Ravi Krishnan Launches Abler Sports & Entertainment (ASE) to ‘Challenge Status Quo' of the Sports & Entertainment Industry
Sports marketing pioneer and entrepreneur Ravi Krishnan announced today the launch of Abler Sports & Entertainment (ASE, pronounced 'ACE') -an IP and data-driven enterprise focused on sports, media, entertainment, music, fashion, food and lifestyle. The company will support ambitious rightsholders, brands and celebrities that are not fully served by incumbents.
Ravi Krishnan, Founder & CEO, ASE
Krishnan, the former Managing Director of IMG India/South Asia and former Vice Chairman of IPL franchise Rajasthan Royals, spoke about the focus of his latest venture, 'We are launching ASE to capitalise on several 'rising tides' including the recognition of IP in creating enterprise value, the growing relevance of India and emerging markets for rightsholders, brands and celebrities with global ambitions, the significance of womens sport and the rise of sportainment, and or as we refer to it, the 'festivalisation' of sport through its convergence with other forms of popular culture including music, fashion, and food.'
Peter Hutton, media veteran, former CEO of Eurosport and Fox Sports Asia, who worked with Krishnan at IMG, also added his endorsement, 'I'm very happy to see the scale of their ambition and their original take on doing business in an evolving ecosystem. I believe ASE is building something very unique in helping bring the world to India and taking India to the world.'
ASE is backed by a distinguished investor group and advisory board and with over 300 years of combined experience across media, tech, sports, and private equity including the likes of Mike Dolan (Former Chairman IMG and former CEO, Bacardi), Jim Glover (former deputy Chairman, CSM and CEO, EMEA, ARENA Group), Prapti Anand (former APAC Leader, Fondation Chanel), and Ashutosh Srivastava (Former CEO APAC, GroupM).
Krishnan added, 'We are humbled that some of the industry's most 'experienced, successful and reputable' have joined us as investors and advisors to help us 'positively disrupt' an industry at multiple inflection points. We are building an enterprise that operates at the intersection of content, community and commerce.'
Krishnan's Stepathlon, a fan engagement and data platform, now powering its ASE Engage Division, leverages the natural synergies between wellness and sports. Trusted by global brands like Manchester City, Gujarat Titans and the upcoming 2025 Women's Rugby World Cup, it has redefined fan engagement by focusing on awareness to action, data-backed engagement and converting 'profitless volume' into meaningful, measurable, actively engaged communities.
ASE marks a natural progression in Krishnan's three-decade-long journey – one that has seen him build enduring IPs and businesses that have left a lasting impact. He says 'There is no truly global organisation that can create, compete and collaborate across both developed and emerging markets, be a bridge between the analogue and digital and deliver value to all stakeholders in an industry that is undergoing seismic shifts in consumption, commerce and creativity, increasingly impacted by data and AI.'
With UK, India, US and Australia as key global nodes, ASE works across six verticals – ASE Engage powered by Stepathlon (Fan Engagement and Data Platform), ASE Alive (Events & Experiential), ASE Advisory (Market Entry, Brand, Revenue and Raise) , ASE Partnerships (for Brands, Rights Holders, Celebrities) ASE Media (Non -Live Content & Platform-Native Storytelling), and ASE Consumer (Licensing & Merchandising).
Even before its official launch, ASE closed five deals with international partners across three divisions, and has a strong and growing blue-chip pipeline of clients.
One of ASE's first clients is Destination Sport Group (DSG), a world leader in sports travel working with 100+ sports organisations including elite teams, federations, governing bodies and major events is establishing its India business. James Robinson, Global Business Development Director at DSG explains why they chose Krishnan and his team, 'Partnering with ASE has been the right decision. As a truly global organisation with an extensive and impressive network of contacts, ASE brings a unique depth and breadth of expertise to the table. Their professionalism, diligence, and attention to detail have been exceptional and they have proven to be a trusted and invaluable ally.'
Speaking on the launch, investor Josh Liberman, Co-founder and Chairman of CVS Lane Capital Partners and Founding Partner, Lumir Ventures said, 'ASE's emphasis on data-driven strategies and IP development is both distinctive and forward-looking. Ravi stands out as a compassionate and visionary leader who I have had the privilege of knowing personally and professionally. ASE's understanding of India and the wider region is a key differentiator which marries well with their global ambition and capabilities.'
