Fearless Virender Sehwag aims to back bold entrepreneurs through his strategic investment in a major venture builder

As an opening batter, success in the field of cricket depends on the player's ability to take calculated risks and adapt to unpredictable situations. Strategic decision-making and being quick on one’s feet are crucial skills on the field, and such traits often tend to stay with you for much longer, even after one retires. These skills are often crucial in the world of business as well, especially in the start-up ecosystem.

There’s no better example of living and playing fearlessly at the top of the batting line for India than the legendary cricketer Virender Sehwag. Known for his fearless approach on the pitch, he is now channelling that same boldness into the business world. In a move that has caught the attention of both cricket fans and India’s start-ups alike, Sehwag has made a strategic investment in T9L QUBE, one of India’s foremost venture builders.

Sehwag's investment is also indicative of the broader trend of growing interest in India's venture sector. According to GlobalData, India's startup ecosystem experienced a remarkable rise in venture capital (VC) funding from January to July 2024, with 672 deals securing $6.3 billion, compared to $4.4 billion last year same time — a substantial 42.1% year-on-year (YoY) increase in funding value. This surge in funding reflects strong investor confidence in India's emerging startups, even in the face of cautious global market conditions.

Sehwag bats for future entrepreneurs

This investment marks Sehwag's serious entry into the fast-evolving Indian startup ecosystem, reflecting his belief in innovation and his commitment to nurturing the next wave of Indian entrepreneurs.

“Investing with T9L Qube is an opportunity to pay forward the support I once received in my professional career, and I aim to help future entrepreneurs get similar support. For me, T9L QUBE embodies the spirit of my coach—one who spots raw talent, believes in unconventional approaches, and provides steadfast support, making it the ideal platform for my foray into the startup world. I see them as the 3rd Co-Founder,” said Sehwag in a statement.

Co-founded by Fahad Moti Khan and Gaurav Gaggar, T9L QUBE has quickly established itself as a powerhouse in India’s venture-building landscape. Unlike traditional accelerators that focus heavily on pedigree and conventional success metrics, this firm claims to zero in on the potential of founders with bold, unorthodox ideas. The studio’s unique approach, which includes a playbook-driven methodology for building and scaling startups, has been pivotal in reducing the typical failure rates associated with new ventures.

This innovative approach has already borne fruit, with T9L QUBE playing a significant role in the success of several notable startups, including Docquity, SpotDraft, Adda52, and NirogStreet, among others. These emerging new start-ups have further boosted the studio's reputation as a promising venture builder.

While Sehwag is celebrated for his explosive batting that redefined Indian cricket in the 2000s, his off-field ventures have also demonstrated a keen business acumen. Over the years, he has diversified his interests, from education to hospitality, showing a growing inclination toward the startup world. His latest investment in T9L QUBE is portrayed as a testament to his desire to mentor and support budding entrepreneurs, much like how his coach nurtured his own cricketing talent.

As the startup ecosystem in India continues to expand, with increasing support from investors both domestic and international, the opportunities for innovation are immense. This sector has become a fertile ground for entrepreneurs with disruptive ideas, and Sehwag’s involvement adds a high-profile endorsement to the burgeoning ecosystem.