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Batsman Kohli buys into London-based media start-up

Virat Kohli is backing Sport Convo, a London based social media start-up.

The star Indian batsman recently bought a stake in the Indian Super League’s FC Goa football franchise and, having recognised the potential of sport in social media, he announced this week that he has become a shareholder in Sport Convo.

India batsman Virat Kohli: investing in the sports media business
Virat Kohli: investing in the sports media business

Kohli is one of the world’s most consistent run-getters, reaching 6,000 runs in one day internationals faster than anyone in history. He is also the quickest to reach 20 ODI centuries – taking 64 innings fewer than his idol, Sachin Tendulkar.

Sport Convo was founded by Vishal Patel, Amrit Johal, co-founder investor, Praveen Reddy and chief designer, Jasneel Nagi. The business is being backed by private venture capital investment and the site is being developed by a technology company specialising in social media in Delhi.

The Sport Convo site, currently under development, aims to be a leading player in sport-specific social media. Negotiations are underway with a number of star names from other sports to join the platform.

Kohli has more than 22 million followers on social media. He sees Sport Convo as an exciting way to connect with his existing followers and a host of new ones. “Social media has become an important part of my life,” he says. “It gives me a chance to connect with my fans and a chance to share a slice of the life with which I have been blessed with them.

“The opportunity to be a part of Sport Convo stood out for me. It attracts me on many levels, none more so than my belief that the functionality we are developing will be beneficial to my followers and the wider sport-loving public as well as all the other sportsmen and women who will be joining me on this platform.”

Sport Convo’s Vishal Patel said, “Virat Kohli has agreed not only to become a shareholder but has also taken on an ambassadorial role and will be the major face for the business in India and beyond. Virat and his management company, CSE Consulting, will help us by taking a hands-on approach with the development of the product as well as the business. We have already forged an excellent relationship and I am delighted to have them as partners.

“I am delighted personally to have Virat on board as part of the team and truly believe the unique product concept played a big part in attracting him to Sport Convo,” he added. “We have had similar strong responses from top sports stars across a number of major sports and I can confirm we shall be announcing sports talent of the calibre of Virat joining the Sports Convo family in the coming months.

“Everybody on the Sport Convo team is a committed sports fan, so this is being built by us as fans for the fans to enjoy and consume all things sport.”

Praveen Reddy says he backed the project because, “We will be working very closely with the Virat Kohli Foundation as well as launching our own foundation to lift the lives of individuals via the medium of sport – something that is very important to me.”

Sports fans can register to receive an invitation for Sport Convo at www.sportconvo.com. By entering the Promo Code ‘VKCONVO’, you will be entered into a competition to win a Virat Kohli signed bat.

The fully functioning site is expected to launch within six months.

For further information please contact John Taylor at jtrugby@btinternet.com or on 07770 511611

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