Sportstech Platform KheloMore Bags $2 Mn To Launch Cricket Academies, Offer Coaching Services

Sportstech platform KheloMore raised $2 Mn in a Pre-Series A funding round led by Clear Bridge Ventures LLP’s designated partner Rajdip Gupta and edtech unicorn Eruditus’ founder Ashwin Damera.

The startup plans to use the fresh funds to expand into more cities like Delhi, Ahmedabad and Rajkot as well as to set up a network of training centres. 

Founded in 2016 by former Indian cricketer Jatin Paranjape and Ujwal Deole, KheloMore aims to make sports more accessible to Indians through its online booking platform. It connects users with sports venues and offers coaching services.

“This funding round validates our vision and allows us to improve access to sports at the grassroots level,” the founders said in a joint statement.

The company also plans to launch cricket academies across the country, partnering with schools and other stakeholders. So far the company claims to have partnered with Cricket Victoria, All India Pickleball Association and Urbansports.

These academies will offer young aspiring cricketers access to curriculum, certified coaches, AI-driven personal coaching plans and organised match sessions. KheloMore’s technology platform will serve as the foundation for these academies.

KheloMore operates in several Indian cities, including Mumbai, Pune, Bengaluru, and Hyderabad. 

The platform works with over 1,500 coaches and has about 500,000 users. It competes with other sportstech startups like Playo and Hudle in the pay-and-play vertical.

This funding round follows a previous investment of $2 Mn in a seed funding round from Damera Ventures, the family office of Eruditus founder Ashwin Damera and his spouse Bhagyashree Damera, in November 2022. At that time, KheloMore claimed to have served more than 5,000 customers using its pay-and-play model.

(The story will be updated soon)