Veeru Murugappan, from one of South India's most respected families, the Murugappa Family (Murugappa Group), and Founder of Coromandel Productions, expressed his support for the new venture, 'I have known Ravi for close to two decades now and have been an admirer of his work. He understands storytelling and crafting narratives as well as anyone in this industry.'
About ASE
Abler Sports & Entertainment (ASE) is an IP and data-driven, full-service enterprise operating across sport, media, entertainment, music, fashion, food and lifestyle – with a global outlook and a focus on India and emerging markets.
Founded by sports industry pioneer Ravi Krishnan, ASE helps ambitious rightsholders, brands and talent create long-term value – through the ownership of IP, the power of engagement, and the convergence of culture and commerce.
ASE brings together global experience, local insight and thinking to build scalable, relevant and culturally resonant solutions.
Backed by a preeminent Investor Group and Advisory Board with over 300 years of combined experience, ASE combines strategic vision, operational depth and an unparalleled network of relationships with global business leaders.
List of Board and Advisory Board Members:
Name
Designation
Jim Glover
Former Dy Chairman CSM and CEO, EMEA – Arena Group
Alison Lee
ATP TOUR Executive VP, International Region
Ashutosh Srivastava
Former CEO APAC – GroupM
Prakash Janakiraman
Co-Founder & Chief Architect – Nextdoor
Advait Pandit
Chief Architect – Jio Mart
Lynne Anderson
Commissioner, ASC Advisory Council
Rowena Samarasinhe
MD, Gensport & Partner at Law Firm, LEVEL
Ekta Hutton
Head, FIFA Digital Skills
Prapti Anand
Former Senior International Program Manager – Fondation Chanel
John Loffhagen
Former Head, IMG Legal EMEA
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Economic Times
15 hours ago
- Economic Times
Ravi Krishnan aims to blend sport, culture & commerce with new venture Abler Sports & Entertainment
In a changing sports and entertainment landscape, veteran sports marketer Ravi Krishnan is focusing on the intersection of intellectual property (IP), data, and popular culture through his new venture, Abler Sports & Entertainment (ASE).The veteran sports marketing executive aims to reimagine how sport and entertainment are consumed, monetised, and experienced—not just in India, but internationally. ASE is backed by a group of investors from media, technology, sports, and private equity. Notable investors in ASE include Suv Mohapatra, Managing Director at Accenture Singapore; Josh Liberman, Co-founder and Chairman of CVS Lane Capital Partners; Mike Dolan, former Chairman of IMG and former CEO of Bacardi; and Ashutosh Srivastava, former CEO of APAC at his early career at IMG South Asia to initiatives like the Sahara Cup and Lakmé Fashion Week, Krishnan has focused on innovation and long-term strategy. His latest venture centres on fan engagement, IP ownership, and a digital-first approach. He sees this as an opportunity for India to play a more prominent role in the global sports ecosystem. Krishnan's perspective is straightforward: sport remains one of the few true real-time entertainment experiences.'If you want to watch Royal Challengers Bengaluru play Punjab Kings, you need to watch it live. That urgency gives sport an edge,' he says. However, he notes that most digital engagement today still focuses on awareness, rather than driving he believes, is where his company comes in. It positions itself as an 'awareness-to-action' platform—where fan interaction leads to revenue generation, data-driven decision-making, and better returns for rights holders and sponsors.A central element of Krishnan's strategy is the creation and control of IP. 'Everyone wants to build value now,' he says. 'Celebrities don't want a one-time payout to generate $100 million in revenue for others. They want IP ownership.' He contrasts the long-term value of Lakmé Fashion Week, which he launched while at IMG with the Unilever brand as its title sponsor in 2000, with the more transactional nature of properties like the IPL, which has had several title sponsors over the years. His point: lasting IP creates long-term brand equity. Krishnan also sees growing interest in India from global rights holders. 'Manchester City doesn't need more fans in Manchester. They need to monetise fans in India, Indonesia, and Africa,' he argues that while many international entities highlight their Indian fan bases, few have been able to translate that interest into sustainable company seeks to help bridge that gap—supporting both foreign brands entering India and Indian brands looking to expand abroad. 'In the '80s it was Japan, in the '90s Korea, then China. India will make its mark on the globe even more substantially in the future.'With offices in London, Mumbai, San Francisco, and Melbourne, Krishnan describes his venture as a 'global business with an Indian heart.' This positioning, he believes, allows the company to serve as a conduit between Indian and international points to partnerships like Infosys at Grand Slams, TCS with global marathons, and Apollo Tyres with Manchester United as signs of India's increasing presence on the global sports stage.'Indian culture, IP, and commerce are poised for global relevance. And we want to be at the centre of it,' he sees significant untapped potential in women's sports. 