BGMI-Maker KRAFTON To Invest $150 Million In India’s Start-Up Ecosystem

Updated on: 11 August 2023 3:46 am

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KRAFTON, Inc., a South Korean gaming company and BGMI-maker, plans to invest $150 million in India over the next two to three years.

With this investment, it aims to nurture local talents, foster innovation, and propel India into the forefront of the global gaming industry.

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, the company has infused approximately $140 million into 11 innovative start-ups.

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Its investment philosophy centers on delivering strategic value that transcends mere financial contributions, leveraging its expertise and experiences within its segments.

Beyond game development studios, the company’s investments span 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.

Commenting on their vision for India, Sean Hyunil Sohn, CEO of KRAFTON India said, “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 and Venture Investing Lead for India and MENA atKRAFTON, Inc. said that the company’s strategic investments are carefully chosen to align with its 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 our portfolio companies' progress. Our investment momentum will continue as we seek to establish a dynamic and evolving portfolio across various segments in India,” he said.

Founded in 2007, KRAFTON consists of PUBG STUDIOS, Bluehole Studio, RisingWings, Striking Distance Studios, Dreamotion, Unknown Worlds, 5minlab, Neon Giant, KRAFTON Montréal Studio and ReLU Games. In addition to delivering immersive experiences through BGMI, KRAFTON launched three other gaming titles in the past year, including The Callisto Protocol, Road To Valor: Empires, and Defense Derby.