Sportswear startup Agilitas has secured ₹225 crore, approximately $23.5 million, in a significant new funding round. The investment was led by existing backer Nexus Venture Partners with participation from Rainmatter by Zerodha. This capital is designated to accelerate the company's expansion across manufacturing, brand building, and retail operations.
Strategic Capital for Comprehensive Growth
The funding round consists of a ₹200 crore follow-on investment from Nexus and a ₹25 crore infusion from Rainmatter. This builds upon previous capital from Nexus and Convergent Finance LLP in 2023. The funding reinforces Agilitas's financial foundation for its ambitious growth plans.
Abhishek Ganguly, Co-Founder and CEO of Agilitas, stated the company was founded on the belief that India can host a globally competitive sportswear entity. He emphasized that this investment provides the ability to accelerate that vision. The company aims to build a platform that manages the entire value chain from India.
Expanding Brand and Retail Footprint
Agilitas is actively expanding its brand portfolio, having successfully launched the Italian sports brand Lotto in the Indian market. The company is also preparing to unveil One8, a performance sportswear brand co-created with cricketer Virat Kohli. This new line, focused on innovation and functionality, is slated for a June 21 launch.
In the retail sector, the company has introduced Sportsyard, a large-format, multi-brand store concept. Its inaugural Bengaluru location achieved profitability within just two months of its launch. Following this success, Agilitas plans to open ten additional stores across India during the current financial year.
The company's strategy includes powerful celebrity partnerships to enhance brand appeal. Virat Kohli is deeply involved as both an investor and co-creator, while actor Anushka Sharma recently joined to co-create a new yoga-focused line. These collaborations are pivotal to Agilitas's consumer engagement and market positioning.
Strengthening Manufacturing and Investor Confidence
A key pillar of Agilitas's strategy is its manufacturing capability, strengthened by the 2023 acquisition of Mochiko Shoes. The company has seen its manufacturing revenue grow significantly, with projections indicating a rise to ₹1,350 crore by FY26. This vertical integration allows for greater control over production for its owned and partner brands.
Investor confidence in the company's model is strong, as reflected in statements from its backers. Suvir Sujan of Nexus Venture Partners highlighted the company's impressive execution and unique market position. Nithin Kamath of Rainmatter expressed support for Agilitas's mission to build a global sports brand from India.
The belief in the company's trajectory extends internally, with 58 employees participating in an investment round this year. This internal backing complements support from venture capital firms and strategic investors like Yuvraj Singh. It signals a unified commitment to the company's long-term vision for the sportswear industry.
This latest funding round significantly strengthens Agilitas's position in India's rapidly expanding athleisure market. With substantial capital, a clear multi-faceted strategy, and strong investor backing, the company is well-equipped for its next growth phase. Agilitas is poised to become a dominant force in the sportswear ecosystem, both domestically and globally.