Centre Court Capital launches Rs 350Cr fund for investment in e-sports platform ecosystem

Centre Court Capital, co-founded by Mustafa Ghouse and Alok Samtaney, has announced the launch of its maiden fund of Rs 350 crore (approximately $42 million) to invest in the Indian e-sports platform ecosystem over the next three years.

The fund marks a significant move towards nurturing startups that are at the forefront of technological innovation in these fields. The firm will back founders who are set to redefine the boundaries of the sports and gaming ecosystem.

Attracting international capital 

Centre Court Capital, a SEBI-registered Category II AIF, is in the process of launching an offshore feeder fund in GIFT City with the aim of attracting international capital. The strategic move underscores the fund's commitment to fostering a global ecosystem for sports and gaming innovations, drawing attention from worldwide investors. 

Notably, the fund has already raised Rs 200 crore and expects to close the entire fundraise by the end of this year.

Focusing primarily on early-stage opportunities 

Focusing primarily on early-stage opportunities, the fund plans to allocate Rs 8 to 24 crore to promising startups, reserving a significant portion of the fund (40-50%) for follow-on investments.

The will not only supports startups at a crucial phase of their development but also ensures sustained growth and scalability. The fund has already completed its first two investments in the sports tech space, demonstrating its active role in shaping the future of sports and gaming.

Backing from notable investors 

"We have also been tracking the growth of the e-sports and gaming sectors and we are excited to see the champions from India emerge. We are proud to be early backers of Centre Court Capital’s pioneering fund, which will further drive growth and innovation in what is an ever-evolving sector,” JSW Cement and JSW Paints MD and JSW Sports Founder Parth Jindal said.