The gaming world descended on Startup Mahakumbh 2025 yesterday, transforming the event’s second day into an electrifying showcase of India’s rapidly evolving gaming ecosystem. With industry titans, content creators, and visionary investors gathering under one roof, the Gaming Pavilion became the epicenter of discussions that will likely shape the future of interactive entertainment in the region.
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Startup Mahakumbh 2025: Asia’s Largest Startup Celebration Shines Spotlight on India’s Gaming Revolution
CarryMinati Unplugged: From YouTube Experiments to Digital Empire
In what was undoubtedly the day’s most anticipated session, Asia’s premier gaming influencer Ajey Nagar—better known to millions as CarryMinati—took the stage alongside WinZO co-founders Paavan Nanda and Saumya Singh Rathore. The standing-room-only crowd hung on every word as Ajey shared rare insights into his journey from experimental content creator to digital phenomenon.
“There was a point in my life that changed everything,” CarryMinati revealed in a moment of candid reflection. “The real turning point came when a few of my videos started gaining traction on YouTube. That’s when I decided to take content creation seriously and committed myself fully.”
His advice for aspiring creators resonated deeply with the audience: “Today, the space is far more competitive than when I started. New creators face constant comparison and a cluttered environment. But if you’re passionate, it’s all worth it—because despite the pressure, there’s so much joy in creating that you simply can’t take it for granted.”
Breaking Barriers: Women Reshaping Gaming’s Future
The WinZO Games-powered session “Women Making an Impact in the World of Gaming” delivered powerful perspectives on how female leaders are transforming the industry from the inside out. Moderated by WinZO’s Ramanjot Kohli, the panel brought together trailblazers including:
- Anupriya Sinha Das (Nazara Technologies)
- Jaya Chahar (JCDC Sports)
- Priya Meenakshi Narasimhan (Indus App Store)
The conversation extended beyond typical diversity discussions, diving deep into how women are bringing unique approaches to product design, player engagement strategies, and community building—ultimately creating more inclusive and innovative gaming experiences.
Meta’s Game-Changing Distribution Power
Perhaps the most business-critical session of the day focused on how Meta’s platforms are revolutionizing game distribution. Industry experts revealed startling statistics:
- 75% of game purchases are now influenced by Reels
- 40% of users’ time on Meta platforms is spent consuming Reels content
The panel featuring Shefali Arora (Meta India), Ankush Takyar (WinZO), and Sagrika Sharan (Meta) explored how creator-led engagement is creating new pathways for game discovery and monetization. Their insights painted a clear picture: social-first distribution strategies are becoming essential for games seeking to break through in today’s crowded marketplace.
Inside the Investor Mindset: Lumikai’s VC Masterclass
For founders seeking funding, Aditya Deshpande of Lumikai offered a rare window into the venture capital decision-making process. His masterclass broke down the “5Cs” that VCs evaluate in founding teams:
- Competence: The skills and expertise to execute the vision
- Character: The integrity and values that build trust
- Commitment: The dedication to persist through challenges
- Clarity: The ability to articulate a compelling vision
- Curiosity: The mindset to continuously learn and adapt
Deshpande emphasised that market size, competitive dynamics, timing, and growth prospects remain critical factors in investment decisions—particularly in the rapidly evolving gaming space.
Founder’s Journey: Navigating Interactive Entertainment’s Future
The second day of Startup Mahakumbh 2025 concluded with an intimate “Founder’s Cut” session featuring industry veterans Darsh Muthappa (AutoVRse), Krishnendu Mukherjee (GigaFunStudios), and Aman Satija (Buystars). Moderated by Lumikai’s Aditya Deshpande, the conversation revealed a crucial insight: while solid pitches and business models open doors, it’s the founder’s unique story and vision that ultimately secure investment.
The founders stressed the importance of adaptability in fundraising strategies, particularly as investor expectations continue to shift. Their collective advice: learn from past efforts, stay attuned to market trends, and remain authentic to your core vision.
What’s Next for India’s Gaming Ecosystem?
As Startup Mahakumbh 2025 continues, the second day’s focus on gaming has highlighted India’s emergence as a global force in interactive entertainment. From content creation to investment strategies, the sessions revealed an ecosystem that’s not just growing—it’s innovating in ways that could redefine how games are created, distributed, and experienced worldwide.
The confluence of creative talent, technological infrastructure, and investment capital positions India uniquely in the global gaming landscape. If the energy and insights from day two are any indication, the country’s gaming industry is poised for unprecedented growth and innovation in the years ahead.
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What gaming trends are you most excited about from Startup Mahakumbh 2025? Share your thoughts in the comments belo
