Rallying for Health, Community, and Camaraderie

Rallying for Health, Community, and Camaraderie:

7th Bertelsmann Badminton Championship Unites India’s VC Ecosystem

This August, New Delhi witnessed the 7th Annual Bertelsmann Badminton Championship (BBC) — an event that has evolved into one of the most anticipated traditions in India’s venture capital and startup ecosystem. Hosted by Bertelsmann India Investments (BII), the championship brought together 80+ leading investors from 40+ marquee funds—including Accel, Infoedge, Innoven, Trifecta, and Chiratae Ventures—alongside prominent founders from BII’s portfolio such as Shiprocket, Nat Habit, Univest, Orange Health Labs, and CureBay.

This year’s theme, “Rally for Health,” spotlighted the often-overlooked well-being of founders and investors. In an industry where stress, burnout, and cardiac health issues are on the rise, the Bertelsmann Badminton Championship urged participants to pause, reflect, and prioritise health. The championship became a much-needed reminder that success is nothing without health, offering industry leaders a chance to connect in a relaxed setting away from packed calendars and boardroom pressure.

Far more than a tournament, the event has become a cultural statement. With this year’s theme, “Rally for Health,”the championship spotlighted resilience, balance, and the belief that enduring people build enduring companies. Against the backdrop of high stress and burnout in the startup world, the event created a unique platform where conversations about wellness, recovery, and sustainable growth were as important as the rallies on court.

A Tradition Reinvented

“Since 2016, the Bertelsmann Badminton Championship has been our annual ritual where investors and founders meet, play, laugh and bond, with no shop talk. What began as a small gathering is now a tradition that puts health alongside strategy and growth,” said Pankaj Makkar, Managing Director, BII.

Echoing this, Rohit Sood, Partner at BII, added: “The Bertelsmann Badminton Championship has evolved into a trusted, low-friction platform for India’s startup ecosystem. This year, we’re placing a special focus on health and well-being — both within and beyond the boardroom, because ultimately, it’s people who make businesses thrive.”

This year’s edition introduced an Activity Board, where participants shared personal wellness mantras—from sleep routines to stress-management hacks—turning individual reflections into collective inspiration. The symbolism carried into the event design as well: portfolio flags stood tall as emblems of resilience and innovation, while a timeline displays traced BII’s decade-long journey of patient capital and long-term partnerships.

Fierce Matches, Lasting Bonds:

On court, the energy was high. Jai Arora and Rajat Sharma (Univest) clinched the championship title, with Shashvat Rai (Aavishkar Capital) and Peeyush Asati (Vecmocon Technologies) as runners-up. In the Knockouts, Dr Pinak Shrikhande and Nilay Shah (HealthKois) emerged winners, followed by Tejas Bode (BII) and Manoj Satti (Penguin Random House India)—a reflection of Group-wide participation across Bertelsmann’s diverse businesses.

Off court, the spirit of community shone through. “Building a company is a marathon, not a sprint. "I’m glad BII is putting wellbeing front and centre with ‘Rally for Health’,” shared Akshay Gulati, Co-Founder & CEO - International Shipping, Shiprocket.

“The conversations about sleep, recovery, and balance were as valuable as the rallies themselves.” For many, this mix of sport and philosophy made a deep impact. Amit Jhunjhunwala, CFO, Accel, noted: “The theme, Rally for Health, is pretty much the mantra for me—I run, I work out, I eat healthy. With the stress in our ecosystem, this is exactly the focus we need. This was my first time at the Bertelsmann Badminton Championship, and I wouldn’t want to miss it again.”

Beyond the Court:

A Global Message By blending sport, wellness, and community, the 2025 Championship reaffirmed BII’s role not only as a capital partner but also as a convener of people-first conversations that shape the future of India’s venture ecosystem. Just as badminton demands endurance over quick bursts, BII’s patient-capital philosophy emphasizes long-term commitment—backing founders with steady support to build businesses and bonds that last. The ultimate win wasn’t just on the scoreboard—it was in the connections forged, the health celebrated, and the community strengthened.