Biography of Akshay Khandelwal: Founder & CEO of Bowled.io- Entrepreneur
Biography of Akshay Khandelwal:
Akshay Khandelwal is a name that has become synonymous with
innovation in the world of sports-based gaming. With a deep background in
mechanical engineering from IIT Madras and a Master of Business Administration
(MBA) from INSEAD, Akshay has carved a successful career path that spans
multiple sectors, including consulting, digital transformation, and
entrepreneurship. His passion for creating immersive digital experiences led
him to co-found Bowled.io, a revolutionary social gaming platform focused on cricket.
The Birth of Bowled.io
The idea behind Bowled.io came from Akshay’s personal
experiences and observations of the sports entertainment world. Having worked
on various sports entertainment products, Akshay and his co-founder realized
that despite cricket's massive popularity in India, there was no platform where
fans could interact with each other beyond following live scores or using
traditional fantasy platforms. This gap in the market sparked the creation of
Bowled.io in March 2022, aiming to bring cricket fans together in a more
engaging and interactive way.
Building the Platform: Combining Games and Blockchain
At the heart of Bowled.io is a unique combination of gaming
and Web3 technology. The platform offers users the chance to play hyper-casual
games, participate in player-versus-player (PvP) battles, and own digital
collectibles, all while fostering a sense of community. Unlike traditional
gaming platforms, Bowled.io uses blockchain to allow users to retain permanent
ownership of in-game assets, such as player skins, stadium designs, and
cosmetic items.
Enhancing Fan Engagement with Web3
Web3 technology plays a pivotal role in Bowled.io’s success.
By integrating blockchain, the platform enables the creation, transfer, and
usage of in-game assets across different games on the platform. This feature
allows players to maintain ownership of their collectibles, which adds a level
of permanence and value that is rarely seen in traditional games. The use of
blockchain also helps to create a secure and transparent system for all in-game
transactions, which appeals to tech-savvy fans.
Expanding the User Experience
Bowled.io is not just about gaming; it is about building a
community around cricket. The platform allows users to interact with fellow
fans, compete against each other, and showcase their skills on leaderboards.
Fans can also earn rewards through their participation, making the platform a
dynamic space for both entertainment and competition. Akshay and his team are
focused on making sure that every interaction on the platform feels rewarding
and meaningful for the users.
Early Success and Growing Popularity
Since its launch, Bowled.io has garnered significant
attention. With over 200,000 downloads and around 25,000 to 30,000 monthly
active users, the platform is quickly growing in popularity. Its reach extends
beyond India, with fans from over 100 countries engaging with the app. The
platform’s success can be attributed to its user-centric approach, which
focuses on delivering both fun and value through its diverse gaming features.
Partnerships and Support from Industry Leaders
In January 2023, Bowled.io gained a major boost when cricket
commentator Harsha Bhogle joined the platform as an advisor and investor. His
involvement not only brings credibility to the platform but also helps in
creating a stronger connection with the cricket community. Additionally,
Bowled.io’s appearance on Shark Tank India helped to further solidify its
position in the competitive world of Web3 gaming.
Innovative Games and Digital Collectibles
Bowled.io offers a diverse set of games that appeal to
different types of players. From hyper-casual games to card-based games, the
platform has something for everyone. Users can also engage with NFT-based
digital collectibles, such as player skins, stadium skins, and other cosmetics.
These collectibles are unique to Bowled.io, and players can trade, sell, or use
them in various in-game contexts, enhancing the overall experience.
Unique Approach to Cricket Gaming
What sets Bowled.io apart from other platforms in India is
its focus on creating a complete fan experience. While other platforms, like
Rario and FanCraze, are focused primarily on trading digital collectibles of
cricket players, Bowled.io integrates gaming and collectibles into a unified
experience. The platform is building an economy around the in-game assets that
users own, making it a comprehensive space for fans to engage with their
favorite sport in new and exciting ways.
The Pioneering Play-to-Earn Model
Bowled.io’s approach to the play-to-earn (P2E) model is
another standout feature. Users are rewarded for their participation in games
and other platform activities, which they can convert into tangible rewards.
