BGMI’s parent company Krafton is making a massive move in India with a ₹6,000+ crore investment fund. Partnering with tech giant Naver and financial powerhouse Mirae Asset, this South Korean trio is betting big on India’s startup ecosystem—and it’s about more than just gaming.
Unicorn Growth Fund: Investment Breakdown
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Total Fund Size | $666 million (₹6,000+ crores) |
| Initial Pool | $333 million (January 2026) |
| Primary Focus | Indian tech startups |
| Fund Manager | Mirae Asset Venture India |
| Partners | Krafton, Naver, Mirae Asset |
| Launch Timeline | January 2026 |
This “Unicorn Growth Fund” represents the first major collaboration between these three South Korean giants in India. The strategic timing aligns with South Korea’s broader economic pivot, diversifying investments away from China while tapping into India’s booming tech market.
Krafton’s Growing Indian Footprint
Krafton has already invested over $200 million in India, predominantly in gaming ventures. The company’s flagship title, Battlegrounds Mobile India (BGMI), has amassed an impressive 240 million downloads despite navigating regulatory challenges.
BGMI emerged after India’s 2020 ban on PlayerUnknown’s Battlegrounds (PUBG) due to data security concerns linked to Chinese connections. The rebranded mobile game faced its own temporary ban before returning to India’s gaming landscape, highlighting the regulatory volatility in the sector.
South Korea’s Deepening India Strategy
This investment fund signals South Korea’s commitment to India as a strategic market. Cumulative foreign direct investment from South Korea reached approximately $6.8 billion by mid-2025, according to Indian government data. Seoul’s diversification strategy targets both supply chain resilience and access to India’s massive consumer base.
The fund will extend beyond gaming into broader technology startups, positioning Krafton alongside tech innovator Naver and investment specialist Mirae Asset. This diversification approach mirrors global trends where gaming companies expand into fintech, e-commerce, and emerging technology sectors.
With operations beginning in just weeks, the Unicorn Growth Fund could reshape India’s startup funding landscape, bringing Korean capital, expertise, and strategic partnerships to promising ventures across multiple tech verticals.
