Indian celebrities are increasingly moving beyond traditional brand endorsements and entering the startup investment space, with electric mobility emerging as one of the sectors attracting attention.
Former India captain MS Dhoni has invested in E Motorad, an electric mobility startup focused on the future of transportation. His investment adds a prominent sports personality to India’s growing EV startup ecosystem.
Bollywood actor Shraddha Kapoor has backed Chargeup, a startup working in the EV charging infrastructure space. Her investment comes as demand for charging networks grows alongside the expansion of electric mobility in India.
Meanwhile, cricket legend Sachin Tendulkar has taken a different route to the mobility sector by investing in Spinny, the used-car retail platform.
The investments highlight a broader shift in celebrity participation in India’s startup ecosystem. Sports stars and film personalities are increasingly using their capital and influence to participate directly in emerging businesses rather than limiting their involvement to endorsements.
The EV sector is particularly attracting attention as India pushes for cleaner transportation, greater electric vehicle adoption and stronger charging infrastructure.
For startups, celebrity investors can bring more than financial capital. Their visibility and consumer reach can also help companies build awareness and credibility.
From E Motorad and Chargeup to Spinny, celebrity investments are increasingly reflecting the growth opportunities emerging across India’s mobility and automotive technology landscape.
