Centre Court Capital: A Mumbai Fund Backed by the Jindal Family
Centre Court Capital is a Mumbai-based venture capital fund founded by Mustafa Ghouse, former CEO of JSW Sports, and Alok Samtaney, previously of TVS Capital and Sabre Partners. Anchored by the Sajjan Jindal Family Trust, the fund closed near Rs 410 crore (about $49 million) to back sports tech, gaming, and wellness startups, with checks of Rs 8 to 24 crore. The fund aims to back fifteen to eighteen companies over its life.
Overview
Centre Court Capital is a Mumbai-based venture capital fund focused on sports and gaming. Mustafa Ghouse founded the firm after serving as CEO of JSW Sports. Alok Samtaney co-founded the fund, previously an investment director at TVS Capital and Sabre Partners. The Sajjan Jindal Family Trust anchors the fund, led by Parth Jindal. SIDBI, PremjiInvest, and GMR Sports also back the firm as limited partners.
Investment Focus and Stage
Centre Court Capital targets early-stage sports tech, gaming, and wellness startups. It typically writes checks between Rs 8 crore and Rs 24 crore per company. The firm reserves 40 to 50 percent of its fund for follow-on investments. It aims to back between fifteen and eighteen companies over the fund's life. India's 396 million gamers rank as the second-largest gaming population worldwide.
Fund Size and Portfolio
Centre Court Capital launched its maiden fund with a Rs 350 crore target. It had already raised Rs 200 crore in commitments at the time of launch. The fund later reached a final close at Rs 410 crore, about $49 million. It had completed its first two investments in the sports tech space by launch. The fund operates as a SEBI-registered Category II alternative investment fund.
Leadership
Mustafa Ghouse founded Centre Court Capital and serves as general partner. He previously ran JSW Sports, which owns teams like Delhi Capitals and Bengaluru FC. Alok Samtaney co-founded the firm alongside him as a fellow general partner. Samtaney built over fifteen years of experience across TVS Capital and Sabre Partners. Together they lead the firm's focus on India's sports and gaming economy.