Mark Sellar’s Vision for India: Why This Australian Entrepreneur Is Doubling Down on the Country’s Growth Story
An Outsider Who Sees Like an Insider
When Australian entrepreneur and investor Mark Sellar first set his sights on India, he didn’t view it as just another market — he saw a nation on the cusp of transformation.
“India isn’t a side project; it is the project,” says Sellar, Co-Founder of Drive Fitt and a business leader whose ventures extend across more than 50 countries. His bullish approach to India isn’t based on chance. It’s driven by real-world experience, strategic understanding, and a genuine appreciation for the country’s unique energy and potential.
“Everything points to India right now — its youthful population, digital acceleration, love for sport, and growing commitment to fitness and wellness,” he says. “This isn’t just growth; it’s reinvention.”
The India Playbook: Scale, Drive, and Opportunity
As Executive Chairman of Drive Fitt, India’s first integrated cricket and fitness club franchise, Sellar is turning belief into reality. His venture brings together two of India’s biggest passions — cricket and wellness — through a membership model that combines high-performance cricket zones, state-of-the-art gyms, recovery areas, and social spaces.
India’s enduring love affair with cricket and its booming health-conscious culture make this a perfect convergence. For Sellar, it’s not speculation — it’s strategy.
“India has a remarkable demographic advantage — hundreds of millions of young, ambitious people seeking quality experiences and healthier lives,” he says. “Pair that with cricket’s deep cultural roots, and the only real question is how quickly you can grow.”
The company’s 26,000-square-foot flagship center in Gurgaon opens this September, serving as a springboard for an ambitious plan to establish 300 franchise locations across India, the UAE, and the United States in just five years. Drive Fitt’s trajectory matches the speed of India’s own aspirations.
Encouraging Western Businesses to Look East
Sellar’s India focus doesn’t end with Drive Fitt. Through his investment firm, Sellar Capital, which spans real estate, sports, and medical technology, he’s championing deeper East-West collaboration. His message to Western entrepreneurs is firm: India should no longer be an afterthought — it should be at the heart of global business strategy.
“Many Western companies still view India through an old lens — as a support base or low-cost workforce. That mindset misses today’s reality,” Sellar notes. “India has evolved into an innovation hub, a major consumer economy, and a creative powerhouse. Ignore it, and you’re missing the future.”
This perspective shapes Sellar’s broader portfolio too. Apart from Drive Fitt, he also leads Red Giant, a firm that helps Australian brands enter China’s consumer markets. For him, it’s all about connection.
“Whether it’s China or India, I believe in mutual ecosystems — where businesses learn from each other. Western firms have plenty to gain, but only if they approach with respect and openness.”
Partnering with India, Not Just Operating in It
One of the earliest lessons Sellar learned in India was the importance of local insight.
“As an outsider, we had to unlearn certain habits and truly listen,” he says. “India is nuanced — to succeed here, you must collaborate with people who understand the market deeply.”
That’s why one of his earliest and most strategic moves was appointing Vikram Bhatia, former CEO of Fitness First India, as the CEO of Drive Fitt. This local leadership has been key to navigating India’s dynamic business terrain.
“The talent in India is exceptional — resourceful, creative, and driven. Western founders often underestimate it. I don’t build for India — I build with India.”
A Message to Global Entrepreneurs: India’s Moment Is Now
Sellar doesn’t shy away from acknowledging India’s complexities — the regulations, the learning curve, and the time investment. But for him, those challenges are part of the reward.
“There’s truth in the saying — nothing easy is worth much. That holds especially true for India,” he says. “It demands patience, understanding, and adaptability, but the return is unmatched — scale, loyalty, and long-term growth.”
He believes this is the perfect moment for Western entrepreneurs to shift focus from slower, saturated markets to fast-emerging economies like India.
“In India, you’re not just building a business — you’re contributing to a nation’s progress. You create legacy, community, and long-lasting impact. That’s powerful.”
Applauding India’s Homegrown Innovation
Sellar’s admiration for India extends to its thriving entrepreneurial scene. He often highlights how Indian founders are redefining industries globally — from fintech to healthcare to consumer technology.
“Some of the smartest, most creative founders I’ve ever met are in India,” he says. “What makes them special is their ability to innovate with constraints — to find solutions where others see limitations. That’s a real strength.”
He believes that Western businesses can learn valuable lessons from this mindset — especially in agility, sustainability, and resource efficiency.
“If you want to master resilience and adaptability, immerse yourself in India’s startup culture for a year. It’ll completely reshape how you think.”
Drive Fitt: Built for India, Inspired by India
Drive Fitt’s uniqueness lies not just in its business idea but in its philosophy. Sellar and his team haven’t imported a Western concept and tried to localize it — they’ve built something inherently Indian.
From membership pricing to design layout to the cricket-first ethos, every element reflects Indian lifestyles and values. The approach is resonating, with franchise interest already coming from major Indian cities.
“We’re not here to replicate what’s worked elsewhere,” Sellar emphasizes. “We’re here to co-create something new, alongside India.”
Looking Ahead: Building Bridges That Last
For Mark Sellar, betting on India isn’t just a business decision — it’s a personal commitment. He envisions a future where entrepreneurship bridges cultures and where collaboration replaces competition.
“I believe in India — not just as a marketplace, but as a movement,” he says. “And I’m grateful to play even a small role in that movement’s story.”
To him, India is more than a market opportunity — it’s a chance to shape the global business landscape with empathy, ambition, and shared growth.
Follow Mark Sellar and Join the Journey
Through his ventures, Mark Sellar continues to connect people, industries, and ideas across continents. Whether you’re a global entrepreneur seeking India opportunities or a local founder looking to scale globally, his story offers both inspiration and insight.
Stay connected:
🌐 Website: www.drivefitthq.com
💼 LinkedIn: Mark Sellar
📸 Instagram: @mark_sellar
For partnerships, franchising, or collaborations, visit Drive Fitt’s website or reach out via LinkedIn.
India’s growth story is accelerating — and visionaries like Mark Sellar are helping shape what comes next.
