) along with the Hyderabad-based PVP ventures.

Tendulkar has been long-time tennis fan. He used to follow the legendary John McEnroe during his childhood. He is a known fan of former No. 1 Roger Federer who he has been seen with several times. But the Mumbai franchise has Federe’s arch-rival Rafael Nadal, as its marquee signing. The other three franchises are Bangkok, Singapore and Dubai.

Update: Sachin made his first investment in a technology start-up, a firm that makes smart devices, for which he will also be a brand ambassador. Smartron, an Internet of Things company, which builds a host of internet connected devices for consumers and enterprises has roped in a star for a percentage of stake. Founded in August 2014, the company says it will launch its products in the first quarter of the upcoming FY17. (Source)

Sachin may have retired from cricket but he has definitely not retired from sports. His involvement of any kind with sports can only augur well for the sports fraternity in India.

On his birthday, YourStory wishes Sachin Tendulkar all the best for his second innings and his future endeavors. #HappyBirthdaySachin

Do you have wishes for Sachin on his birthday? Leave it in the comments. Also, let us know of any other investments that Sachin has made.

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Indian Cricketers and their Tryst with Entrepreneurship (or as restaurateurs?)

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