Rajshree Upadhyaya | Business Remedies | By laying the foundation of a sports technology startup, Gagan Daga, Rahul Nagar and Madhusudan Ranganathan established Str8bat in 2017 and built a distinct identity for themselves. The company was launched in Bengaluru with a clear vision: to bring measurable intelligence into cricket training.
The founders believed that while cricket celebrates statistics such as runs and strike rate, it rarely measures the quality of technique behind every shot. That insight became the cornerstone of a sports technology startup determined to convert instinct into actionable data and make professional-grade analytics accessible to every cricketer.
At the heart of Str8bat’s innovation is its Smart Bat Sensor – a lightweight device attached to the back of a cricket bat. It captures detailed metrics such as bat speed, swing, arc, impact location, backlift angle and follow-through. The sensor syncs with the Str8bat mobile app, where players and coaches can access real-time performance data, session comparisons, video overlays and analytical insights.
Together, these offerings create a seamless ecosystem that combines hardware and software into a powerful training companion. Over time, the company also introduced data-driven subscription services designed for academies and serious players, enabling deep performance tracking and long-term progress analysis.
Initially adopted by cricket academies and professional setups seeking structured feedback tools, Str8bat’s technology gained significant validation by 2019. Professional franchises such as Rajasthan Royals and international setups like Cricket Australia began using the technology, strengthening its credibility in elite cricket environments. The brand positioned itself not merely as a gadget maker but as a performance analytics company capable of supporting both grassroots cricketers and professionals.
Rising Brand Awareness Among Emerging Cricketers and Academies
In 2025, the company gained nationwide recognition after appearing on Shark Tank India. The founders sought Rs. 1.5 crore in exchange for equity and shared their mission of making sports analytics accessible across India. Following negotiations, Str8bat secured Rs. 1.5 crore for 3.5% equity from Aman Gupta and Namita Thapar. This investment strengthened the company’s financial runway and significantly boosted brand awareness among emerging cricketers and academies nationwide.
Continuing its innovation journey, Str8bat later introduced an AI-powered Smart Sticker – a thin, intelligent patch that transforms any cricket bat into a data-generating tool without altering its balance or feel. This shift demonstrated the company’s commitment to accessibility by reducing hardware bulk while enhancing analytical depth.
The launch received support from renowned cricket personalities such as Greg Chappell and Kiran More, further strengthening the brand’s credibility within the cricket ecosystem.
Expanding Global Presence and Strengthening AI Capabilities
Beyond India, Str8bat has expanded its global footprint through partnerships in Australia, the United Kingdom, South Africa and the United States. The company also raised institutional funding, including a $3.5 million Series A round led by Exfinity Venture Partners, along with participation from other venture investors. These developments reflect its ambition to become a global leader in cricket analytics technology.
By 2026, Str8bat is fully operational, actively selling its hardware, software and analytics solutions. The company continues to enhance its product suite, strengthen its AI capabilities and expand its international presence.
From its beginnings in Bengaluru in 2017 to becoming a recognized name in cricket technology, Str8bat demonstrates how data science and sport can come together to empower players at every level, transforming practice sessions into measurable pathways for improvement.
