Chris Gayle provides a major boost to an Indian start-up

Destructive West Indies batsman Chris Gayle took another step to make his already popular relationship with India stronger. There is no doubt over the fact that the West Indian cricketers have a special place in their hearts for India and Chris Gayle provided us with another example of the same.

Popularly known as the ‘universe boss’, Chris Gayle, has given a huge boost to Indian gaming start-up IONA Entertainment by donating an undisclosed amount.  IONA entertainment intends to bring one-stop entertainment to Indian fans which include the art of virtual gaming.

What Gayle had to say:

Speaking to the reporters, the big West Indian stated that he is a man very closely attached to his family and IONA Entertainment is a family-oriented firm. He also mentioned that the start-up showed signs of great potential and has the capability to make it big in the world of business.

According to Gayle India is his primary option when it comes to investments and he plans to invest in more Indian companies in the future.

Iona, at present, has one 70,000 square-feet gaming venue at Virginia Mall here.It had raised an initial round of funding from Singapore-based Vestasia.

B Ramaswamy, the CMD at Virginia Mall Company said that the IONA has a 200-crore expansion plan in mind in the first phase.

“Rs 200 crore is just a phase one investment. We need toinvest more, and partners coming in like Chris Gayle and Vestasia further strengthens our brand in the quest to become a global player,” she said.

When asked about the money Chris Gayle has put in, Ramaswamy mentioned that you can put a price tag to the legendary cricketer’s contributions.

“I have two answers for that. One is Chris Gayle cannot be valued. Two, the brand is young, for we had launched the brand just about a month ago.” Ramaswamy said the company is still in talks with Gayle and other stakeholders about business modalities.

“Lot of paperwork, valuations among other things needs to be workedout. We will come back on it once all the modalities arefinished,” she said.