Here’s a note completely unrelated to the outdoors and adventure: about The Indus Entrepreneurs (TiE). They are the world’s largest not-for-profit organization promoting the entrepreneurial spirit. Founded in Silicon Valley in 1992 by people who had their roots in the Indus region, TiE now has 53 Chapters in 12 countries. Over 12,000 members are top entrepreneurs, venture capitalists and management professionals in their chosen field.

So what has this got to do with Wildcraft, you ask? Well, Dinesh KS, co-founder of Wildcraft and intrepid entrepreneur himself was invited to a TiE Member Meeting in Bangalore on July 8, 2009 to speak on the panel discussing The Business of Sports and Entrepreneurial Opportunities in Sports. On the panel with him were Charu Sharma, Saumil Majumdar (co-founder and CEO of Sportzvillage), Mahesh Bhat (Founder, MMB Legal) and Ara Pararajasingham (Director, Leander Paes Sports). It was by any standards, a very august gathering.

The discussion centered around sport and its attendant ecosystem of players and athletes, equipment, events, sponsors, training, media & entertainment, and agents that drive huge business opportunities worth billions of dollars. In India, this is an emerging industry. Dinesh spoke of the story of Wildcraft, and how it was an integral part of this ecosystem dealing in adventure and outdoor activity gear.