Virat Kohli launches FanBox with Moto G Turbo smartphone for cricket lovers

PrivyPlex has partnered Virat Kohli to launch a ‘fanbox’ that will include a Moto G Turbo smartphone and a one-year subscription to Virat’s exclusive fan club, aimed at the cricketer’s fans and followers. The Singapore-based startup is also in talks to launch similar offerings for six more global celebrities from sports and Bollywood arena. [caption id=“attachment_2748328” align=“alignleft” width=“380”] Virat Kohli at the event. PTI[/caption] “Virat shares a strong bond of love and trust with his fans and we have developed the Virat FanBox to strengthen this bond even further. The FanBox will enable Virat to stay connected with his fans on a real-time basis,” PrivyPlex co-founder Upmanyu Misra said. He added that the phone will come embedded with an app that will provide the fan club members with access to information and updates related to Kohli. The fanbox is priced at Rs 16,999 and is available on Flipkart. “Fans will also get a chance to meet the cricketer at special events, live and [be able to conduct] private chats as well as get access to special offers on products and services,” Misra said. The products of Virat FanClub will be sold only through Flipkart. Asked about details of the other celebrities to be brought on board, co-founder Ahmed Arab said these would be “celebrities who are very active on social media and with no negative vibes.” These include a soccer player, F1 champion, someone from entertainment industry (not from Hollywood) and two Bollywood filmstars. The start-up has raised $1.5 million from Elyseum Capital Fund. “We have broken even, and plan to go for $5 million Series A funds in July-August this year,” said Misra. The company, which had raised about USD 1.5 million from Elysium Capital Fund earlier this year, is looking at a new round of funding next month. “We are in discussions and we are looking at raising about USD 5 million. This will be used to expand our offering and operations,” Misra said.