ITV

Tag: Jeet Wagh

  • Jonty Rhodes dives into startup TV arena

    Jonty Rhodes dives into startup TV arena

    MUMBAI: From diving for catches to diving into deals, Jonty Rhodes is set to make a different kind of pitch, this time, on Indian television. The legendary South African cricketer and global sports icon will appear on Ideabaaz, India’s first media-integrated startup reality show, airing November 8 at 6:30 pm and 11 pm on Zee TV and Zee5.

    In a never-before-seen avatar, Rhodes joins UpUrFit co-founders Munish Vig and Vikram Gunjal to pitch their sports wellness brand to the Titans, Ideabaaz’s panel of investors. The show, conceptualised by Jeet Wagh and Sagoon Wagh, is designed to democratise startup funding by bringing entrepreneurs from across India, especially from tier II and III cities, face-to-face with investors, all within a high-energy television format.

    UpUrFit, co-founded in 2023, is fast carving out its space in India’s USD 40 billion sports wellness market. With a focus on performance, recovery, and hygiene products made from clean, effective ingredients, the brand is backed by Rhodes himself. Currently, it is raising a USD 0.5 million funding round, already 50 per cent subscribed, with participation from the IIM Calcutta syndicate and other major investors. As of October, the brand boasts an ARR of Rs 40 million and a 50 per cent QoQ growth rate.

    Sharing his excitement, Rhodes said, “Pitching on Ideabaaz was a whole new ballgame for me. Usually, I’m diving for catches, not catching investors’ attention. It was exciting to share UpUrFit’s vision on a platform that celebrates innovation and passion. As an athlete and entrepreneur, I’ve always believed in fitness that’s real and relatable, and that’s exactly what UpUrFit stands for.”

    Of course, the ever-energetic Rhodes couldn’t resist adding a bit of his signature flair, showing off some fielding magic on set, much to the delight of the Titans and the audience. The episode promises a blend of business, banter, and boundless energy, as Jonty and the UpUrFit team bring the spirit of sport to the startup arena.

     

  • ideabaaz names Mudit Kumar as co-founder and COO

    ideabaaz names Mudit Kumar as co-founder and COO

    NEW DELHI: Ideabaaz, an Indian platform aimed at supporting startups, has appointed Mudit Kumar as its new co-founder and chief operating officer.  Kumar brings nearly two decades of experience in private banking and wealth management, having previously worked with prominent financial institutions such as the Aditya Birla Group, ICICI Securities Private Wealth, and, most recently, LGT Wealth India.

    During his career,  Kumar has advised ultra-high-net-worth individuals and family offices on wealth strategies and strategic investments. His experience extends to curating cross-border asset management solutions and integrating startup ideations into client portfolios. An active participant in India’s vibrant startup ecosystem, he has also invested in and mentored founders of early-stage ventures in sectors like climate tech, spacetech, healthtech, legal tech, and fintech.

    In his new role,  Kumar will help lead Ideabaaz’s mission to connect innovators from across “Bharat” (a term for a more inclusive, rural India) with capital, mentorship, and markets. The company aims to democratise access to these resources, particularly for founders from Tier 2 and Tier 3 cities who often struggle to get the exposure and support they need.

    “Ideabaaz is more than a platform—it’s a movement to bring ambitious ideas and capable founders into the spotlight,” said Kumar. “I’m excited to help shape its journey and create meaningful opportunities for startups across India, especially from emerging cities.”

    The appointment is expected to strengthen Ideabaaz’s focus on building a structured framework for innovators from smaller cities to thrive. The company was co-founded by Jeet Wagh and describes itself as “Bharat ka apna startup manch” (India’s own startup platform).