Mark Sellar’s Bold Bet on India: An Australian Entrepreneur’s Faith in the Nation’s Bright Future

Mark Sellar’s Big Bet on India: Why This Australian Visionary Is All In on the Subcontinent’s Future

An Outsider with an Insider’s Understanding

When Mark Sellar first turned his attention toward India, he didn’t just see another emerging market — he saw possibility.

“India isn’t a piece of our strategy; it is the strategy,” says the Australian entrepreneur, investor, and Co-Founder of Drive Fitt. With operations extending to more than 50 countries, Sellar’s confidence in India isn’t rooted in speculation. It’s built on experience, informed by data, and strengthened by a genuine respect for the country’s dynamic business and consumer environment.

“Everything is aligning for India — its young population, its booming digital economy, its love of sport, and its growing enthusiasm for health and lifestyle experiences,” he explains. “India isn’t just on the rise — it’s reinventing itself.”

The India Play: Timing, Energy, and Scale

As Executive Chairman of Drive Fitt — India’s first integrated cricket and fitness club franchise — Sellar is translating belief into bold execution. His venture capitalizes on two booming sectors: fitness and cricket. The formula is powerful yet straightforward — bring together high-performance indoor cricket facilities, cutting-edge gyms, recovery centers, and group fitness spaces, all under a single membership.

India’s deep connection to cricket and its growing wellness movement create fertile ground for this concept. For Sellar, this is no gamble — it’s a calculated investment based on macroeconomic momentum.

“You have this phenomenal demographic shift — hundreds of millions of young, ambitious Indians striving for better lives and richer experiences. Combine that with a national passion for cricket, and the question isn’t whether this works — it’s how quickly you can scale it.”

With a 26,000-square-foot flagship site launching in Gurgaon this September and a vision to open 300 franchise locations across India, the UAE, and the US within five years, Drive Fitt embodies the speed and scale of India’s ambition.

Encouraging Western Businesses to Look East

Sellar’s commitment to India goes well beyond Drive Fitt. Through Sellar Capital — his global investment firm with interests in property, sports, and medical technology — he’s helping bridge business ecosystems between East and West. His advice to Western entrepreneurs is direct: the future of business is collaborative, and India must be central to that dialogue.

“Too many Western companies still view India through an outdated lens — as a source of low-cost labor or backend support. That perspective completely misses the mark,” he says. “India today is an innovation powerhouse, a massive consumer base, and a launchpad for global ideas. Ignore it, and you’re already behind.”

Sellar’s portfolio mirrors this philosophy. In addition to Drive Fitt, he leads Red Giant, a company that helps Australian brands enter the Chinese retail and e-commerce markets. The thread tying these ventures together is clear: Sellar isn’t merely building businesses — he’s building bridges.

“Whether it’s China or India, I believe in mutual business ecosystems. Western firms have much to gain from these markets — but only when they approach with respect, collaboration, and openness to learn.”

Building With India, Not Just For It

One of Sellar’s early lessons in India was that even the best ideas fail without strong local execution.

“As an Australian founder coming into India, we had to unlearn some assumptions and truly listen,” he recalls. “There’s nuance here that you only understand by working alongside people who know the space intimately.”

That’s why one of his earliest and most significant hires for Drive Fitt was Vikram Bhatia, former CEO of Fitness First India, now leading as Drive Fitt’s CEO. This local expertise has been vital in navigating India’s complex but rewarding business terrain.

“The talent in India is world-class — full of drive, innovation, and expertise. Western founders need to recognize that. I don’t build for India — I build with India.”

A Message to Global Entrepreneurs: Turn Toward India

Sellar understands the challenges of doing business in India. He’s faced them himself — from regulatory hurdles to earning brand trust. Yet he believes the payoff far outweighs the struggle.

“There’s truth in the saying that nothing worthwhile comes easy. That’s especially true of India. It requires patience, partnership, and adaptability — but the reward is scale, loyalty, and genuine impact.”

For him, now is the moment for Western founders to look beyond mature, slow-moving economies and toward vibrant, high-growth markets like India. The opportunity is not just financial — it’s transformational.

“In India, you don’t just build a business — you build a legacy, a community, and a place in a nation’s growth story. That’s something truly special.”

Championing Indian Innovation

Interestingly, Sellar’s admiration for India goes both ways. He’s equally inspired by India’s own entrepreneurs and startups reshaping industries from fintech to healthtech.

“Some of the most imaginative and scalable business ideas I’ve seen are coming out of India,” he notes. “What stands out most is the ability to innovate under constraints — Indian entrepreneurs have mastered doing more with less. That’s a real competitive advantage.”

He believes Western companies could learn from this mindset — particularly when it comes to navigating uncertainty and building sustainable growth models.

“If you want to understand efficiency, grit, and adaptability, spend a year immersed in India’s startup ecosystem. You’ll come out sharper and more resilient.”

Drive Fitt: A Case Study in India-First Vision

What sets Drive Fitt apart is not just the business model — it’s the purpose behind it. Sellar and his team aren’t transplanting a Western idea onto Indian soil. They’ve built something for India, inspired by India.

From pricing to facility design to the cricket-first approach, every detail reflects Indian culture and consumer behavior. It’s no surprise that potential franchise partners from across India’s major cities are already showing interest.

“We’re not here to replicate — we’re here to co-create,” says Sellar. “And this is just the beginning.”

Looking Forward: A Legacy of Connection

For Mark Sellar, betting on India isn’t simply a business strategy — it’s a personal philosophy. He envisions a world where ideas move fluidly across borders, where founders collaborate with empathy, and where entrepreneurship becomes a bridge between cultures.

“I believe in India — not just as a marketplace, but as a movement,” he says. “And I’m honored to play a part, however small, in that movement’s growth.”

Sellar’s focus goes far beyond profits or expansion milestones — it’s about shaping the next era of global entrepreneurship with India at its core.

Follow Mark’s Journey and Be Part of the Movement

Mark Sellar continues to connect continents, industries, and people through his ventures. Whether you’re a global entrepreneur eyeing India or a local founder seeking inspiration, his journey offers lessons and opportunities to collaborate.

Stay connected:

Website: www.drivefitthq.com
LinkedIn: Mark Sellar
Instagram: @mark_sellar

For partnerships, franchising, or collaborations, visit Drive Fitt’s website or contact Mark directly via LinkedIn.

India’s ascent is undeniable — and leaders like Mark Sellar are helping define what comes next.