Rajshree Upadhyaya | Business Remedies | March 31, 2025 | Business Remedies. Harsh Jain, the CEO and Co-Founder of Dream Sports and Dream11, has transformed fantasy sports in India. A passionate sports fan, he pioneered the freemium fantasy sports model, making Dream11 a leading platform that redefined how millions engage with their favorite games. His influence extends beyond Dream11, as he played a key role in shaping industry regulations while serving as the President of the Federation of Indian Fantasy Sports. Not limiting himself to sports, he also co-founded Groww, one of India’s top investment platforms, revolutionizing stock market participation.
Born into a business-driven family, Harsh is the son of Anand Jain, a close associate of Mukesh Ambani. Despite his privileged background, he forged his own path, driven by his love for sports, gaming, and technology. His education at Sevenoaks School in the UK, followed by a degree in Electrical Engineering from the University of Pennsylvania and an MBA from Columbia Business School, laid the foundation for his entrepreneurial ambitions. His exposure to fantasy sports while studying abroad sparked the idea for Dream11, and in 2008, he co-founded the platform alongside Bhavit Sheth.
The early years of Dream11 were marked by challenges, including legal scrutiny and investor rejections. However, the platform was eventually recognized as a game of skill, paving the way for its success. Strategic partnerships fueled its growth, and by 2011, Dream11 became the official fantasy sports partner of the IPL. In 2019, it achieved unicorn status, becoming India’s first billion-dollar gaming startup. By 2024, it had partnered with 24 global sports brands and amassed over 220 million users, cementing its dominance in the industry.
Harsh’s entrepreneurial vision extended to fintech when he co-founded Groww in 2017 with Lalit Keshre, Neeraj Singh, and Ishan Bansal. Their goal was to simplify investing for Indians, making it accessible to the masses. Groww quickly gained traction, securing funding from major investors like Y Combinator, Sequoia India, and Mukesh Bansal. The platform grew rapidly, surpassing established players like Zerodha and becoming India’s largest brokerage firm. By 2024, Groww had 7.6 million active clients, with a significant share of its revenue coming from derivatives trading.
Harsh’s financial success reflects the growth of his ventures. His estimated net worth stands at Rs.67 crore ($8 million), driven by Dream11 and Groww. In FY23, Dream11 reported a total income of Rs. 6,580 crore with a net profit of Rs.187.83 crore, while Groww recorded
Rs. 1,277.8 crore in revenue and Rs. 448.8 crore in net profit. His success was further highlighted in early 2025 when he made headlines for purchasing a Rs. 138.42 crore luxury apartment in Mumbai’s Lodha Malabar. This prestigious real estate investment solidified his status as one of India’s top entrepreneurs.
Beyond Dream11 and Groww, Harsh continues to expand the sports and gaming ecosystem. Through Dream Sports, he launched ventures like FanCode, a multi-sport streaming and commerce platform, and DreamSetGo, which offers premium sports travel experiences. Dream Capital, the company’s investment arm, was created to support startups in esports, sports equipment, and live sports platforms. His contributions to India’s digital economy were further recognized when he was appointed Chairperson of the Internet and Mobile Association of India in 2023. Harsh Jain’s journey is one of determination, innovation, and resilience. From facing over 150 investor rejections to building two billion-dollar companies, he has transformed industries and inspired entrepreneurs. Beyond business, he remains committed to social causes, supporting initiatives through the Dream Sports Foundation and the Raksha Foundation, which focus on underprivileged children and animal welfare. His story proves that with passion and perseverance, an idea can grow into an empire.
