Biography of Prince Thomas: Founder & CEO of MetaShot -Entrepreneur
Biography of Prince Thomas:
Vision Behind MetaShot
Prince Thomas, along with co-founders Ranjit Behera and Ajit
Sunny, embarked on a journey to revolutionize how people engage with sports at
home. They recognized a growing gap—while cricket is a beloved sport in India,
many enthusiasts struggle to find time or space to play. Their solution?
MetaShot, a mixed-reality cricket game that brings the thrill of the sport to
every living room.
Prince Thomas’ Background
Prince Thomas, an electronics engineering graduate from
Savitribai Phule Pune University, further honed his business acumen with an MBA
from Christ University, Bangalore. Before launching MetaShot, he gained
significant experience in marketing, product development, and brand positioning
while working at companies like Ogilvy and BankBazaar. His diverse skill set
played a crucial role in shaping the vision and strategy of MetaShot.
The Birth of MetaShot
The idea for MetaShot emerged in 2021 when the founders
wanted to blend physical activity with gaming. They realized that traditional
mobile games lacked real engagement, and sports simulations weren’t interactive
enough. Their solution was a smart cricket bat equipped with motion sensors
that connected to a TV or mobile device, allowing users to play realistic
matches from home.
How MetaShot Works
MetaShot isn’t just a regular cricket game—it uses advanced
motion-tracking technology. The smart bat is embedded with sensors that capture
every movement and shot, transmitting the data to an app that simulates a real
match. Players can face AI opponents or challenge friends online, making it a
dynamic and social gaming experience.
A Game That Keeps You Active
Unlike most video games that encourage passive screen time,
MetaShot promotes physical activity. Users must actually swing the bat,
mimicking real-life cricket movements. This makes it not just a game but also a
fun way to stay fit. The founders wanted to ensure that people, regardless of
age, could continue enjoying cricket in a more engaging way.
The Challenges of Building MetaShot
Bringing MetaShot to life was not easy. One of the biggest
challenges was making the bat affordable while maintaining high-quality motion
sensors. Initially, the device lacked a battery indicator, leading to
frustration when it stopped working mid-game. The team also had to introduce
longer match formats after users requested five and ten-over games.
A Successful Launch
After two years of development, MetaShot finally launched in
September 2023. The response was overwhelming—500 units sold out in just ten
days. Interest poured in from across India and even international markets like
the USA and UAE. Seeing the demand, the team quickly introduced a TV connector
to enhance gameplay, further boosting sales.
MetaShot’s Business Model
MetaShot generates revenue through two main channels. First,
the smart bat is sold for ₹5,500, with additional accessories like TV
connectors available for purchase. Second, the app offers in-game purchases
such as custom bat skins and stadium upgrades, creating a steady income stream.
Currently, the startup earns between ₹80 lakh to ₹1 crore per month, with an
annual revenue run rate of ₹12 crore.
Expanding the MetaShot Universe
While cricket remains the primary focus, the founders have
big plans for the future. They envision expanding into other sports like
tennis, table tennis, and baseball using the same technology. Their goal is to
reach 50 lakh families within five years and achieve a revenue milestone of
₹250 crore.
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Entering Shark Tank India
In an effort to scale their operations, the MetaShot team
appeared on Shark Tank India, seeking ₹80 lakh for 1.5% equity. Their pitch
intrigued the investors, who saw potential in the product’s uniqueness and
growing market demand. However, negotiations were intense as the sharks debated
the scalability of the business.
The Sharks’ Reactions
Some sharks were hesitant. Aman Gupta and Kunal Bahl backed
out early, questioning the scalability of the product. Peyush Bansal initially
made an offer but later withdrew. Vinita Singh proposed a mixed deal, offering
part of the investment as a loan. Anupam Mittal, however, saw promise in
MetaShot’s vision and made two offers, including ₹1.5 crore for 5% equity.
The Deal That Sealed the Future
After several rounds of negotiation, Anupam Mittal and
Vinita Singh jointly offered ₹1.6 crore for 5% equity. The founders accepted
the deal, securing both funding and mentorship from seasoned entrepreneurs.
This investment provided MetaShot with the resources needed for rapid expansion
and technological enhancements.
Scaling Up with Shark Tank’s Support
With fresh capital and strategic guidance from the sharks,
MetaShot is now focused on scaling its operations. The team plans to ramp up
production, improve its in-game experience, and explore partnerships that will
help it reach a broader audience. Their priority remains delivering a seamless
and immersive gaming experience.
The Future of MetaShot
Looking ahead, MetaShot aims to solidify its position as the
go-to interactive cricket game. The founders are also considering partnerships
with sports organizations to promote physical gaming experiences. With
continuous innovation and a growing customer base, MetaShot is set to redefine
how sports are played indoors.
A Game-Changer in the Sports-Tech Industry
MetaShot’s journey is a testament to the power of innovation
and perseverance. What started as an idea to make cricket more accessible has
now become a game-changing product in the sports-tech industry. With a growing
community of players and a clear roadmap for expansion, MetaShot is well on its
way to becoming a household name in gaming and fitness.
Timeline for story
2021 – Idea for MetaShot conceived
2022 – Development of smart bat and motion sensors begins
September 2023 – MetaShot officially launches, selling 500
units in 10 days
Late 2023 – Introduced TV connector and expanded game
formats
Early 2024 – Achieved monthly revenue of ₹80 lakh–₹1 crore
Mid 2024 – Appeared on Shark Tank India, secured ₹1.6 crore
for 5% equity
Late 2024 – Scaling production, expanding into other sports,
and enhancing gameplay
