Seoul, January 27: KRAFTON, the South Korea–headquartered gaming and technology company, held a high-level meeting with Gourangalal Das, Ambassador of India to the Republic of Korea, to discuss expanding technology collaboration and long-term investment opportunities in the Indian market.
The meeting took place at KRAFTON’s headquarters in Seoul and was attended by Nishi Kant Singh, Deputy Chief of Mission at the Embassy of India in Korea; Byung-Gyu Chang, Chairman of KRAFTON’s Board of Directors; and Harns Kim, Director of HQ India & Emerging Office at KRAFTON.
Focus on India’s Growing Tech and Startup Ecosystem
During the discussion, participants exchanged views on the rapid evolution of India’s technology and startup ecosystem, particularly across sectors such as artificial intelligence (AI), digital content, gaming, and interactive entertainment. The dialogue highlighted how private-sector collaboration and cross-border investments could contribute to broader industrial growth and long-term societal impact in India.
A key area of discussion was the KRAFTON–NAVER–Mirae Asset Unicorn Growth Investment Fund, an Asia-focused investment vehicle with a targeted size of up to KRW 1 trillion. The fund is being jointly established by leading Korean corporations across multiple industries and aims to support mid- to long-term investments in high-potential technology companies, including Indian startups.
With KRAFTON’s participation, the Unicorn Growth Fund is expected to play a significant role in accelerating capital access for Indian tech ventures and strengthening Korea–India innovation linkages.
India as a Strategic Long-Term Partner
Commenting on the engagement, Ambassador Gourangalal Das said India is rapidly emerging as a global hub for technological innovation.
“It is encouraging to see Korean companies expanding long-term collaboration and investment with a clear focus on India,” he said. “Private-sector-led initiatives, including those by companies like KRAFTON, will be crucial in supporting Indian technology startups as they scale globally.”
Echoing this sentiment, Byung-Gyu Chang, Chairman of KRAFTON, emphasized that India holds strategic importance for the company beyond being a consumer market.
“India is not simply an overseas market for KRAFTON, but a long-term partner where we have built strong trust and a local presence through BATTLEGROUNDS MOBILE INDIA,” Chang said. “The Unicorn Growth Fund marks a starting point for expanding collaboration with promising Indian companies across sectors beyond gaming.”
Continued Commitment to India
KRAFTON stated that it will continue to explore new investment and partnership opportunities in India through the Unicorn Growth Fund, while also seeking ways to connect advanced technology capabilities with industry needs in the region.
Founded in 2007, KRAFTON operates a global network of 19 independent creative studios, including PUBG STUDIOS, Striking Distance Studios, Unknown Worlds, RisingWings, Bluehole Studio, Tango Gameworks, and others. The company is known globally for successful intellectual properties such as PUBG: BATTLEGROUNDS, PUBG MOBILE, Subnautica, TERA, Hi-Fi Rush, and inZOI.
Strong Presence in the Indian Market
In India, KRAFTON publishes popular mobile titles including BATTLEGROUNDS MOBILE INDIA (BGMI), which has crossed 250 million downloads, along with Bullet Echo India, Road to Valor: Empires, and CookieRun India.
Since 2021, KRAFTON has invested over $200 million in Indian startups across gaming, esports, interactive entertainment, and technology. The company also supports early-stage game developers through the KRAFTON India Gaming Incubator, reinforcing its long-term commitment to strengthening India’s digital and startup ecosystem.
Ruchi Kumar is the associate editor at Entrepreneur News Network and TVW News India, where she leads editorial strategy, brand storytelling, and startup ecosystem coverage. With a strong focus on innovation, business, and marketing insights, he curates impactful narratives that spotlight India’s evolving entrepreneurial landscape.