Machaxi is a burgeoning sports-tech startup based in Bengaluru, India, dedicated to revolutionizing sports coaching through the integration of advanced technology. Founded in 2019, this company is primarily focused on badminton, but also extends its services to other sports such as swimming, table tennis, and cricket. What makes Machaxi particularly noteworthy is its ambitious goal to democratize sports coaching across India, leveraging artificial intelligence to enhance training consistency and quality. With notable partnerships and substantial funding, Machaxi is poised to become a leading figure in India's sports sector.
Machaxi was founded with a clear vision: to ignite a passion for sports across India and make high-quality coaching accessible to everyone, regardless of geographic or economic barriers. Recognizing the challenges many athletes face in accessing consistent and professional coaching, Machaxi aims to fill this gap by integrating AI into sports coaching, thereby standardizing the quality and effectiveness of training.
A flagship feature of Machaxi is its AI-powered sports coaching platform. This innovative system assists human coaches by providing real-time analytics, standardizing training methods, and tracking athlete performance. This ensures that even in regions with limited access to experienced trainers, athletes receive consistent, high-quality coaching tailored to their needs.
Machaxi has strategically partnered with the Padukone School of Badminton, co-founded by Indian badminton legend Prakash Padukone. This collaboration aims to establish over 1,000 coaching centers across India over the next four years. This partnership not only enhances Machaxi's credibility but also expands its reach significantly, paralleling its mission to promote sports at the grassroots level.
In June 2025, Machaxi secured $1.5 million in funding led by Rainmatter, the investment arm of Zerodha, with participation from Prakash Padukone. This capital infusion will be used to expand into new cities including Hyderabad, Pune, and Chennai, while further enhancing its AI-driven coaching system. This funding underscores investor confidence in Machaxi's mission and approach.
Machaxi was co-founded by Pratish Raj, Tushar Raj, and Ashish Anand, all bringing unique expertise to the table. Pratish Raj, with a background in product management at Amazon, leads the strategic vision of the company. Tushar Raj, a technology enthusiast and state-level badminton player, spearheads the technological development. Ashish Anand focuses on operations, ensuring the seamless execution of Machaxi's offerings.
While Machaxi is making waves with its badminton coaching, it also offers training in a variety of other sports including swimming, table tennis, and cricket. This broad spectrum of services not only caters to diverse athletic interests but also facilitates a holistic growth environment for budding athletes.
Central to Machaxi's philosophy is the belief in the transformative power of grassroots sports. By establishing community-centric coaching centers, Machaxi fosters an environment where sports can flourish, thereby contributing to the community's overall well-being. Their impact is not just limited to training athletes but extends to building healthier communities.
Machaxi leverages technology across its operations, from training analytics to facility management. The company's digital platform allows for comprehensive tracking of athlete progress, providing personalized insights and feedback to help athletes improve their performance while engaging with a supportive coaching community.
Positioned at the intersection of sports and technology, Machaxi competes in a rapidly growing market. The sports industry in India, valued at approximately $5 billion, is projected to expand significantly as more people engage with sports. Machaxi's unique blend of tech-driven coaching positions it well against competitors like Playo and Huddle.
Looking ahead, Machaxi plans to scale its operations across India while continuing to refine its AI-coaching platform. With a robust business model, strategic partnerships, and innovative technology, Machaxi is positioned to be a transformative force in India's sports coaching landscape, potentially setting a global benchmark for tech-enabled grassroots sports development.
In summary, Machaxi represents a beacon of innovation in the sports-tech industry, merging the precision of AI with the passion of traditional sports coaching. Its initiatives reflect a significant step towards enhancing accessibility and quality in sports training across India. This focus not only aims to produce the next generation of sports champions but also strives to instill a lifelong love for sports within communities, advocating for a more active and health-conscious nation.