Right now, India has over 117,000 startups, many of which are in video games and esports, which is why it’s one of the biggest economies in the world.
The Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT) says that the games industry now has over 500 million players, which has boosted the number of people watching and the amount of money being made.
This expansion has turned esports and gaming into real job options for both players and business owners. Lately, India’s top leader, Narendra Modi, has encouraged game creators to go global and make more stuff instead of just buying them.
Acknowledging Entrepreneurs
During the celebration of World Entrepreneurs’ Day, we’ve got a list of gamers who’ve become founders. They include Akshat Rathee [center] and Gautam Virk, who started NODWIN Gaming. This company is now worth $349 million as of 2023.
The Pune-based gaming startup, run by Roby John and his partner, is also making waves worldwide with games like MaskGun and Battle Stars. They’re also working on Indus Battle Royale, India’s most significant game, and they are just starting their Open Beta phase.
Likewise, Max Level, a marketing and PR agency started by gamers Siddharth Nayyar [right], Nishant Patel, and Rakesh Ramachandran, has grown from just a tiny games forum to a big media company that helps both local and global brands reach out to gamers.
Mastering Challenges
“Building NODWIN Gaming from the ground up wasn’t easy. Convincing people that esports was not just a viable career but an industry with immense potential, especially among the youth, was a tough sell,” said co-founder Rathee.
SuperGaming CEO and co-founder Roby John added: “From our first venture in 2004 to launching our most ambitious battle royale – Indus, the lessons learned are countless. The most important one? Build something people truly want. Everything else, from securing investments to navigating challenges, falls into place once you focus on that.”
Suggestions for Young Entrepreneurs
When new founders lack guidance and experience, Rathee advises that ” to secure investment in India’s esports industry, you need to deeply understand how the industry functions. Entrepreneurs should ensure that their product or idea builds a strong community that is not just limited to the industry.”
“Present a clear plan for revenue generation, such as through ads, sponsorships, ticketing, and merchandise. Investors seek businesses with solid revenue models and growth potential, so having a robust strategy is crucial.”
Maxx Level Nayyar added, “Don’t give away equity easily and remember that fundraising is just a stepping stone. Focus on building a profitable business and solving a problem you’re passionate about. Have a solid plan, but remain flexible and adapt as you go. Lastly, surround yourself with a team that shares your vision and is committed to overcoming challenges.”