'Women's sport is an absolute rising tide in the world of sports,' he says. From growing participation and audiences to rising sponsor interest, he expects the category to grow quickly. His company is already working with World Rugby on the Women's World Cup and integrating women-oriented content on its digital platform, Stepathlon. 'If companies have $100 to spend on sport, they won't spend it all on men in the future.' Another area Krishnan highlights is the 'festivalisation' of sport—blending athletic competition with music, fashion, and food to create a broader experience. 'The Australian Open is a festival with a tennis tournament,' he says. He sees the IPL as another example, having become more than just a cricket goal is to develop IPs that span platforms, cultures, and generations—not just as media products, but as cricket continues to dominate the Indian sports landscape, Krishnan is also exploring tennis, football, and multi-sport formats. He is particularly focused on creating properties that don't rely solely on traditional broadcast models, which he says are heavily tilted toward the IPL.'There's very little left for other leagues. We need to find alternative monetisation models—direct-to-consumer, sponsor-led, or data-driven,' he says. His company is also developing year-round engagement platforms, including non-live content and fan describes India as a 'head and heart' market, where success depends on local insights, cultural nuance, and long-term thinking. With most of the population under 25, he sees both an opportunity and a challenge: the demographic potential is there but remains also sees parallels with other emerging markets such as Africa and Latin Krishnan, sport is more than a business opportunity—it's a tool for positive change. His platform Stepathlon aims to address health challenges by encouraging physical activity.'Wellness is a $6.3 trillion industry. Sport is $500 billion. The connection between the two is undeniable,' he says. 'We use popular culture not just to entertain, but to heal, inspire, and mobilise communities.'Krishnan believes the coming decade could be pivotal for India in global sport and entertainment. He sees the potential to drive change through smart partnerships, IP creation, and a technology-first approach.'We're ambitious—quantitatively and qualitatively,' he says. 'Our goal is to be a thoughtful leader in a rapidly transforming global industry.'
Time of India
16 hours ago
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Ravi Krishnan aims to blend sport, culture & commerce with new venture Abler Sports & Entertainment
In a changing sports and entertainment landscape, veteran sports marketer Ravi Krishnan is focusing on the intersection of intellectual property (IP), data, and popular culture through his new venture, Abler Sports & Entertainment ( ASE ). The veteran sports marketing executive aims to reimagine how sport and entertainment are consumed, monetised, and experienced—not just in India, but internationally. ASE is backed by a group of investors from media, technology, sports, and private equity. Notable investors in ASE include Suv Mohapatra, Managing Director at Accenture Singapore; Josh Liberman, Co-founder and Chairman of CVS Lane Capital Partners; Mike Dolan, former Chairman of IMG and former CEO of Bacardi; and Ashutosh Srivastava, former CEO of APAC at GroupM. From his early career at IMG South Asia to initiatives like the Sahara Cup and Lakmé Fashion Week, Krishnan has focused on innovation and long-term strategy. His latest venture centres on fan engagement, IP ownership, and a digital-first approach. He sees this as an opportunity for India to play a more prominent role in the global sports ecosystem. Krishnan's perspective is straightforward: sport remains one of the few true real-time entertainment experiences. 'If you want to watch Royal Challengers Bengaluru play Punjab Kings, you need to watch it live. That urgency gives sport an edge,' he says. However, he notes that most digital engagement today still focuses on awareness, rather than driving action. This, he believes, is where his company comes in. It positions itself as an 'awareness-to-action' platform—where fan interaction leads to revenue generation, data-driven decision-making, and better returns for rights holders and sponsors. Focus on IP ownership A central element of Krishnan's strategy is the creation and control of IP. 'Everyone wants to build value now,' he says. 'Celebrities don't want a one-time payout to generate $100 million in revenue for others. They want IP ownership.' He contrasts the long-term value of Lakmé Fashion Week, which he launched while at IMG with the Unilever brand as its title sponsor in 2000, with the more transactional nature of properties like the IPL , which has had several title sponsors over the years. His point: lasting IP creates long-term brand equity. India as a growth market Krishnan also sees growing interest in India from global rights holders. 