Biography of Gagan Daga: Founder & CEO of Str8bat -Entrepreneur
Game-Changer: Str8bat’s Journey to Revolutionize Cricket
Gagan Daga, an experienced corporate leader, always believed
in the power of technology to transform industries. After spending years in the
corporate world, he felt a deep urge to bring innovation into sports,
particularly cricket. Along with co-founders Madhusudan R and Rahul Nagar, he
set out on a journey to create something that could truly make a difference for
players. This led to the birth of Str8bat, a revolutionary deep-tech company
aimed at enhancing the way cricketers train.
A Strong Educational Foundation
Gagan’s journey began with a strong academic background. He
completed his Bachelor of Engineering in Electronics and Communication from
R.V. College of Engineering. Later, he pursued an Executive Leadership Program
at INSEAD, one of the world’s top business schools. This solid educational
foundation equipped him with the knowledge and skills necessary to navigate the
complex world of business and technology.
The Corporate Experience
Before stepping into the world of entrepreneurship, Gagan
built an impressive career in corporate leadership. He worked at SAP for over a
decade, gaining expertise in business strategy, transformation, and consulting.
His role involved working with senior executives to develop strategic roadmaps
and drive large-scale business transformations. This experience proved
invaluable when he later decided to build his own company.
The Leap into Entrepreneurship
After nearly 15 years in the corporate world, Gagan decided
to take a leap of faith. He co-founded Str8bat in 2017, a company with a vision
to use wearable technology to enhance sports training. Str8bat aimed to provide
real-time, data-driven insights to help cricketers at all levels improve their
game. With this mission in mind, the founders set out to change the way cricket
training was approached.
How Str8bat Works
Str8bat’s technology is centered around a lightweight,
pocket-sized motion sensor that attaches to a cricket bat. This smart device
captures crucial data points such as bat speed, ball impact, and hand movement.
The collected data is then analyzed and presented in an easy-to-understand
format through a mobile app, giving players and coaches instant feedback to
refine their techniques.
Bridging the Gap in Cricket Training
For years, cricket training relied heavily on a coach’s
experience and a player’s instincts. While effective, this approach lacked
scientific precision. Str8bat changed the game by introducing technology-driven
insights, allowing players to track their progress, identify mistakes, and make
real-time adjustments. This made training more structured and effective,
helping players improve their performance at a much faster rate.
A Proven Impact on Players
Str8bat’s innovative approach quickly gained traction. The
data spoke for itself—91% of users showed significant improvement in their
batting performance after using the device. This success proved that technology
could bridge the gap between traditional training methods and modern data
analytics, making it an essential tool for aspiring cricketers.
Entering the Shark Tank
Recognizing the need for investment and exposure, Str8bat’s
founders decided to pitch their product on Shark Tank India. They confidently
entered the tank, seeking ₹1.5 crore for 1% equity, valuing their company at
₹150 crore. The sharks were intrigued by the idea and eager to see how the
technology worked.
The Sharks Take a Swing
To truly understand the product’s potential, the sharks
decided to test Str8bat themselves. As they took swings with the
sensor-equipped bats, they were amazed by the instant feedback and accuracy of
the data. Aman Gupta, a cricket enthusiast himself, was particularly impressed
and resonated with the founders' passion for sports and technology.
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The Investment Negotiation
While the product excited the sharks, not all of them were
ready to invest. Ritesh Agarwal, Kunal Bahl, and Vineeta Singh opted out,
stating that it didn’t align with their business interests. Namita Thapar
showed interest but hesitated due to valuation concerns. However, Aman Gupta
saw great potential in Str8bat and made an offer of ₹1.5 crore for 4% equity,
significantly lowering the company’s valuation.
The Final Deal
The founders, confident in their valuation, countered with
2.5% equity. This led to intense negotiations, where Namita Thapar also
reconsidered her stance. Eventually, a deal was struck—Aman Gupta and Namita
Thapar jointly invested ₹1.5 crore for 3.5% equity. This not only provided
Str8bat with the necessary funds but also brought two strategic investors on
board.
A Step Towards Global Expansion
With fresh investment and strong mentorship from the sharks,
Str8bat set its sights on expansion. The company aimed to reach more cricket
academies, schools, and clubs across India. Additionally, they planned to take
their technology global, targeting major cricketing nations like Australia,
England, and South Africa.
Enhancing Technology for Better Insights
Str8bat’s journey didn’t stop at securing investment. The
company continued to improve its AI-driven analytics, ensuring that players
received even more precise insights. By refining the sensor’s capabilities and
enhancing the mobile app’s features, Str8bat aimed to offer a comprehensive
training experience that catered to both amateur and professional players.
Building a Sports Community
Beyond providing individual performance insights, Str8bat
envisioned creating a global community of players and coaches. Their platform
allowed players to engage with top coaches, exchange insights, and refine their
skills together. This sense of connection and shared learning further
strengthened Str8bat’s impact in the world of cricket.
A Bright Future Ahead
Str8bat’s journey from an idea to a game-changing product
has been nothing short of inspiring. With cutting-edge technology, strategic
investors, and a strong vision, the company is poised to transform cricket
training for generations to come. As they continue to push the boundaries of
sports innovation, Str8bat stands as a testament to how passion, technology,
and determination can revolutionize the way we play and train.
Timeline for story
2000s – Gagan Daga completes Bachelor of Engineering from
R.V. College of Engineering.
2010s – Gagan attends Executive Leadership Program at
INSEAD.
2017 – Str8bat is founded by Gagan Daga, Madhusudan R, and
Rahul Nagar.
2023 – Str8bat showcases product on Shark Tank India,
seeking ₹1.5 crore for 1% equity.
2023 – Aman Gupta and Namita Thapar invest ₹1.5 crore for
3.5% equity.
2024 & Beyond – Str8bat focuses on global expansion and
AI-driven improvements.
