The ISC 30 Under Thirty Awards celebrates the next generation of leaders in sports, media, and entertainment. These awards highlight individuals under 30 who have made significant contributions through their innovation, passion, and professional excellence within the sports, media, and entertainment industries.
In his role as Business Development Manager at Luscid, a sports technology start-up, Vipul is playing a key role in reshaping the $200 billion sponsorship industry. He empowers brands to navigate the global sponsorship landscape more strategically, using data to identify opportunities best aligned with their objectives. Leading the company’s sales efforts, he draws on his first-hand experience in sports sponsorship and a strong agency network to drive Luscid’s commercial growth across regions.
Vipul’s drive to open doors in the sports world began with his own experience. After graduating, he encountered firsthand the challenges of breaking into the industry, which fuelled his desire to make a difference. Recognising the industry’s potential to miss out on talented individuals due to these barriers, he co-founded Future in Sports, a not-for-profit organisation to help young people in the UK get into the sports industry.
Vipul’s commitment to accessibility extends beyond empowering individuals - he is also dedicated to raising industry awareness. Vipul highlights key news stories from the week and recommends podcasts through a few newsletter, 10 Bit Sports. The newsletter has over 200 subscribers and reaches Vipul’s network of 7,000 followers on LinkedIn, providing news from the sports industry in an accessible way.
He spoke about what inspired him to pursue a career in the sports industry and how his journey has evolved and said:
“Growing up in India, cricket was in my blood. Like many Indian kids, I dreamed of playing professionally. But as the early 2000s rolled in, football made a rather dramatic entrance into India’s sporting consciousness. What began as curiosity quickly turned into passion. I played, I coached, and while I came to terms with the fact that I might not make it as a professional player, I discovered immense potential off the pitch, particularly in the business of sport.
“Sponsorship and media fascinated me early on. I was intrigued by the mechanics that powered the spectacle – from brand partnerships to the marketing activations behind the scenes. About five years ago, I decided to pivot into the commercial side of sport. Since then, I’ve held a variety of roles across India and the UK, contributing to organisations involved in the IPL to the Premier League.
“Eventually, I made my way to the UK, a lifelong dream, and earned my master’s degree at Loughborough University London, which added credibility to my profile. From cutting my teeth in sports marketing agencies to driving commercial operations for a women’s football club, and now leading partnerships and sales at Luscid, my journey has moved from grassroots ambitions to becoming a catalyst for change within the industry.”
Vipul talked about what it meant to him being named on the 30 under Thirty list, he said:
“On a personal level, it means the world. I come from a background where academic success was prioritised, but practical knowledge and risk-taking were not. Choosing to leave that comfort zone, moving to a new country, and chasing a dream often without a safety net, wasn’t easy. There were sacrifices, especially being away from family and friends. But I knew what I wanted, and I stayed focused.
“There’s a quote I hold dear from Bruce Lee: “I don’t fear the man who has practiced 10,000 kicks once, but the man who has practiced one kick 10,000 times.” This recognition feels like validation for those countless repetitions. For persistence, discipline, and belief that if I kept showing up and doing the work, something good would follow.
“Professionally, the impact has been nothing short of transformative. It’s expanded my network, accelerated my credibility, and brought me into conversations I once only dreamed of being part of. I now have the opportunity to shape not only my own career but also contribute meaningfully to how sport is marketed, monetised, and experienced across the globe.”
Congratulations on this recognition, Vipul.