Dream11 has taken India by storm, turning fantasy sports into a household name. With millions of users picking their virtual teams daily, it’s no surprise that the platform’s success has people curious about the money flowing to its founders. So, how much do the owners of Dream11, Harsh Jain and Bhavit Sheth, earn per day? Let’s break it down in a simple, human way, exploring the financial juggernaut that is Dream11 and what it means for its creators.
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The Rise of Dream11: A Fantasy Sports Empire
Dream11, launched in 2008 by Harsh Jain and Bhavit Sheth, started as a bold idea to bring fantasy sports to cricket-crazy India. Today, it’s India’s leading fantasy sports platform, boasting over 220 million users in 2025. The company, under its parent Dream Sports, has grown into a unicorn valued at ₹65,000 crore ($8 billion) after a massive $840 million funding round in 2021. This explosive growth sets the stage for understanding the kind of wealth the founders are generating.
- Key Milestone: Became India’s first fantasy sports unicorn in 2019.
- User Base: Over 220 million registered users as of 2025.
- Valuation: $8 billion, making it one of India’s priciest startups.
How Dream11 Makes Its Money
Dream11’s revenue model is a goldmine, and it’s the foundation of the owners’ earnings. The platform earns through entry fees for paid contests, keeping 15-25% of the prize pool as commission. Add to that lucrative sponsorships, like IPL title deals, and advertising from big brands. In FY23, Dream11 raked in ₹6,384 crore in revenue, with a profit of ₹188 crore. By FY24, revenue reportedly hit ₹9,600 crore, with 90% from real-money contests, mostly cricket-related.
- Revenue Streams:
This massive revenue fuels the wealth of Harsh Jain and Bhavit Sheth, who hold a significant stake in Dream Sports.
Estimating the Owners’ Daily Income
Pinpointing the exact daily income of Harsh Jain and Bhavit Sheth is tricky since it depends on their ownership stake and company dividends. Harsh Jain, the CEO, is estimated to have a net worth of ₹5,500 crore, while Bhavit Sheth, the COO, sits between ₹1,000-1,500 crore. Together, they hold about 40-45% of Dream Sports. Based on Dream11’s FY23 profit of ₹188 crore, if we assume a portion of profits is distributed as dividends, their daily earnings could be substantial.
Let’s do a rough estimate: If ₹188 crore is the annual profit and 40% is allocated to the founders, that’s ₹75.2 crore per year. Split between Jain and Sheth (assuming equal shares for simplicity), that’s ₹37.6 crore each annually. Divided by 365 days, it comes to about ₹10.3 lakh per day per founder. This is a conservative estimate, as their wealth also grows with the company’s valuation and investments, not just profits.
- Net Worth:
- Harsh Jain: ~₹5,500 crore.
- Bhavit Sheth: ~₹1,000-1,500 crore.
- Daily Estimate: Roughly ₹10 lakh+ per founder, depending on profit distribution.
Challenges and Costs Behind the Earnings
Running Dream11 isn’t all smooth sailing. The company spends heavily to stay on top. In FY23, expenses hit ₹5,839 crore, with ₹2,964 crore on advertising alone—51% of their total spend. Employee costs also soared to ₹1,154 crore, reflecting their focus on top talent. Plus, a 28% GST introduced by the Indian government has squeezed margins, forcing Dream11 to cut its FY24 profit target by 80%. These costs show that while the owners earn big, they’re also navigating a high-stakes business.
- Major Expenses:
The Future of Dream11’s Wealth Creation
Dream11’s founders aren’t just sitting on their profits—they’re reinvesting for growth. Harsh Jain has shared plans to diversify, aiming to build a sports tech empire like Alphabet, with products akin to YouTube or Gmail. Despite regulatory hurdles, like bans in some states (e.g., Andhra Pradesh, Telangana), Dream11’s legal status as a “game of skill” keeps it strong. With 220 million users and growing, the platform’s future looks bright, promising even higher earnings for Jain and Sheth.
- Growth Plans:
Conclusion: A Lucrative Fantasy for the Founders
Dream11’s journey from a startup to a fantasy sports giant is a testament to Harsh Jain and Bhavit Sheth’s vision. Their estimated daily income, likely exceeding ₹10 lakh each, reflects the platform’s massive success. With ₹9,600 crore in revenue in FY24 and a $8 billion valuation, Dream11 continues to dominate India’s fantasy sports scene. While regulatory and cost challenges loom, the founders’ strategic moves and the platform’s loyal user base ensure their wealth keeps growing. For sports fans and entrepreneurs alike, Dream11’s story is a reminder of how passion, tech, and smart business can create a financial empire.