Krafton, the South Korean company behind BGMI and PUBG, has announced a ₹55,000 crore ($666 million) investment fund in India. Teaming up with Naver and Mirae Asset, this fund will back Indian tech startups – with gaming, AI, and content platforms as key focus areas.
According to Reuters, the new fund will be called the “Unicorn Growth Fund” and will primarily invest in technology startups in India. Operations for the fund, managed by Mirae Asset Venture India, are slated to begin in January 2026. It will start with an initial corpus of about $333 million, which will later be scaled up to the full $666 million target.
What is the Unicorn Growth Fund?
The Unicorn Growth Fund, managed by Mirae Asset Venture India, will begin operations in January 2026. It will start with $333 million and scale up to $666 million over time. The fund will mainly invest in gaming, AI, and digital content, all rapidly expanding sectors in India, but isn’t limited to them.
Why Is Krafton Investing in India?
- Diversification from China: South Korea is reducing reliance on China and sees India as a long-term tech partner.
- India’s digital boom: With over 900 million internet users, India is a prime market for gaming and tech.
- BGMI’s success: Krafton’s BGMI remains one of India’s top mobile games despite regulatory hurdles.
What Does This Mean for Indian Gamers?
While the fund isn’t directly for BGMI, Indian gamers could see:
- More esports tournaments backed by Krafton or funded startups
- Better Indian-made games – think Made-in-India battle royales or RPGs
- Stronger gaming infrastructure – servers, creator tools, and streaming platforms
- More career options – in game dev, esports, and content creation
Will India’s Gaming Startups Benefit?
Yes. Here’s how:
| Sector | Expected Impact |
|---|---|
| Esports | More funding for leagues, teams, and platforms |
| Game Development | Indian studios can build for global markets |
| Content Creation | Tools and platforms for streamers and creators |
| EdTech Gaming | Startups blending learning + gaming may rise |
South Korea’s Growing FDI in India
According to India’s Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT), South Korea’s total FDI in India crossed $6.8 billion by mid-2025. This new fund is part of a broader strategic shift – from China to India – in tech, manufacturing, and digital services.
Conclusion
Krafton’s ₹55,000 crore bet on India isn’t just about money. A signal that India’s gaming and tech ecosystem is ready for global capital, global attention, and maybe even global leadership. Whether BGMI returns to its peak or not, Indian gaming is no longer a side quest – it’s the main stage.
Frequently Asked Questions
It’s a $666 million (₹55,000 crore) fund led by Krafton, Naver, and Mirae Asset to invest in Indian tech startups, starting January 2026.
Not directly, but stronger gaming startups = better ecosystem = more tournaments, content, and maybe even BGMI updates.
No, it’s for all tech startups, but gaming, AI, and content platforms are expected to be key focus areas.
