US-based venture capital firm Bitkraft Ventures is strengthening its presence in India’s burgeoning gaming industry by appointing Anuj Tandon, a seasoned gaming industry veteran, as a partner to lead its Indian operations. This strategic move underscores Bitkraft’s commitment to tapping into one of the fastest-growing gaming markets in the world.

Anuj Tandon’s Background

Tandon brings a wealth of experience to Bitkraft, having previously held key positions at JetSynthesys and Krafton. His extensive background includes nearly 15 years in the gaming sector, where he has excelled as an entrepreneur, executive, and investor. Most recently, he served as the CEO of JetSynthesys’ gaming unit, managing all its gaming assets and driving significant growth. Before that, he was the head of corporate development for Krafton in India and the MENA region, where he developed strategies and built an investment portfolio of local video game and esports startups.

Tandon’s impressive track record includes leading investments exceeding $135 million in various startups, such as mobile game development studios Nautilus Mobile and Lila Games, as well as esports firm Nodwin Gaming. His experience positions him well to identify and nurture promising gaming ventures in India.

Bitkraft’s Investment Strategy

Bitkraft’s third fund, launched in April 2023 with a corpus of $275 million, will be pivotal in supporting early-stage gaming and interactive media companies in India. The firm is actively exploring investment opportunities across various stages, from seed funding to Series B rounds. Tandon emphasized that while Bitkraft is known for its seed and Series A investments globally, their strategy for India will be customized to meet local market needs.

The Growth of India’s Gaming Industry

India’s gaming industry has witnessed remarkable growth in recent years, driven by factors such as increasing smartphone penetration, affordable data plans, and a rising young population. A report by Lumikai indicated that India’s paid gamer base surged to 148 million in FY24, with the industry generating revenues of $3.8 billion, marking a 22.6% growth from the previous year. This rapid expansion has attracted significant interest from global investors like Bitkraft.

As Tandon takes the helm of Bitkraft’s Indian operations, the firm aims to capitalize on India’s gaming potential by supporting innovative startups that are shaping the future of the industry. With a growing middle class and increasing disposable income, India is positioned competitively on the global stage for gaming.

Future Prospects

Bitkraft Ventures is not alone in recognizing India’s potential; other international investors are also making significant commitments to the market. For instance, Japanese mobile entertainment company Mixi recently launched a $50 million corporate venture capital fund dedicated to India, while Krafton has pledged approximately $290 million into Indian gaming startups over the next few years.

Tandon expressed optimism about the untapped potential within India’s gaming ecosystem: “Bitkraft sees India’s potential and is committed to supporting our games and interactive media industry leaders with early-stage funding. We anticipate a significant increase in deal activity in the coming years.”

Conclusion

With Anuj Tandon at the helm, Bitkraft Ventures is poised to strengthen its foothold in India’s dynamic gaming market. His extensive experience and network will be invaluable in identifying and nurturing innovative startups that have the potential to drive further growth in this thriving sector. As Bitkraft continues to invest strategically in early-stage companies, it aims to play a crucial role in shaping the future of gaming and interactive media in India.