This model not only adds to the entertainment value of the platform but also
incentivizes users to spend more time engaging with the app. The P2E system has
become increasingly popular in Web3 gaming and is one of the driving factors
behind Bowled.io’s success.
Biography of Akshay Khandelwal: Founder & CEO of Bowled.io- Entrepreneur/ cricket fan engagement through gaming and Web3 technology/age/net worth
Addressing the Indian Market's Needs
Akshay and his team have focused heavily on the Indian
market, understanding the unique preferences and habits of Indian gamers. While
the idea of trading NFTs might appeal to a niche group, Akshay’s observation
that the average Indian gamer isn’t primarily a collector has shaped the
platform’s direction. Instead of emphasizing NFT trading, Bowled.io has focused
on gaming and community-building, ensuring that the platform remains accessible
and engaging for the broader Indian audience.
The Road Ahead: Expanding Beyond Cricket
While Bowled.io initially focused on cricket, its long-term
vision is to expand beyond this one sport. The team plans to incorporate other
popular sports into the platform, creating an even more diverse and engaging
experience for users. This expansion will further enhance Bowled.io’s appeal
and solidify its position as a leading sports-based gaming platform.
Attracting Global Attention
Bowled.io’s unique combination of blockchain technology,
sports gaming, and community-building has attracted global attention. The
platform has managed to bridge the gap between traditional gaming and the
emerging world of Web3, making it one of the most innovative startups in the
sports entertainment space. As more people discover its features, Bowled.io’s
global user base is expected to grow exponentially in the coming years.
The Role of Blockchain in Sports Gaming
Blockchain technology has become a cornerstone of
Bowled.io’s business model. By utilizing the technology, Bowled.io ensures that
users can trade in-game assets securely and with full ownership. The use of
NFTs also creates new economic opportunities for players, as they can monetize
their collectibles. This integration of blockchain sets Bowled.io apart from
traditional gaming platforms, offering a new way for players to engage with
their favorite sport.
Akshay’s Vision for the Future
Akshay Khandelwal’s vision for Bowled.io is clear: he wants
to create a platform where fans not only watch and follow their favorite sports
but also actively participate in the experience. Whether it's through gaming,
trading collectibles, or competing in challenges, Akshay believes that
Bowled.io offers a richer, more interactive experience than traditional sports
platforms. His long-term goal is to make Bowled.io the go-to platform for
sports fans, combining entertainment with community and rewards.
Building a Lasting Impact on Sports Gaming
Through Bowled.io, Akshay Khandelwal is not just creating a
gaming platform; he is shaping the future of how fans interact with sports. By
blending entertainment, technology, and community, he is paving the way for a
new era in sports gaming. His focus on user experience and blockchain
innovation ensures that Bowled.io will continue to be at the forefront of this
rapidly evolving industry.
A timeline for Akshay Khandelwal and Bowled.io's journey:
2022 (March): Akshay co-founds Bowled.io, aiming to
revolutionize cricket fan engagement through gaming and Web3 technology.
2022: Bowled.io launches, offering hyper-casual games and
digital collectibles, incorporating blockchain for asset ownership.
2022: The platform gains over 200,000 downloads and attracts
25,000–30,000 active users, extending its reach globally.
2023 (January): Cricket commentator Harsha Bhogle joins
Bowled.io as an advisor and investor, boosting credibility.
2023: Bowled.io appears on Shark Tank India, enhancing its
visibility and appeal in the competitive Web3 gaming market.
2023: Bowled.io expands its gaming options and integrates
NFT-based collectibles, creating a unique fan experience.
2023: Platform introduces a play-to-earn (P2E) model,
incentivizing users with rewards for participation.
2024 and Beyond: Bowled.io plans to expand beyond cricket,
integrating other popular sports and continuing to grow its user base.
Future Vision: Akshay aims to make Bowled.io the premier
platform for sports fans, combining gaming, community, and Web3 technology.