– First ever online platform to focus on education, training & employability in the Indian sports industry
– Backed by Punit Balan of Punit Balan Group & Punit Balan Studios
– Indian legend Leander Paes on board as Strategic Advisor & Ambassador
Mumbai, NFAPost: Sporjo, an online education, training & employability company focused on sports, announced that it has raised $2 million in a Pre Series A round led by private investor Punit Balan, Chairman Punit Balan Group & Punit Balan Studios, in participation with other private investors.
Owned by Breathe Careers and Consulting Private Limited, Sporjo said the company will use the funds for expanding its product offerings, improving product experience, scaling its team, driving expansion Pan India and in key overseas markets.
Founded in May 2020 by G Srinivvasan, a sports industry veteran with more than 20 years of experience, Sporjo is a one-stop destination for building a successful career in the Indian sports industry.
Based on the tenet of transforming passion into profession in sports, the company aims to create an ecosystem of half a million professionals to support the Indian sports industry by 2030.
Sporjo offers a trademarked assessment tool that allows for participants to decipher a road map based on their skill set and personality, as well as education and training modules led by industry experts across a variety of categories such as Digital and Social media,
Data and analytics, operations, sports science, coaching etc., to further hone their skills.
Sporjo Founder & CEO G Srinivvasan said while the sports industry is in its infancy in India, the landscape has witnessed a significant transformation in the last decade.
“With the advent of IPL and other subsequent leagues, the industry has seen a massive shift towards investments in sports. Sports’ lucrative potential is clear with large corporations entering the segment,” said G Srinivvasan
However, G Srinivvasan said for a market estimated at Rs 100 billion, Sports India contributes 0.1% to the GDP compared to the global average of 0.5%.
This indicates tremendous potential for expansion. Challenges exist for both candidates and employers. A lack of credible sources, information and knowledge is a major hurdle for the candidates. Skill gaps, understanding of the business of sports, and incredible lead times to find the right person ail the employers,” said G Srinivvasan.
With jobs in sports projected to grow at a CAGR of 6% by FY24, G Srinivvasan said addressing this gap between candidate and employer through assessing, training and eventually placing professionals has been Sporjo’s genesis.
Punit Balan, an investor in the company said what Sporjo is doing for the Indian sports industry is transformative.
“With the Indian sports market poised for growth, there is an ever-growing need for professionals in the industry. Having backed athletes as well as a few teams over the years, I am acutely aware of the gap that exists in recruiting the right talent,” said Punit Balan.
He also said it is also the right time to start educating parents, children and professionals about the varied careers that exist in the sports industry and providing them with a roadmap backed with an action plan.
“I am very proud to back innovators like Sporjo that provide that solution while empowering & building a community of sports professionals. I believe in their vision and I look forward to their continued growth and evolution,” said Punit Balan.
Leander Paes who is the strategic advisor & ambassador for Sporjo said in his journey of a career spanning 31 years, he hasn’t had many learnings and one of his greatest understandings has been that having that right group of skilled professionals by their side to aid their success can make all the difference between winning and becoming a champion.
“The evolution of sports and the refinement of professional athletes over the past few years has created a valid need for skilled professionals that understand the nuances of the industry. Sporjo is a brand that has identified this and is making strides to equip the entire Indian sporting industry,” said Leanper Paes
India’s legendary tennis player said he personally is very excited to be associated with a brand that is working towards creating an ecosystem of excellence right from the grassroots level.
“Becoming successful isn’t random or a matter of luck, it’s a mindset and through this association I hope we are able to aid and create an ecosystem that breeds successful individuals in the field of sports across all mediums,” said Leander Paes.
About Sporjo:
Born of more than twenty years of expertise in the sports industry, Sporjo is a one-stop destination for building a successful career in the Indian sports industry.
An education, training & employment-oriented online company in the field of sports, Sporjo was launched on 27th May 2020. Based on the tenet of transforming passion into profession in sports, the company aims to create an ecosystem of half a million professionals to support the Indian sports industry by 2030.
Sporjo’s core reason for existence is not only to bridge the gap between passionate individuals who want to make a career and prospective employers in the sports industry but also to work towards creating a culture of empowerment – be it parents, children, young or even experienced professionals.
The Sporjo process has been carefully designed to increase the individual’s chances of securing their dream job, by preparing them for the rigours of the sports industry and providing a meritocratic path to candidates.
Additionally, Sporjo education modules are designed to increase awareness about potential careers in the sports industry as well as empower individuals by offering in depth modules across various verticals, and mentorship by industry leaders.