'Manchester City doesn't need more fans in Manchester. They need to monetise fans in India, Indonesia, and Africa,' he says. He argues that while many international entities highlight their Indian fan bases, few have been able to translate that interest into sustainable revenue. His company seeks to help bridge that gap—supporting both foreign brands entering India and Indian brands looking to expand abroad. 'In the '80s it was Japan, in the '90s Korea, then China. India will make its mark on the globe even more substantially in the future.' Bridging worlds With offices in London, Mumbai, San Francisco, and Melbourne, Krishnan describes his venture as a 'global business with an Indian heart.' This positioning, he believes, allows the company to serve as a conduit between Indian and international markets. He points to partnerships like Infosys at Grand Slams, TCS with global marathons, and Apollo Tyres with Manchester United as signs of India's increasing presence on the global sports stage. 'Indian culture, IP, and commerce are poised for global relevance. And we want to be at the centre of it,' he says. Growing opportunity in women's sport Krishnan sees significant untapped potential in women's sports. 'Women's sport is an absolute rising tide in the world of sports,' he says. From growing participation and audiences to rising sponsor interest, he expects the category to grow quickly. His company is already working with World Rugby on the Women's World Cup and integrating women-oriented content on its digital platform, Stepathlon. 'If companies have $100 to spend on sport, they won't spend it all on men in the future.' Sport as a cultural experience Another area Krishnan highlights is the 'festivalisation' of sport—blending athletic competition with music, fashion, and food to create a broader experience. 'The Australian Open is a festival with a tennis tournament,' he says. He sees the IPL as another example, having become more than just a cricket league. His goal is to develop IPs that span platforms, cultures, and generations—not just as media products, but as experiences. Exploring new models Although cricket continues to dominate the Indian sports landscape, Krishnan is also exploring tennis, football, and multi-sport formats. He is particularly focused on creating properties that don't rely solely on traditional broadcast models, which he says are heavily tilted toward the IPL. 'There's very little left for other leagues. We need to find alternative monetisation models—direct-to-consumer, sponsor-led, or data-driven,' he says. His company is also developing year-round engagement platforms, including non-live content and fan communities. Understanding the market Krishnan describes India as a 'head and heart' market, where success depends on local insights, cultural nuance, and long-term thinking. With most of the population under 25, he sees both an opportunity and a challenge: the demographic potential is there but remains under-monetised. He also sees parallels with other emerging markets such as Africa and Latin America. A broader purpose For Krishnan, sport is more than a business opportunity—it's a tool for positive change. His platform Stepathlon aims to address health challenges by encouraging physical activity. 'Wellness is a $6.3 trillion industry. Sport is $500 billion. The connection between the two is undeniable,' he says. 'We use popular culture not just to entertain, but to heal, inspire, and mobilise communities.' Krishnan believes the coming decade could be pivotal for India in global sport and entertainment. He sees the potential to drive change through smart partnerships, IP creation, and a technology-first approach. 'We're ambitious—quantitatively and qualitatively,' he says. 'Our goal is to be a thoughtful leader in a rapidly transforming global industry.'
Fashion Value Chain
a day ago
- Fashion Value Chain
Ravi Krishnan Launches Abler Sports & Entertainment (ASE) to ‘Challenge Status Quo' of the Sports & Entertainment Industry
Sports marketing pioneer and entrepreneur Ravi Krishnan announced today the launch of Abler Sports & Entertainment (ASE, pronounced 'ACE') -an IP and data-driven enterprise focused on sports, media, entertainment, music, fashion, food and lifestyle. The company will support ambitious rightsholders, brands and celebrities that are not fully served by incumbents. Ravi Krishnan, Founder & CEO, ASE Krishnan, the former Managing Director of IMG India/South Asia and former Vice Chairman of IPL franchise Rajasthan Royals, spoke about the focus of his latest venture, 'We are launching ASE to capitalise on several 'rising tides' including the recognition of IP in creating enterprise value, the growing relevance of India and emerging markets for rightsholders, brands and celebrities with global ambitions, the significance of womens sport and the rise of sportainment, and or as we refer to it, the 'festivalisation' of sport through its convergence with other forms of popular culture including music, fashion, and food.' Peter Hutton, media veteran, former CEO of Eurosport and Fox Sports Asia, who worked with Krishnan at IMG, also added his endorsement, 'I'm very happy to see the scale of their ambition and their original take on doing business in an evolving ecosystem. I believe ASE is building something very unique in helping bring the world to India and taking