
Krafton Bets Big on India with $669 Million Growth Fund
Dec 19, 2025

South Korean gaming powerhouse Krafton is making a massive strategic move in India. Known for blockbuster titles like PUBG and the Indian-specific Battlegrounds Mobile India (BGMI), the company is launching a $669 million (₹60 billion) investment fund to fuel the country's booming tech startup ecosystem. This marks Krafton's transition from a leading game publisher to a major financial player in one of the world's fastest-growing digital markets.
The Fund at a Glance: Ambition and Partnership
The new Unicorn Growth Fund is a joint venture with Krafton's partners, South Korean internet giant Naver and financial group Mirae Asset.
- Total Target: Up to $669 million (₹60 billion) over four years
- Initial Corpus: Over $334 million (₹30 billion) at launch (expected in early 2025)
- Manager: Mirae Asset Venture India
- Krafton's Commitment: $137 million for the initial closing, with Naver contributing a similar amount.
Strategy: From Gaming to a Broader Tech Vision
While Krafton's success in India is rooted in gaming, this fund signals a significant expansion of its vision.
- Investment Range: The fund will typically invest between $10 million to $30 million per company.
- Sector Focus: Moving beyond gaming to target high-growth areas across India's broader tech landscape.
- Approach: While most investments will be financial, Krafton may take a more strategic role in companies with exceptional long-term potential.
The goal is clear: to build a durable, influential presence in Asia's most dynamic digital economy.
Krafton's Established Track Record in India
This new fund builds upon Krafton's substantial existing footprint. The company has already deployed over $200 million in the Indian market, building a diverse portfolio:
| Sector | Notable Krafton Investments in India |
|---|---|
| Gaming & Esports | Nodwin Gaming, Loco (livestreaming) |
| Content & Media | Pratilipi (storytelling platform), Kuku FM (audio platform) |
| Fintech | Cashfree (payments) |
| Game Development | Nautilus Mobile (acquired controlling stake in 2024) |
Krafton has also supported early-stage innovation through a dedicated gaming incubator launched in 2023.
A Look Back: Navigating the Indian Market
Krafton's journey in India highlights its commitment to adapting to local regulations. Its flagship title, BGMI, faced a temporary suspension in 2022. Krafton addressed government concerns by ending its publishing partnership with Tencent in India and moving game data to local servers. The game returned in 2023 and has seen massive success, with downloads exceeding 240 million.
The launch of the Unicorn Growth Fund solidifies Krafton's long-term strategy. It is no longer just a game publisher in India but is positioning itself as a pivotal partner for the country's next wave of tech innovation.















