Game Changers Dope #20

LEGACY BUILDERS

Virat Kohli's Winning Playbook: Sports, Business, and Giving Back.

Virat Kohli he's not just a sports icon; he's also a shrewd businessman. Kohli has made a mark as one of the most successful athletes globally, and he's the only Indian athlete to secure a spot on Forbes' list of highest-paid athletes, boasting an estimated net worth exceeding $26 million. His income streams come from his association with the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) and his team, the Royal Challengers Bangalore.

But what sets Virat Kohli apart isn't just his on-field excellence and lucrative endorsement deals. He's a smart investor, putting his money into various startups spanning health, insurance, and travel sectors. Recently, he invested in Blue Tribe Foods, a plant-based meat startup, and participated in a funding round for Indian fintech startup Digit, which saw its valuation soar to $3.5 billion thanks to Kohli's involvement.

Beyond his investments, Kohli is also the owner of several brands, including WROGN, a clothing and accessories company, and serves as the brand ambassador for Rage Coffee. He's a co-owner of Chisel Fitness and ventured into the hospitality sector with the launch of Nueva, a South-American restaurant in New Delhi.

In the world of sports, he's developed One8, a brand inspired by his jersey number 18, in a successful partnership with Puma. Kohli also co-owns the Indian Super League team FC Goa and the Pro Kabaddi team U Mumba.

However, Virat Kohli doesn't just seize business opportunities; he also uses his massive fan base for good. Virat Kohli launched the Virat Kohli Foundation (VKF) in 2013, driven by his deep-seated desire to transform India into a sporting powerhouse and provide unwavering support to aspiring athletes in their pursuit of dreams and excellence in their chosen sports.

However, Virat's vision extends far beyond the confines of the sports arena. He envisions a brighter future for the underprivileged youth of our nation and has dedicated himself to crafting youth-centric programs. These initiatives aim to bridge the gap between children and essential resources, leveraging his extensive partnerships to establish vital support services for the most vulnerable segments of our society.

Virat and his wife, Anushka, share a profound love for animals, and their personal contributions consistently make a difference in the lives of countless stray animals in our city. They have also lent their support to wildlife relief efforts. Through their involvement with Awaaz, Virat envisions creating well-planned medical services, safe shelter, and nourishment for the often overlooked and mistreated strays that roam the streets of Mumbai.

At the core of VKF's mission lies a belief in the power of research and collaboration. The foundation's dedicated team actively engages with innovators and leading experts to gain a deep understanding of the challenges faced by disadvantaged youth. Their goal is to maximize available resources to drive meaningful actions that leave an enduring impact, all in service of building a brighter and more promising future for our beloved India.

In conclusion, Virat Kohli's journey is a testament to the heights one can reach with dedication, talent, and an unwavering commitment to making a positive impact. From his stellar cricketing career to his successful ventures as an entrepreneur and philanthropist, Kohli embodies the spirit of excellence and giving back. His ability to use his influence for the betterment of underprivileged youth and the welfare of animals showcases a compassionate side that goes beyond the cricket pitch and boardroom. As we admire his accomplishments, we're reminded that true greatness isn't just measured by personal success but by the positive change one can bring to the world, and Virat Kohli is undoubtedly a shining example of this philosophy.

MONEY MOVES

Antoine Griezmann among star athletes backing Athletico Ventures investment fund. Full story here.
CarJitsu Team takes on Street Ball Betting with Kevin Garnett. Full story here.
Meta is paying the celebrity faces behind its AI chatbots as much as $5 million for 6 hours of work, report says. Full story here.

ATHLETE CREATORS

Fate of a Sport is an inspiring tale that revolves around the journey of Paul Rabil, a former lacrosse superstar who ventured into entrepreneurship. His mission? To establish the Premier Lacrosse League and propel lacrosse into the mainstream. This story is a compelling narrative of transformation, taking chances, and the unity that emerges as Paul and the league's players set aside their disparities and embark on a daring adventure to elevate this niche sport onto the grand stage. It's a story of ambition, teamwork, and the determination to make dreams come true.

WTF BRANDS

Raheem Sterling (England footballer) and Samiya Miah joined forces to bring Sixteen Ninety Two to life, driven by a shared passion for finely crafted menswear. Their mission was clear: to offer men a line of clothing that showcased their deep appreciation for the art of tailoring. They aimed to capture the essence of craftsmanship, drawing inspiration not only from skilled hands but also from the beauty of imperfections found in nature. Every piece in their collection pays homage to the rocks and stones that endured after a catastrophe, serving as a reminder of the solid foundation upon which greatness is built.

IMPACT STANDOUTS

The ATP and Infosys have introduced an innovative app called Carbon Tracker, aiming to enhance sustainability in tennis. This app is a pioneering tool that allows professional tennis players to monitor and reduce the carbon emissions associated with their travel during the ATP Tour.

Several notable players, including Thiem, Cameron Norrie, Andrey Rublev, and Emil Ruusuvuori, have already committed to monitoring and offsetting 100% of their tournament travel emissions in 2023, setting a positive example for others in the sport.

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