Krafton, the prominent South Korean gaming giant behind Battlegrounds Mobile India (BGMI), has unveiled its ambitious plan to invest a staggering $150 million in India over the course of the next two to three years. This substantial investment, executed as part of Krafton's India-centric strategy, will focus on fostering comprehensive growth within the gaming sector and nurturing the Indian startup ecosystem.
Underpinning its commitment to India's gaming and technology landscape, Krafton claims it has already poured approximately $140 million into 11 innovative Indian startups since its inaugural investment back in March 2021.
Sean Hyunil Sohn, CEO of Krafton India, expressed the company's enthusiasm, stating, "We are excited to cultivate the startup ecosystem in India and are deeply committed to driving transformative progress, not only in the gaming and tech realms but also across the broader content domain. We firmly believe in India's potential as a pivotal player in the global gaming and technology sectors. Our pledge to inject an additional $150 million over the next few years underscores our dedication to fuel this growth. We firmly trust in the influence of Indian IPs and content to create a lasting global footprint. We are thrilled to mark new milestones in our journey to unlock India's complete potential as a global gaming force."
Krafton's investment philosophy is rooted in providing strategic value that extends beyond mere financial backing, the company said, leveraging its expertise and experience in the sectors it invests in. These investments encompass more than just game development studios; they span various and complementary arenas, including esports, multimedia entertainment, content creation, and audio platforms.
In recent times, Krafton's focus has expanded to embrace the creator economy and deep tech, actively supporting startups in these burgeoning domains. With this substantial investment, Krafton is aiming to nurture local talents, encourage innovation, and propel India to the forefront of the global gaming industry.
Nihansh Bhat, Corporate Development & Venture Investing Lead - India & Mena, Krafton, elucidated, "Our strategic investments are carefully curated to align with our proficiency and experience, empowering novel ideas and startups to flourish. Since 2021, we have channelled over $140 million into diverse startups, and we are thrilled by the strides our portfolio companies have made. Our investment momentum remains unwavering as we strive to establish a dynamic and evolving portfolio across various segments in India."
Beyond delivering immersive experiences through BGMI, Krafton has also introduced three additional game titles in the past year: The Callisto Protocol, Road To Valor: Empires, and the latest addition, Defense Derby. Through their upcoming investments, Krafton aspires to redefine India's gaming landscape, forging new horizons and enhancing the gaming journey for players across the nation.