BGMI-maker KRAFTON to invest $150 million in Indian startups

KRAFTON, Inc., a leading South Korean gaming company and BGMI-maker, today announced its commitment to invest $150 million in India over the next two to three years. With an India-first approach, KRAFTON remains committed to fostering holistic growth of the gaming and startup ecosystem in the country.

Since its first investment in March 2021, KRAFTON has played a pivotal role fostering in the Indian startup landscape by infusing approximately $140 million into 11 innovative startups, marking it as one of the most active strategic investors in India during this period. KRAFTON’s investment philosophy centers on delivering strategic value that transcends mere financial contributions, leveraging its expertise and experiences within the segments it invests in.

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Beyond game development studios, the company’s investments span diverse and complementary sectors, including, Esports, multimedia entertainment, content creation, and audio platforms. In recent months, KRAFTON has expanded its focus to include the creator economy and deep tech, actively supporting startups in these emerging segments. With this investment, KRFATON aims to nurture local talents, foster innovation, and propel India into the forefront of the global gaming industry.

Commenting on their vision for India, Sean Hyunil Sohn, CEO, of KRAFTON India said, “We are excited to foster the growth of startup ecosystem in India and are dedicated to having a transformative impact not only in the gaming and tech industry but also in the wider content landscape. We firmly believe in India’s potential as a key player in the global gaming and technology industry, and our commitment to invest an additional $150 million over the next two to three years reflects our dedication to fueling this growth. We believe in the power of Indian IPs and content in making a lasting global impact, and we are excited to achieve new milestones in our journey to unlock the country’s full potential as a global gaming powerhouse.”

Sharing his views on their business objectives, Nihansh Bhat – Corporate Development & Venture Investing Lead – India & MENA, KRAFTON, Inc. said “Our strategic investments are carefully chosen to align with our expertise and experience, empowering innovative ideas and startups to thrive. Since 2021, we have invested over $140 million in various startups and are thrilled by the progress our portfolio companies have made. Our investment momentum will continue as we seek to establish a dynamic and evolving portfolio across various segments in India.”

In addition to delivering immersive experiences through India’s beloved battle royale game, BATTLEGROUNDS MOBILE INDIA, KRAFTON has bolstered the gaming landscape with the launch of three more captivating game titles in the past year. These include The Callisto Protocol, Road To Valor: Empires, and the latest addition, Defense Derby, aimed at delivering novel entertainment experiences to the Indian community while advancing the gaming industry as a whole. Through its upcoming investments, KRAFTON is set to redefine the gaming landscape in India, forging new horizons and elevating the gaming experience for players across the nation.

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