Harsh Jain - The Progress Catalyst
A visionary in fantasy sports & gaming
Harsh Jain is an Indian entrepreneur and technology innovator best known as the co-founder and CEO of Dream11, India’s largest fantasy sports platform. His leadership has propelled Dream11 into a multi-billion-dollar gaming company, revolutionising the way Indian sports fans engage with cricket, football, and other major leagues.
Nationality: Indian
Date of Birth: 11 February, 1982
Hometown: Mumbai, India
Parents: Anand Jain, Sushama Jain
Spouse: Rachana Shah Jain
Education:
Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering from the University of Pennsylvania
MBA in Marketing and Strategy from Columbia Business School
Employment History:
Red Digital (acquired in 2013) - Co-Founder (2010 - 2013)
Jai Corp Limited - Manager - Marketing (2007 - 2008)
Microsoft - Summer Intern (2006)
Co-founder and CEO of Dream11 (2008–present)
Chairman, Federation of Indian Fantasy Sports (FIFS)
Investor in multiple start-ups across sports tech, fintech, and gaming
Harsh Jain’s entrepreneurial journey showcases his ability to merge technology with sports entertainment, transforming Dream11 into India’s first gaming unicorn.
Harsh Jain, tech enthusiast to gaming pioneer
In 2008, Harsh Jain, along with Bhavit Sheth, co-founded Dream11, envisioning a fantasy sports platform where users could create virtual teams and compete based on real-life player performances. Initially, Dream11 faced regulatory challenges, limited internet penetration, and low awareness of fantasy gaming in India.
However, by leveraging data analytics, user engagement, and partnerships with major sports leagues, Dream11 overcame these hurdles and became India’s largest fantasy sports platform, with over 200 million users.
Key milestones under Harsh’s leadership include:
Official partnerships with IPL, ICC, NBA, La Liga, and ISL, establishing Dream11 as a leading sports gaming brand.
Becoming India’s first gaming unicorn (2019), with a valuation exceeding $8 billion.
Expanding beyond cricket into football, kabaddi, basketball, and esports.
Advancing responsible gaming with AI-driven user behaviour monitoring and self-regulation initiatives.
Impact Maker Harsh Jain
Harsh Jain’s vision has not only grown Dream11 into a multi-billion-dollar gaming platform but also played a key role in expanding India’s sports economy. His impact includes:
Bridging the gap between sports and technology, making fantasy sports an integral part of fan engagement.
Driving sports fandom, encouraging more Indians to follow domestic and international leagues actively.
Promoting skill-based gaming, differentiating Dream11 from gambling platforms and securing legal validation from Indian courts.
Beyond Dream11, Harsh is actively investing in sports-tech, gaming, and fintech start-ups, fostering innovation in India's digital ecosystem.
Change Maker Harsh Jain
Harsh Jain’s passion for sports and technology began early, as he grew up in a business-oriented family in Mumbai. An avid football and cricket fan, he was introduced to fantasy gaming while studying in the United States. Inspired by ESPN Fantasy Sports and Yahoo Fantasy Sports, he realised the potential for a similar model in India.
Post-graduation, Harsh worked with Microsoft in the United States, gaining experience in tech product development and marketing before returning to India to launch Dream11.
His expertise in product innovation, user experience, and sports technology has positioned him as a thought leader in India’s gaming industry. He also actively contributes to the Federation of Indian Fantasy Sports (FIFS), advocating for policy frameworks to regulate and grow the fantasy gaming sector.
Progress Catalyst Harsh Jain
Harsh Jain’s long-term vision extends beyond Dream11, as he has expanded Dream Sports into a broader gaming and sports technology ecosystem, launching ventures such as:
Dream Capital – A venture capital arm investing in sports, gaming, and fintech start-ups.
Dream Game Studios – Developing new-age gaming experiences.
FanCode – A sports content and merchandise platform, bringing exclusive sports media to Indian fans.
Through these initiatives, Harsh aims to build a self-sustaining digital sports ecosystem, positioning India as a global hub for fantasy sports and gaming innovations.
Achievements
Founding Dream11 (2008): Built India’s largest fantasy sports platform, with over 200 million users.
Dream11 becomes India’s first gaming unicorn (2019): Achieved a valuation exceeding $8 billion.
Partnerships with IPL, ICC, and global sports leagues: Strengthened fantasy sports adoption in India.
Establishing Dream Sports: Expanded beyond gaming to venture capital, sports media, and game development.
Legalising Fantasy Sports in India: Successfully advocated for legal recognition of skill-based gaming.
Awards & Recognitions
Economic Times Entrepreneur of the Year (2021): Recognised for his role in revolutionising sports gaming.
Business Today’s Most Influential Start-up Leaders (2022): Honoured for contributions to India's digital gaming industry.
Exchange4Media Impact Person of the Year (2022): For transforming fantasy sports in India.
Fortune India 40 Under 40 (2020): Acknowledged as one of India's most successful young entrepreneurs.
Media References
Startup Chronicle - Harsh Jain’s vision for Dream11
StartupTalky - Harsh Jain Dream11 CEO profile
BollywoodShaadis - Dream11’s success story
Times Now - Harsh Jain’s entrepreneurial journey
Exchange4Media - Impact Person of the Year Award:
Buildd - Harsh Jain start-up success story
FIFS - Harsh Jain: Chairman profile
Clay - Harsh Jain dossier
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