India to the world.' ASE is backed by a distinguished investor group and advisory board and with over 300 years of combined experience across media, tech, sports, and private equity including the likes of Mike Dolan (Former Chairman IMG and former CEO, Bacardi), Jim Glover (former deputy Chairman, CSM and CEO, EMEA, ARENA Group), Prapti Anand (former APAC Leader, Fondation Chanel), and Ashutosh Srivastava (Former CEO APAC, GroupM). Krishnan added, 'We are humbled that some of the industry's most 'experienced, successful and reputable' have joined us as investors and advisors to help us 'positively disrupt' an industry at multiple inflection points. We are building an enterprise that operates at the intersection of content, community and commerce.' Krishnan's Stepathlon, a fan engagement and data platform, now powering its ASE Engage Division, leverages the natural synergies between wellness and sports. Trusted by global brands like Manchester City, Gujarat Titans and the upcoming 2025 Women's Rugby World Cup, it has redefined fan engagement by focusing on awareness to action, data-backed engagement and converting 'profitless volume' into meaningful, measurable, actively engaged communities. ASE marks a natural progression in Krishnan's three-decade-long journey – one that has seen him build enduring IPs and businesses that have left a lasting impact. He says 'There is no truly global organisation that can create, compete and collaborate across both developed and emerging markets, be a bridge between the analogue and digital and deliver value to all stakeholders in an industry that is undergoing seismic shifts in consumption, commerce and creativity, increasingly impacted by data and AI.' With UK, India, US and Australia as key global nodes, ASE works across six verticals – ASE Engage powered by Stepathlon (Fan Engagement and Data Platform), ASE Alive (Events & Experiential), ASE Advisory (Market Entry, Brand, Revenue and Raise) , ASE Partnerships (for Brands, Rights Holders, Celebrities) ASE Media (Non -Live Content & Platform-Native Storytelling), and ASE Consumer (Licensing & Merchandising). Even before its official launch, ASE closed five deals with international partners across three divisions, and has a strong and growing blue-chip pipeline of clients. One of ASE's first clients is Destination Sport Group (DSG), a world leader in sports travel working with 100+ sports organisations including elite teams, federations, governing bodies and major events is establishing its India business. James Robinson, Global Business Development Director at DSG explains why they chose Krishnan and his team, 'Partnering with ASE has been the right decision. As a truly global organisation with an extensive and impressive network of contacts, ASE brings a unique depth and breadth of expertise to the table. Their professionalism, diligence, and attention to detail have been exceptional and they have proven to be a trusted and invaluable ally.' Speaking on the launch, investor Josh Liberman, Co-founder and Chairman of CVS Lane Capital Partners and Founding Partner, Lumir Ventures said, 'ASE's emphasis on data-driven strategies and IP development is both distinctive and forward-looking. Ravi stands out as a compassionate and visionary leader who I have had the privilege of knowing personally and professionally. ASE's understanding of India and the wider region is a key differentiator which marries well with their global ambition and capabilities.' Veeru Murugappan, from one of South India's most respected families, the Murugappa Family (Murugappa Group), and Founder of Coromandel Productions, expressed his support for the new venture, 'I have known Ravi for close to two decades now and have been an admirer of his work. He understands storytelling and crafting narratives as well as anyone in this industry.' About ASE Abler Sports & Entertainment (ASE) is an IP and data-driven, full-service enterprise operating across sport, media, entertainment, music, fashion, food and lifestyle – with a global outlook and a focus on India and emerging markets. Founded by sports industry pioneer Ravi Krishnan, ASE helps ambitious rightsholders, brands and talent create long-term value – through the ownership of IP, the power of engagement, and the convergence of culture and commerce. ASE brings together global experience, local insight and thinking to build scalable, relevant and culturally resonant solutions. Backed by a preeminent Investor Group and Advisory Board with over 300 years of combined experience, ASE combines strategic vision, operational depth and an unparalleled network of relationships with global business leaders. List of Board and Advisory Board Members: Name Designation Jim Glover Former Dy Chairman CSM and CEO, EMEA – Arena Group Alison Lee ATP TOUR Executive VP, International Region Ashutosh Srivastava Former CEO APAC – GroupM Prakash Janakiraman Co-Founder & Chief Architect – Nextdoor Advait Pandit Chief Architect – Jio Mart Lynne Anderson Commissioner, ASC Advisory Council Rowena Samarasinhe MD, Gensport & Partner at Law Firm, LEVEL Ekta Hutton Head, FIFA Digital Skills Prapti Anand Former Senior International Program Manager – Fondation Chanel John Loffhagen Former Head, IMG Legal EMEA
