PUBG Mobile publisher Krafton invests over $800 million into Indian startups and tech

PUBG Mobile publisher Krafton is venturing into the world of tech startups. In India.

Krafton has made a $666 million investment fund in partnership with Naver and Mirae Asset in an attempt to diversify beyond gaming. The three South Korean brands will be venturing into India in January 2026. 

Krafton has separately invested over $200 million into India's gaming sector. 

Krafton has long history in India with Battlegrounds Mobile India (BGMI)

It makes sense that Krafton has its eyes on India. BGMI has over 240 million downloads, with the majority of its fanbase in India, of course. 

BGMI was developed by Krafton after India banned PUBG for violence. Even Battlegrounds Mobile India was banned in India for a while, but it was brought back in 2023 and has been thriving in the country ever since. 

The BGMI esports scene saw a massive viewership explosion in 2025. According to Esports Charts, the BGMI Masters Series Season 4 finals in September had 10 million views on YouTube between its Hindi, English, and Gujarati broadcasts.

It will be interesting to see what happens when Krafton gets more involved with India's gaming and technology sectors.