BUSINESS
NODWIN Gaming, the esports subsidiary of Nazara Technologies, aims to acquire 5-7 companies in the coming years along with increasing its global presence from 22 to 40-50 office locations. The gaming startup acquired Comic Con India in January this year and Singapore-based live events firm Branded last year. Some of the other companies acquired by NODWIN to date include Planet Superheroes, OML Live IPs, Publish Me Global and Ninja Global. “Our recent acquisitions of Comic Con India and Branded are part of our strategy to build a comprehensive portfolio that caters to the interests of the youth,” Akshat Rathee, co-founder and managing director, NODWIN Gaming told Fe. The startup also plans to expand from a gaming and esports company to a holistic youth-based company. To enable the same, it is exploring opportunities in digital content creation, influencer marketing , and community-driven platforms. “Today’s youth culture is multifaceted and interconnected. Gaming and esports are pivotal aspects, but they are part of a broader ecosystem that includes entertainment, content creation, lifestyle and identity,” added Rathee. The company plans to create a diversified network that amplifies its reach and impact in the youth-centric market referred to as the global south, which includes countries like Indonesia, Malaysia, the Philippines, Vietnam, India, Pakistan, Bangladesh , Nigeria, Kenya, South Africa, Turkey, Mexico and more. “All of these places have a burgeoning youth population and growing economies. These emerging markets present the most potential for growth and engagement, and they are where we are most interested in focusing our efforts,” he said. NODWIN was founded by Rathee and Gautam Singh Virk in 2014. Nazara Technologies is the majority shareholder in NODWIN Gaming, but it functions as an independent subsidiary and operates businesses across media, influencers, tournament IPs, brand solutions and merchandising. NODWIN today owns an 80% share of the Indian esports market, according to Nazara filings. The company reported ₹427.1 crore in revenue in FY23, an increase of 10% from ₹388.7 crore in FY22. NODWIN Gaming has also recently signed definitive agreements to increase its existing 13.51% stake in Freaks 4U Gaming GmbH, a Berlin-based global full-service gaming and esports agency to 100% in tranches through a share swap valued at up to ₹271 crore. “This move is set to bolster our access to developed markets, in addition to execution and planning capabilities in PC gaming and publishing support services,” he said. In May 2023, NODWIN raised $28 million from new investors such as Sony Group Corporation and Innopark and existing investors including Nazara, Krafton and JetSynthesys. The round valued the startup at $349 million. “We are profitable and plan to raise further only when we believe we need more dry powder to help expand our strategy and not to fund operations,” said the co-founder. The company also has a strategic partnership with the Global Esports Federation (GEF). “Our aligned vision is to elevate esports globally in emerging markets,” he added. While India remains a key market for NODWIN, it has also seen significant growth in Turkey, Central Asia, South Asia, and African countries like Nigeria, Kenya, and South Africa. Further, despite recognising substantial revenue potential in developed regions like Japan, China, Korea, Europe, and America, NODWIN’s focus is on delivering in developing and lower-cost markets such as the Philippines, Malaysia, Thailand, India, Turkey, Nigeria, Kenya, South Africa, and CIS nations. “Additionally, promising opportunities are seen in Latin American markets like Mexico and Brazil,” added the co-founder. Follow us on Twitter , Instagram , LinkedIn, Facebook None
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