Cricket icon Mahendra Singh Dhoni has made a strategic bet on the fast-growing digital insurance space by investing in Acko, India’s leading direct-to-customer (D2C) insurance platform, through his family office, Midas Deals.
While the financial terms of the deal have not been disclosed, Acko confirmed that Dhoni will also take on the role of brand ambassador for the company, aligning his trusted public persona with a brand that is increasingly recognized for innovation in insurance services.
Founded in 2016 by Varun Dua and Ruchi Deepak, Acko has emerged as a disruptor in India’s insurance sector by offering a fully digital, customer-first model. As the country’s first digital-native insurer, Acko delivers a streamlined experience with zero commission, paperless onboarding, and instant claim settlements—a clear break from the traditionally complex and agent-driven insurance model.
The company offers a wide range of insurance products, including automobile, health, travel, and group health coverage for employees. Acko has become especially well known for its embedded insurance solutions in collaboration with leading internet and mobility platforms. It partners with over 50 top-tier companies, including Oyo, redBus, Zomato, Urban Company, and HDB Financial Services, to offer contextual insurance coverage at the point of need—such as during bookings or purchases.
To date, Acko claims to have served over 78 million customers and issued more than 1 billion insurance policies, positioning it among the largest players in India’s emerging digital insurance space.
Financially, Acko crossed a key milestone by clocking ₹2,106 crore in revenue for FY24, representing a 19.8% year-on-year growth from ₹1,758 crore in FY23. This solid performance underscores the company’s increasing traction in a competitive market, where digital adoption in financial services is rapidly accelerating.
The company has raised over $458 million across multiple funding rounds. In October 2021, it achieved unicorn status following a $255 million funding round led by General Atlantic, which currently holds the largest external stake of 10.7%. Other key investors include Accel Partners and Elevation Capital.
Dhoni’s investment not only brings in capital but also adds significant brand equity and consumer trust. His association as a brand ambassador is expected to enhance Acko’s visibility among mainstream Indian consumers, particularly in non-metro markets, where digital insurance adoption is still gaining pace.
As digital insurance continues to grow in India—fueled by mobile penetration, digital payment adoption, and increased awareness—Acko’s strategic partnership with a national icon like MS Dhoni could serve as a strong catalyst for its next phase of growth.
