Cricketer KL Rahul and actor Athiya Shetty invest in smart home maker Qubo
What's the deal? Qubo, an Indian smart devices manufacturer, has secured a strategic investment from cricketer KL Rahul and actor Athiya Shetty. The celebrity couple will also lend their public profiles to help the brand expand its reach among younger, tech-savvy consumers.
Qubo, launched in 2019, operates under Hero Electronix — the technology arm of the Hero Group. It makes dashcams, AI-powered security cameras, smart door locks, and video doorbells, all designed to work within a single connected ecosystem.
The company says it has shipped nearly two million devices since launch.
Why now? The couple said the value of Qubo's products became even clearer after they became parents. "This partnership goes beyond business potential — it's about contributing to a larger mission of making Indian homes and roads safer," they said in a joint statement.
Qubo is betting that celebrity endorsement paired with capital can accelerate its next growth phase in India's expanding smart home market.
What could go wrong? Celebrity-backed investments don't always translate into sustained brand loyalty or commercial success. The smart home space in India is increasingly crowded, with global players and local startups competing on price and features. Qubo will need more than star power to stand out.
The signal: The deal reflects a broader trend of Indian celebrities moving beyond traditional endorsement deals into equity stakes in consumer tech brands. It also underscores growing demand for connected home devices in India, where a rising middle class is embracing smart technology at scale.
Read more: fonearena.com
