Prince Jacob (MetaShot)
Overview
Prince Jacob, also known as Prince Jacob Thomas, is the co-founder and CEO of MetaShot, an innovative gaming startup based in Bengaluru, India. Established in 2021, MetaShot is focused on transforming the gaming landscape by providing an immersive cricket experience with a metaphysical smart bat. The company's mission is to bring the joy of physical sports to living rooms worldwide. With a background in product and brand-building, Prince Jacob has been a pivotal figure in developing the MetaShot Smart Bat, a device that integrates real-world actions into an interactive gaming environment. Under his leadership, MetaShot has made significant strides in the console gaming industry, aiming to democratize the experience for a broader audience through affordable and accessible technology.
Recent Developments
Recent years have been significant for Prince Jacob and MetaShot, with several key developments underscoring their growth and impact:
- January 2025: MetaShot announced it raised INR 11 crore through a combination of equity and debt financing. Led by Sauce.vc, the funding will be used for team expansion, research, and brand building as the company plans to enter new markets, including the United States.
- January 2025: The company was highlighted in Shark Tank India, where Prince and his team secured a Rs 1.6 crore deal from Anupam Mittal and Vineeta Singh for a 5% equity stake.
- 2024: MetaShot's Smart Bat was launched, capturing significant attention in the tech and gaming communities. The product enables users to play cricket using motion-tracking technology, simulating real-world movements in the game.
- August 2023: MetaShot completed a pre-seed funding round of $400,000, led by Inflection Point Ventures, to fuel its growth and enhance product offerings.
- Q2 2023: The startup sold over 18,000 units of the Smart Bat, a testament to the public's interest and the product's efficacy.
- Expansion Efforts: In addition to operations in India, MetaShot has entered the Middle Eastern market and plans to further expand into other cricket-loving nations.
Personal Information
| Attribute | Information |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Prince Jacob Thomas |
| Born | N/A |
| Nationality | Indian |
| Occupation | CEO & Co-Founder of MetaShot |
| Known For | Developing MetaShot Smart Bat |
| Net Worth | N/A |
| Education | Bachelor of Engineering, MBA |
Early Life and Education
Prince Jacob Thomas pursued his higher education in engineering and business administration. He earned a Bachelor of Engineering degree from Savitribai Phule Pune University and a Master of Business Administration from Christ University, Bangalore. Before founding MetaShot, Prince amassed over 13 years of experience in product and brand management roles, primarily at BankBazaar.com. His deep understanding of marketing and strategy was further honed through various roles at companies like Ogilvy and Creativeland Asia, setting the stage for his entrepreneurial journey with MetaShot.
Career and Notable Achievements
Prince Jacob's career trajectory has been marked by several significant achievements and transitions:
- Co-Founder & CEO, MetaShot: Prince has been instrumental in steering MetaShot's innovation-focused strategies, emphasizing user-centric design and accessibility.
- BankBazaar.com: Held key managerial roles, including Deputy Vice President of Marketing, where he spearheaded numerous successful campaigns.
- Ogilvy & Creativeland Asia: Contributed to high-profile marketing and branding projects, earning industry recognition.
- Awards:
- Digital Marketer of the Year (IAMAI, 2016).
- Various marketing awards, including Effie recognitions for multiple campaigns.
Current Work and Impact
Currently, as the CEO of MetaShot, Prince Jacob is at the forefront of revolutionizing the gaming industry through the company's metaphysical gaming innovations. The MetaShot Smart Bat exemplifies his commitment to merging technology with physical sports, providing users with a console-like experience. Under his leadership, MetaShot aims to redefine interactive gaming and expand its reach globally. Prince's work continues to impact how technological solutions can make sports accessible and engaging, reflecting his broader vision of integrating physical and virtual realities.
Ranjit Behera
Ranjit Behera is the Co-Founder and COO of MetaShot. An alumnus of IIM Bangalore and NIT Rourkela, he brings significant expertise in growth and marketing strategy. Ranjit's background includes pivotal roles at companies like MyGate and Aditya Birla, where he honed his skills in strategic operations and holds several patents for his innovations.
MetaShot Funding
MetaShot has successfully garnered financial backing through various funding rounds, indicating strong investor confidence in its potential:
- Pre-seed Funding: Secured $400,000 in 2023.
- Recent Funding: Raised INR 11 crore in January 2025, led by Sauce.vc.
- Shark Tank India: Notably secured INR 1.6 crore for 5% equity. These investments are earmarked for technological advancements, market expansion, and R&D, supporting its mission to democratize console-like gaming experiences.
Ajit Sunny
Ajit Sunny, serving as the CFO of MetaShot, complements the founding team with his strong background in sales and operations, acquired through various senior managing roles across multiple industries. His strategic financial insights are crucial in steering MetaShot towards its ambitious expansion and scaling goals.
Conclusion
Prince Jacob Thomas's vision for MetaShot reflects a fusion of physical sports and innovative gaming technology, resonating with a cricket-loving nation and beyond. Through strategic leadership and an emphasis on accessible gaming experiences, Prince continues to push the boundaries of interactive entertainment. As MetaShot expands globally, it is poised to leave a significant mark on the gaming industry, reinforcing Prince Jacob's legacy as a pioneer in metaphysical sports gaming.