Krafton Introduces New India-Focused Technology Investment Fund

Krafton, a prominent South Korean gaming company recognised for Battlegrounds Mobile India (BGMI), has launched a new technology investment fund oriented towards India. This initiative is in collaboration with Naver and Mirae Asset, aiming for a targeted corpus of up to Rs 6,000 crore. The fund, referred to as the Unicorn Growth Fund, places India at the centre of its investment strategy in Asia and demonstrates Krafton’s ambition to extend its influence beyond gaming into broader technology and innovation sectors. The fund is expected to commence operations in January 2026.

The Fund’s Objectives and Krafton’s Commitment to India

This announcement builds on Krafton’s established presence in India, where it has invested over $200 million in gaming and digital startups since 2021. The portfolio of investments includes notable companies such as the hyperlocal community platform Shuru, the fintech firm Cashfree Payments, and the game studio Nautilus Mobile, in which Krafton has acquired a controlling stake. Battlegrounds Mobile India has fortified Krafton’s market position, achieving hundreds of millions of downloads and playing a vital role in advancing India’s mobile gaming ecosystem.

Investment Strategy and Focus Areas

Krafton’s broader investment strategy in India dates back to August 2023 when it pledged to deploy $150 million into Indian gaming and entertainment startups over a two to three year timeframe. The primary focus during that period emphasised early-stage studios, esports platforms, multimedia content ventures, and related sectors.

Prior to this commitment, from March 2021 to mid 2023, Krafton had invested approximately $140 million across 11 Indian startups, including Nodwin Gaming, Loco, Kuku FM, and Pratilipi. With the new fund, Krafton is expanding its investment focus to technology companies that exhibit scalable innovation potential.

Collaborative Expertise

This partnership integrates NAVER’s platform and content expertise with Mirae Asset’s capital management capabilities, creating a structured investment platform dedicated to nurturing India’s tech ecosystem. This collaboration is essential in supporting Krafton’s long-term objectives within the Indian market.