Agilitas, founded by a former Puma executive, boasts strong manufacturing capabilities and significant investor backing.
Indian cricket star Virat Kohli announced Monday his partnership with homegrown sportswear startup Agilitas Sports, marking a notable departure from his eight-year association with German athletic giant Puma in favour of building an Indian brand with global ambitions.
The 36-year-old cricketer revealed the deal through a social media video, days after earning Player of the Series honours in India’s 2-1 ODI victory over South Africa, where he amassed 302 runs across three matches. “Today marks the beginning of an exciting new chapter straight from my heart,” Kohli wrote on X.
From Endorser to Equity Partner
According to regulatory filings, Kohli has invested approximately Rs 40 crore (around $4.7 million) for a 1.94% stake in Agilitas through Compulsorily Convertible Preference Shares. The investment represents the first tranche of a larger funding round, with sources indicating Kohli plans to increase his involvement.
The move came after Kohli declined a reported Rs 300 crore renewal offer from Puma, ending a partnership that began in 2017 with a Rs 110 crore contract. “When the offer came through, and he made me understand the force behind it, the manufacturing capabilities, the expertise that he has, and the kind of people that were going to come on board, I thought this could become something big,” Kohli said in the announcement video.
Strategic Realignment for One8
Kohli’s lifestyle brand One8, which generated approximately Rs 250 crore in business under Puma’s umbrella, will now be housed and scaled under Agilitas. Plans include a refreshed brand identity, new product collections, and expanded retail presence, with aspirations to enter international markets including the United States and the United Kingdom.
Agilitas Sports was founded in 2023 by Abhishek Ganguly, who served as Managing Director of Puma India and Southeast Asia for 17 years before departing to launch his own venture. The Bengaluru-based company has raised Rs 530 crore from investors, including Convergent Finance LLP and Nexus Venture Partners, and acquired Mochiko Shoes, India’s largest sports footwear manufacturer, in September 2023.
Subscribe to our Newsletter
Disclaimer: Kindly avoid objectionable, derogatory, unlawful and lewd comments, while responding to reports. Such comments are punishable under cyber laws. Please keep away from personal attacks. The opinions expressed here are the personal opinions of readers and not that of Mathrubhumi.
