In a bold move to deepen its roots in India’s vibrant digital ecosystem, KRAFTON India has announced a significant investment in Shuru, a rapidly expanding hyperlocal community app that’s transforming how millions of Indians connect with their neighborhoods. This Series A funding round, led by KRAFTON India and joined by existing investors Omidyar Network India and Eximius Ventures, marks a pivotal step in strengthening KRAFTON’s portfolio while empowering local communities across the country.
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Shuru: Connecting India’s Neighborhoods Like Never Before
Shuru is more than just an app — it’s a digital lifeline for over 2 million monthly active users who rely on it for real-time local updates, trending news, shop information, buy-sell listings, and classifieds. With a presence in over 650,000 locations and recently surpassing 10 million installations, Shuru is redefining hyperlocal engagement by bringing communities closer and making everyday life easier and more connected.
Why Hyperlocal Matters: The Power of Community in India
Hyperlocal platforms have witnessed explosive growth in India, driven by the country’s diverse and regionally rich population. By investing in Shuru, KRAFTON India aims to tap into this grassroots momentum, fostering stronger community ties and expanding its reach beyond gaming into everyday digital interactions. This partnership is set to unlock new avenues for delivering high-engagement games and interactive features tailored to local tastes and preferences.
Leadership Insights: Visionaries Behind the Partnership
Sean Hyunil Sohn, CEO of KRAFTON India, shared his enthusiasm:
“The hyperlocal digital ecosystem in India holds immense promise as a driver of connectivity and community engagement. Shuru’s user-centric approach perfectly aligns with our vision to deliver tailored experiences for local users across the country. We’re excited about the opportunities this partnership will create to reach grassroots audiences and deepen our impact.”
Mayank Bhangadia, CEO and Co-Founder of Shuru, echoed this optimism:
“Imagine an India where every village, town, and city is connected and thriving. Shuru is making this vision a reality. With over 650,000 locations onboard and 10 million+ installs, we’re building a platform that transforms how Indians live, work, and interact. Partnering with KRAFTON India opens doors to innovate and scale like never before, leveraging their expertise in engaging diverse user bases, especially in gaming and entertainment.”
Nihansh Bhat, Lead of Corporate Development at KRAFTON India, added:
“This investment extends our strategy to collaborate with Indian startups and emerging ecosystems like hyperlocal platforms. Working closely with Shuru, we aim to enhance user experiences, amplify regional connections, and contribute meaningfully to India’s evolving digital landscape.”
A Commitment to India’s Startup Ecosystem
With nearly $200 million already invested in Indian startups, KRAFTON India’s backing of Shuru underscores its dedication to nurturing innovation and growth within the country’s dynamic tech scene. This partnership not only accelerates Shuru’s mission to empower local communities but also strengthens KRAFTON’s position as a key player in India’s digital future.
What This Means for You
For users, this collaboration promises richer, more engaging local content and interactive features that bring communities closer. For businesses, it opens new channels to connect with customers at the neighborhood level. And for the broader Indian digital ecosystem, it signals a powerful synergy between gaming, technology, and hyperlocal innovation.
