Brands
Jonty Rhodes dives into startup TV arena
MUMBAI: From diving for catches to diving into deals, Jonty Rhodes is set to make a different kind of pitch, this time, on Indian television. The legendary South African cricketer and global sports icon will appear on Ideabaaz, India’s first media-integrated startup reality show, airing November 8 at 6:30 pm and 11 pm on Zee TV and Zee5.
In a never-before-seen avatar, Rhodes joins UpUrFit co-founders Munish Vig and Vikram Gunjal to pitch their sports wellness brand to the Titans, Ideabaaz’s panel of investors. The show, conceptualised by Jeet Wagh and Sagoon Wagh, is designed to democratise startup funding by bringing entrepreneurs from across India, especially from tier II and III cities, face-to-face with investors, all within a high-energy television format.
UpUrFit, co-founded in 2023, is fast carving out its space in India’s USD 40 billion sports wellness market. With a focus on performance, recovery, and hygiene products made from clean, effective ingredients, the brand is backed by Rhodes himself. Currently, it is raising a USD 0.5 million funding round, already 50 per cent subscribed, with participation from the IIM Calcutta syndicate and other major investors. As of October, the brand boasts an ARR of Rs 40 million and a 50 per cent QoQ growth rate.
Sharing his excitement, Rhodes said, “Pitching on Ideabaaz was a whole new ballgame for me. Usually, I’m diving for catches, not catching investors’ attention. It was exciting to share UpUrFit’s vision on a platform that celebrates innovation and passion. As an athlete and entrepreneur, I’ve always believed in fitness that’s real and relatable, and that’s exactly what UpUrFit stands for.”
Of course, the ever-energetic Rhodes couldn’t resist adding a bit of his signature flair, showing off some fielding magic on set, much to the delight of the Titans and the audience. The episode promises a blend of business, banter, and boundless energy, as Jonty and the UpUrFit team bring the spirit of sport to the startup arena.
Brands
Unacademy taps Aizaz Ali as head of sales and marketing
Former Byju’s and Vedantu executive to steer revenue and market strategy
MORADABAD: Aizaz Ali has been appointed head – sales and marketing at Unacademy, as the edtech firm sharpens its focus on growth, customer acquisition and market positioning amid intensifying competition.
In his new role, Ali will lead strategic sales initiatives, oversee go-to-market execution and drive revenue expansion across Unacademy’s education offerings. His mandate includes strengthening customer engagement and aligning sales operations with the company’s broader expansion plans.
Ali brings experience across direct sales, business development and academic counselling: skills seen as critical as edtech platforms recalibrate growth strategies and push for operational efficiency.
Before joining Unacademy, he held leadership roles at Scholar’s Academy, Byju’s and Vedantu, where he worked across sales management, business development and learner engagement.
The appointment signals Unacademy’s intent to reinforce its commercial leadership as India’s edtech sector enters a more disciplined phase of growth.
