Billions serve and volley: High-stakes game at Bertelsmann Badminton Championship

The sixth annual Bertelsmann India Investments (BII) Badminton Championship, held at the Prakash Padukone Badminton Academy, brought together venture capitalists and startups in a lively mix of competition and collaboration.

Gathering some of India’s most influential investors, with a combined portfolio valuation exceeding billions of dollars, the event saw participation from top investment funds such as Ascent Capital, Lightspeed Venture Partners, Stellaris, Avendus, IndigoEdge, and Kalaari Capital. Beyond the athletic prowess on display, the championship served as a strategic platform for networking and fostering new partnerships.

Rohit Sood, Partner at Bertelsmann India Investments, expressed pride in the tournament's success, viewing it as a symbol of the firm's dedication to fostering a vibrant startup landscape in India. “We believe that physical fitness and a healthy work-life balance are fundamental to the success of any organization. This championship not only embodies these values but also reinforces our dedication to promoting them within the venture capital community. At Bertelsmann India Investments, we are proud to support initiatives that encourage collaboration, innovation, and well-being," he said.

The event fostered a relaxed environment for VCs to discuss industry trends and potential investments. The friendly competition among participants reflected the collaborative nature of the investment world.

"It's a 10/10 experience," shared Kitty Agarwal, Partner at Info Edge Ventures. "Participating in the Bertelsmann India Investments Badminton Championship has been a refreshing break from the usual work environment. Here, informal interactions can spark new investments and collaborations, emphasising fun and camaraderie over competition."

Akshay Ghulati, Co-founder, Shiprocket, added, "It's been a phenomenal experience. This event sparked my interest in badminton and has fostered meaningful connections. The relaxed atmosphere allows for open, candid conversations with fellow founders and VCs, leading to insightful discussions about our journeys, challenges, and the evolving business landscape."

To add a touch of fun and creativity, BII unveiled a rap song dedicated to the championship. The catchy track celebrated the blend of sportsmanship and investment acumen, a

dding a unique cultural touch to the event. The event also featured culinary excellence with Chef Manu Chandra, often called the Massimo Bottura of Bangalore, who is renowned for his restaurant Toast & Tonic and has catered for global events like Cannes and Davos.

The sixth annual Bertelsmann India Investments Badminton Championship was a testament to the synergy between sports and business, setting the stage for even more impactful gatherings in the future. The championship concluded with Sameer Mansukhani from Innoven Capital and Berry Singh, Founder of Ace Turtle, emerging as the victorious team.

To view the rap song of BBC 2024, click here: India's Top Startups and VCs Battle it Out: Bertelsmann Badminton Championship Anthem