Indian cricket star Virat Kohli has reportedly turned down a ₹300 crore contract extension with Puma to join Agilitas, a homegrown sportswear startup. Rather than pocketing another lucrative extension, Kohli has chosen to claim an equity stake in Agilitas, with ambitions to scale his lifestyle brand, One8, into a standalone force.

It’s a gamble that mirrors his bold and aggressive approach on the pitch. This isn’t Kohli’s first foray into the high-stakes world of business. The 36-year-old has built a portfolio as formidable as his batting average, with investments that reflect both his Midas touch and his knack for spotting potential.

Batting Beyond the Pitch: Virat Kohli’s Masterstroke in Business Ventures

FC Goa

Virat Kohli holds a 12% stake in FC Goa, a prominent Indian Super League (ISL) football club co-founded in 2014. His investment, alongside industrialists Jaydev Mody and Akshay Tandon, reflects his passion for football and strategic business acumen. Kohli’s involvement not only bolsters his portfolio but also promotes the sport’s growth in India, aligning with his vision of diversifying beyond cricket.

One8

Launched by Kohli in 2016, One8 is a premium athleisure brand that generated $2.18 million in revenue last year. Initially focused on sports apparel, it has expanded into fragrances, footwear, and accessories, competing with brands like BlissClub. One8’s collaboration with Puma has been pivotal, with the One8 collection contributing 10% of Puma India’s sales in 2019.

Galactus Funware Technology

Kohli received debentures worth 33.32 lakh for his investment in Galactus Funware Technology, whose main subsidiary MPL Sports, became the official kit sponsor for the Indian cricket team in 2020.

One8 Commune

One8 Commune, a fine-dining restaurant and bar chain owned by Kohli, operates in cities like Mumbai, Delhi, Bengaluru, and Kolkata, with plans for international expansion, including Dubai. Launched in 2017, the chain offers a multi-cuisine experience across 5,000 sq ft outlets, with a ₹35 crore investment planned to double its nine outlets by FY25.

Chisel Fitness

It was among the first significant investments from Kohli, where he pumped ₹90 crore to become co-owner of the luxury fitness chain. Kohli’s stake in this fitness chain taps into India’s burgeoning wellness obsession. With gyms designed for those who don't want to compromise their fitness, Chisel has grown into a go-to for urban professionals chasing both sweat and swagger.

Digit Insurance

In 2020, Kohli and Anushka Sharma invested ₹2.5 crore in Digit Insurance, with Kohli contributing ₹2 crore for 266,667 shares. The Pune-based insurance company, founded by Kamlesh Goyal, went public in May 2024, yielding significant returns for Kohli. 

Rage Coffee

Kohli owns a 2.5% stake in Rage Coffee, a Delhi-based FMCG brand specialising in packaged coffee products. His 2022 investment, alongside his role as a brand ambassador, supports the startup’s expansion in production, marketing, and innovative product launches. Founded to tap into India’s growing coffee culture, Rage Coffee raised $5 million in a Series A round in 2021.

Hyperice

In 2021, Kohli joined Hyperice, a global wellness brand, as an athlete-investor and ambassador, alongside stars like Naomi Osaka. Hyperice offers products like Hypervolt massagers and Normatec recovery systems, catering to athletes and fitness enthusiasts.

Universal Sportsbiz

In 2021, the marquee cricketer invested ₹19.3 crore in Universal Sportsbiz Pvt Ltd (USPL), the parent company of Wrogn, a youth-focused fashion brand. Kohli leveraged his immense popularity to turn Wrogn into one of the most popular brands among youth.