In the high-stakes world of startup fundraising, founders often find themselves pitching their ideas across boardroom tables, racing against the clock while investors evaluate slide decks and financial projections. But what if the next big investment conversation didn’t happen in a conference room rather on a cricket field?

That’s the premise behind the Indian Startup Premier League (ISPL), an unconventional startup networking initiative founded by Devansh Lakhani, which aims to bring founders and investors together through sport. On April 4 and 5, 2026, a cricket ground in Mumbai will transform into a vibrant hub of entrepreneurial energy as ISPL hosts its signature “Pitch & Play” weekend, blending cricket matches, investor conversations, and startup pitches into one dynamic experience.

A Cricket Ground Instead of a Boardroom

The concept behind ISPL is simple but refreshing: replace formal investor meetings with natural interactions. Rather than presenting carefully rehearsed pitches in structured meeting rooms, founders and investors get to know each other while playing cricket, sharing meals, and having candid conversations.

For Lakhani, the idea emerged from observing how artificial traditional fundraising environments can sometimes feel.

“Most founders meet investors across a table with a timer running. It’s formal and stiff,” he explains. “When people play together or compete on the same team, you see their real personalities. That’s where genuine trust begins.”

Over two days, the event will run from morning to evening, bringing together founders, angel investors, venture capitalists, and startup operators from across India’s entrepreneurial ecosystem.

Strengthening the Ecosystem Through Media Partnerships

To further amplify the reach of the initiative, the Indian Startup Premier League (ISPL) has partnered with Indian Startup Times as its official media partner for the Mumbai edition. Through this collaboration, Indian Startup Times will help spotlight participating founders, investor conversations, and key moments from the two-day “Pitch & Play” experience. The partnership aims to bring wider visibility to emerging startups while documenting the unique format that ISPL is introducing to the Indian entrepreneurial ecosystem where meaningful connections between founders and investors are built beyond traditional boardroom meetings

The “Pitch & Play” Format

At the heart of the event lies ISPL’s distinctive Pitch & Play format, designed to combine networking with sport.

Participants will have multiple ways to take part in the Mumbai edition. Some founders may simply choose to play cricket on the first day, meeting fellow entrepreneurs and investors organically during matches and post-game conversations.

Others may opt for the full two-day Pitch & Play experience, which combines gameplay with structured pitch sessions where founders can present their startups and receive direct feedback from investors who have built and scaled companies themselves.

For those seeking deeper engagement, ISPL is also hosting an exclusive pre-event dinner, where founders and investors can meet in a more intimate setting before stepping onto the field the next day.

The idea is to create multiple entry points for entrepreneurs to connect with the investment community in ways that feel natural rather than transactional.

Funding Conversations Beyond the Pitch Deck

Although the event emphasizes fun and camaraderie, its purpose is serious: creating real investment opportunities for early-stage startups.

According to ISPL organizers, standout startups participating in the event could attract investment conversations worth up to ₹2 crore from active angel investors and venture capitalists attending the league.

The format is particularly beneficial for founders who may not have easy access to established investor networks. By interacting with investors in a less formal setting, entrepreneurs can showcase not only their ideas but also their personality, leadership style, and resilience.

This approach aligns with Lakhani’s belief that investment decisions are ultimately built on relationships rather than spreadsheets.

Building a More Inclusive Startup Ecosystem

Another distinctive feature of ISPL is its commitment to inclusivity. Each cricket squad participating in the league will include at least one woman player, a rule designed to emphasize diversity in both sports teams and startup ecosystems.

The initiative reflects a broader belief that strong teams whether on the cricket pitch or in the boardroom are built through diverse perspectives and collaboration.

As India’s entrepreneurial ecosystem continues to mature, events like ISPL highlight the growing recognition that community-building is just as important as capital access.

A New Kind of Startup Community

Founded as a sports-driven startup league, the Indian Startup Premier League aims to create city-based cricket tournaments that connect founders, investors, and ecosystem partners across India.

Through its innovative format, the league seeks to democratize access to capital, foster authentic relationships between entrepreneurs and investors, and celebrate the resilience and energy of India’s startup community.

For many founders attending the Mumbai edition, the goal may not just be winning a cricket matchit might be walking away with a meaningful investor relationship. As Lakhani puts it, the ideal outcome is simple: founders leaving the ground with “tired legs, full WhatsApp chats, and at least one investor they’d happily call a teammate.”

By: Vanshika Tayal