Krafton, the South Korean gaming giant known for titles like Battlegrounds Mobile India, has made a fresh bet on the Indian tech space—this time backing a homegrown social networking startup with hyperlocal ambitions. The company, through its Indian division, has poured an undisclosed sum into Shuru, a digital platform built around local discovery and community interaction, based out of Indore, Madhya Pradesh.
The funding round also saw participation from existing backers Omidyar Network India and Eximius Ventures, who appear confident in the startup’s momentum.
Shuru isn’t trying to be the next Twitter or Instagram. Instead, it’s carving out its own space by giving users real-time updates from their neighborhoods—think local news, shop listings, community classifieds, and buy-sell posts. The app is already being used by over 2 million people each month, suggesting that its hyperlocal approach is resonating with users in smaller towns and cities.
Continue Exploring: “Kuch Nahi Hoga”—Anupam Mittal Challenges This Dangerous Mindset in Policy Bazaar’s New Ad
The brains behind Shuru are Mayank Bhangadia and Harsh Chhabra. Mayank, an IIT Delhi graduate, was previously behind Roposo, a short-video app that hit 100 million users before being snapped up by InMobi’s Glance. Harsh, who led product at Roposo, went on to launch GoParento, a digital space for parents to connect and share advice.
For Krafton, this investment isn’t just about money—it’s strategic. The company hopes to build deeper connections with Indian users by getting closer to what’s happening on the ground. “Local engagement is key if we want to be more relevant across India,” said Sean Hyunil Sohn, CEO of Krafton India. “Shuru’s approach to community-driven content fits perfectly with our mission of delivering experiences that feel native and meaningful to different regions.”
Continue Exploring: Lahori Beverages Nears ₹450 Crore Fundraise as Valuation Soars to ₹2,500 Crore – A New Challenger in India’s Booming Drinks Market
Sean added that the hyperlocal landscape in India is still in its early stages but is full of potential—and Shuru is well-positioned to lead the charge.
Shuru’s CEO, Mayank Bhangadia, echoed that sentiment. “We’re building something that goes beyond just social media—we’re creating digital infrastructure for neighborhoods,” he said. “With over 6.5 lakh locations already active on the platform and having crossed 10 million installs, we’re just scratching the surface. Partnering with Krafton gives us the firepower to innovate faster and serve our communities even better.”
Nihansh Bhat, who heads corporate development at Krafton India, noted that the collaboration is about more than just growth—it’s about shaping the future of local digital interaction. “By working with Shuru, we aim to strengthen user experiences, build stronger local ties, and contribute meaningfully to India’s digital evolution at the grassroots level,” he said.
Since 2021, Krafton has invested more than $200 million in Indian startups spanning gaming, entertainment, and tech. Its support also extends to nurturing game developers through initiatives like the Krafton India Gaming Incubator (KIGI).
As India’s digital footprint continues to spread beyond metros, bets like Shuru may just prove that the next big thing isn’t global—it’s right around the corner.
