Latest news with #Machaxi
Entrepreneur
2 days ago
- Business
- Entrepreneur
Machaxi Secures $1.5 Million to Expand AI-Powered Badminton Coaching Across India
The funding round was led by Rainmatter, the investment arm of Zerodha, and included participation from Indian badminton legend Prakash Padukone as well as existing backers You're reading Entrepreneur India, an international franchise of Entrepreneur Media. Machaxi, a Bengaluru-based sports-tech startup focused on grassroots coaching, has raised $1.5 million in funding to scale its AI-powered training model and expand operations into three more cities—Hyderabad, Pune, and Chennai. The funding round was led by Rainmatter, the investment arm of Zerodha, and included participation from Indian badminton legend Prakash Padukone as well as existing backers, the company announced in a press release. This strategic infusion of capital marks a pivotal moment for Machaxi as it builds on its vision to standardize and scale grassroots sports coaching across India. Central to this expansion is a collaboration with the Padukone School of Badminton, under which the two entities aim to establish over 1,000 coaching centers nationwide in the next four years. The partnership will feature an AI-based coaching platform developed by Machaxi, designed to support human coaches, not replace them. The system tracks performance, ensures consistency in training methods, and makes coaching scalable even in regions where experienced trainers are in short supply. "I've always believed that the future of Indian badminton lies in structured grassroots development," said Prakash Padukone. "Machaxi's vision to scale coaching while maintaining quality through AI is forward-thinking and impactful. I'm thrilled to partner with them in shaping the next generation of champions." Nithin Kamath, founder of Zerodha and Rainmatter, said the decision to invest was aligned with their broader focus on sustainability and community development. "Machaxi's tech-driven approach to coaching, combined with a solid on-ground strategy, aligns perfectly with our mission at Rainmatter to back sustainable and impactful ventures," Kamath said. Machaxi co-founder Pratish Raj emphasized that the new funding and partnerships are about more than just growth—they're about reshaping India's sports coaching model. "With the support of Rainmatter and the visionary backing of Mr. Padukone, we're working toward a future where every aspiring athlete, no matter where they come from, can train with consistency, purpose, and access to world-class infrastructure," Raj said.
The Hindu
2 days ago
- Sport
- The Hindu
Indian sports wrap, June 11: Bhambri-Galloway pair exits Boss Open
TENNIS Bhambri-Galloway pair exits Boss Open India's number one doubles player Yuki Bhambri and his American partner Robert Galloway fought their hearts out before losing the BOSS Open pre-quarterfinals, here. In a match where both sets were decided by tie-breakers, the Indo-American combine lost 6-7 (5) 6-7 (5) to Santiago Gonzalez from Mexico and Austin Krajicek from the USA in one hour and 34 minutes. India's challenge is still alive in the tournament, with veteran Rohan Bopanna and N Sriram Balaji competing with their respective partners. Balaji and and his Mexican partner Miguel Reyes-Varela are up against the second-seeded French pair of Sadio Doumbia and Fabien Reboul. The 45-year-old Bopanna has teamed up with Belgium's Sander Gille and they will take on the local combination of Jakob Schnaitter and Mark Wallner. -PTI BADMINTON Machaxi Raises $1.5M from Prakash Padukone, Rainmatter and Others to Expand AI-Based Grassroots Badminton Training Machaxi, a sports-tech company focused on grassroots coaching and digital sports infrastructure, has raised $1.5 million in a round led by Rainmatter, the investment initiative of Zerodha. The round also saw participation from Indian badminton legend Prakash Padukone and existing investors. The funding will help Machaxi scale its operations beyond Bengaluru into three new cities-Hyderabad, Pune, and Chennai—while also building a nationwide framework for AI-powered badminton coaching. As part of the expansion, Machaxi is collaborating with the Padukone School of Badminton to launch the 'Machaxi x Padukone School of Badminton' program. The initiative aims to establish over 1,000 coaching centres across India within the next four years. Prakash Padukone, Ace Indian Badminton player, said: 'I've always believed that the future of Indian badminton lies in structured grassroots development. Machaxi's vision to scale coaching while maintaining quality through AI is forward-thinking and impactful. I'm thrilled to partner with them in shaping the next generation of champions.' Related Topics Tennis / Badminton
