Introduction
Hyderabad, India — October 2025: In a world dominated by digital screens, Sourav Bose, a Kolkata-born entrepreneur, is spearheading a movement to reconnect people through play and social experiences. As the co-founder of High Volt Bowling and Gaming with Shoaib Ahmed Khan, Bose is transforming family entertainment in India, emphasizing accessibility, community, and fun.
Founded in 2014, High Volt has rapidly expanded to 17 centers across nine states, covering over 2 lakh square feet. The brand employs 250 people and features more than 1,000 arcade games and 40+ bowling lanes, catering to families nationwide.
A Vision Born from Experience
Sourav Bose’s entrepreneurial journey started outside the entertainment industry. With a degree in Hospitality Management from IHRM Kolkata and an MBA in Micro Business Studies, he gained early insights into customer experience while working at Shoppers Stop.
In 2006, Bose joined Timezone India, where he spent eight years climbing the operations ranks. This hands-on experience equipped him to co-found High Volt with Shoaib Ahmed Khan in 2014. Their mission: “To make entertainment accessible, inclusive, and community-driven for Indian families.”
Key milestones in Bose’s career:
Early role at Shoppers Stop: Focused on customer service. Time at Timezone India: Mastered large-scale entertainment operations. Founding High Volt: Shifted to building family-oriented venues. Building a Brand That Redefines Play
High Volt stands out by blending hospitality with entertainment, prioritizing safety, precision, and customer satisfaction. Each center serves as a social hub, encouraging families to engage in shared activities rather than passive screen time.
The brand offers diverse experiences, including arcade zones, bowling alleys, group events, and tournaments, designed for all age groups. This approach aligns with India’s evolving leisure trends, where experiential activities are gaining popularity.
Features of High Volt centers: Arcade zones with over 1,000 games. 40+ bowling lanes for competitive fun. Family-friendly events to foster connections.
Expanding Across India High Volt’s growth reflects strategic planning, with centers now in nine states and ambitions to enter the North East region. Bose highlights the region’s potential, citing its vibrant youth culture and emphasis on communal activities.
“We see the North East as a perfect fit for our model, with its festivals and group leisure traditions,” Bose & Khan explains. The brand is also pursuing partnerships with malls, hospitality groups, and developers to create a nationwide entertainment ecosystem.
Expansion strategy: Target new regions like the North East. Collaborate with retail and hospitality partners. Focus on scalability for rapid growth.
Riding the FEC Wave in India India’s Family Entertainment Center (FEC) sector is booming, fueled by urbanization, rising incomes, and demand for indoor recreation. Industry projections estimate a CAGR of over 10% in the coming years.
High Volt capitalizes on this by offering innovative, inclusive spaces that appeal to families, corporate groups, and friends. Unlike traditional gaming centers, it emphasizes multi-generational interactions and technology-driven operations.
Benefits of High Volt’s model:
Safe, interactive environments. Data-informed management for efficiency. Inclusivity across age groups and communities.
The Philosophy Behind the Play At its core, High Volt is guided by Bose’s belief: “Play is universal. It breaks barriers and brings joy across communities.” This philosophy shapes everything from staff training to event planning, ensuring a welcoming atmosphere.
The brand invests in innovation, such as tech-enhanced games and community events, to stay ahead in the FEC landscape.
Looking Ahead As India’s entertainment scene evolves, Bose envisions growth in untapped markets like Tier-II and Tier-III cities. Future plans include:
Expanding into smaller cities for broader reach. Launching gaming tournaments and school partnerships. Building brand collaborations within the FEC ecosystem. Bose and Khan emphasize: “Our goal is not just to open more centers, but to create spaces where people reconnect — with fun, with family, and with each other.”
