Krafton India has announced an investment in Shuru, an Indore-based social networking platform that focuses on local communities. The funding amount was not disclosed. Existing investors Omidyar Network India and Eximius Ventures also participated in this round.
Shuru, founded by Mayank Bhangadia and Harsh Chhabra, is a location-based app that provides local updates, shop information, and classifieds. The platform claims to have over 2 million monthly active users across India.
Bhangadia, an IIT Delhi graduate, previously co-founded Roposo, a short-video app that reached 100 million users before being acquired. Chhabra, who led product development at Roposo, later started GoParento, a parenting community app.
The investment aims to help Krafton engage with regional audiences and expand its game reach in local markets. For Shuru, this partnership offers an opportunity to leverage Krafton’s expertise in user engagement, particularly in gaming and entertainment.
Sean Hyunil Sohn, CEO of Krafton India, stated, “The hyperlocal digital ecosystem in India shows great potential. Shuru is well-positioned to lead this change in India.”
Bhangadia, also Shuru’s CEO, mentioned that the app has over 650,000 locations and recently crossed 10 million installations. He added, “We’re creating a platform that will change how Indians interact. Our partnership with Krafton India opens new opportunities for innovation and growth.”
Nihansh Bhat, Lead of Corporate Development at Krafton India, said the company aims to enhance user experiences and contribute to India’s hyperlocal digital landscape through this collaboration.
Since 2021, Krafton has invested over $200 million in Indian startups across various sectors. The company also supports local gaming through its Krafton India Gaming Incubator (KIGI).
