SuperGaming, a Singapore-based casual social gaming startup, has raised $1.3 million (Rs 9.36 crore at current exchange rates) in a seed funding round from Tokyo-based Dream Incubator and other investors.
Akatsuki Entertainment Technology Fund (AET Fund) and Better Capital, a pre-seed and seed-stage venture firm that invests in multiple sectors, also took part in the funding round, SuperGaming said in a statement.
The company, which has a development office in Pune, said it plans to use the funds to build out its social platform as well as partner with existing popular gaming properties and expand its team.
Company co-founder and chief executive officer Roby John said that while most live-service games appeal to a more core gaming audience, SuperGaming is aiming to build a hub for casual games. The startup is also looking to build a safe space for communities typically at the receiving end of harassment in more traditional gaming platforms.
The startup was founded earlier this year by John, Navneet Waraich and Sanket Nadhani. John and Waraich were previously the CEO and chief technology officer at June Gaming. Nadhani previously headed the new products division at Wingify and marketing at FusionCharts.
Dream Incubator managing director Munehiko Eto said the firm was confident in its investment in SuperGaming because of the startup’s ability to create a high-quality game and market it.
Dream Incubator is an active investor in India and has backed more than 20 startups across sectors such as healthcare, finance, media and entertainment, and mobility. Its India portfolio includes e-pharmacy startup Myra and breast cancer screening startup Niramai Health.
The AET Fund is a $50-million investment vehicle launched in 2017 by Los Angeles- and Tokyo-based entertainment company Akatsuki Inc. Its India portfolio includes co-living space provider StayAbode, gaming startup Mech Mocha, e-commerce platform ShopKirana and marriage ceremony services portal The Wedding Brigade.
Gaming startups
Interest in different gaming segments has grown of late, especially with the popularity of leagues for different sports such as the Indian Premier League and the Pro Kabaddi League, and professional e-sports.
In September, mobile games developer Nazara Technologies acquired a majority stake in Delhi-based SportsUnity Pvt. Ltd, a gaming platform that operates online multiplayer quiz service Qunami. Nazara said the investment was part of SportsUnity’s funding round of Rs 7.5 crore (about $1.05 million).
The same month, live events intellectual property firm Event Capital acquired an 80% stake in Indian Games Expo, which holds exhibitions around the country focussed on the gaming industry. Event Capital is a part of the larger Laqshya Media Pvt. Ltd, which was founded in 1997 and owns brands such as Outdoor Media Integrated, Laqshya Assets, Tempus and Digit Labs.
