Entrepreneurship has become the cornerstone of India’s economic story. As the country’s startup ecosystem has grown into one of the largest in the world, it reflects the nation’s changing aspirations and ambitions that extend far beyond its borders.
According to a KPMG report, as of June 2024, the Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT) has recognised 1,40,803 startups, leading to the creation of over 15.5 lakh direct jobs. These startups span 56 diversified sectors, underlining the scale and diversity of India’s entrepreneurial growth.
Among these sectors is a new wave of entrepreneurs who are quietly transforming passion-driven ideas into global businesses. Today, as digital-first generations shape culture and consumption, gaming and esports entrepreneurs are emerging as the new architects of youth entertainment.
On the occasion of World Entrepreneur Day, it is worth celebrating gaming and esports entrepreneurs who are not only shaping the industry in India but also leaving their mark on global markets. Among them, NODWIN Gaming stands out as a global leader in youth entertainment, gaming, and esports, putting India firmly on the world map.
Co-founded by gamers Akshat Rathee and Gautam Virk in 2014, the company is valued at USD 410 million as of November 2024. In a significant move, NODWIN recently deconsolidated from Nazara Technologies, ceasing to be its subsidiary while still retaining Nazara as the largest shareholder. Backed by a fresh USD 10 million fundraise from existing investors including JetSynthesys, KRAFTON, and the founders themselves, the company has set its sights on becoming the ‘Disney of the Global South.’
NODWIN has already established its presence across South Asia, Singapore, the Middle East, Germany, Central Asia, and Taiwan through its acquisitions and IPs, and now aims to expand into fast-growing markets such as India, Indonesia, the Philippines, Nigeria, Kenya, Mexico, and Saudi Arabia.
Akshat Rathee, Co-founder and Managing Director, NODWIN Gaming says, “At NODWIN Gaming, our vision has always been to build youth entertainment platforms and IPs that resonate with audiences across the globe. I am proud that our passion-led venture has steadily grown into a global business and our journey reinforces my belief that India has the talent, creativity, and drive not just to participate but to lead the youth entertainment revolution.
The Indian startup story has already shown the world what is possible in technology and innovation, and gaming, esports, and the wider youth entertainment ecosystem represent the next chapter of that story. NODWIN is determined to be at the forefront of this movement.”
When it comes to international recognition in gaming and esports content, few names in India shine as brightly as S8UL. Co-founded by Animesh Agarwal (8Bit Thug), Lokesh Jain (Goldy), Naman Mathur (Mortal), and Sumit Sovasaria, the global powerhouse in esports and gaming content is home to 25+ of India’s leading creators and is the only Indian organisation currently competing in 13 different esports titles.
S8UL has consistently made the nation proud on the global stage. This year, the organisation became India’s first and only team to be selected among 40 of the world’s best esports teams for the Club Partner Program of the USD 70 million prize pool Esports World Cup (EWC), cementing its place among the industry’s elite. To prepare, S8UL expanded internationally, acquiring teams and talents across North America, Germany, South America, Australia, and South Korea.
Beyond esports, S8UL has earned unprecedented global recognition, winning ‘Content Group of the Year’ at the Esports Awards for three consecutive years. Its co-founder Naman “Mortal” Mathur also bagged ‘Esports Content Creator of the Year’ at the same awards, often described as the “Oscars of Gaming.” Adding to this streak, S8UL and its creators have twice won at the MOBIES (Mobile Gaming Awards), with Payal Dhare (Payal Gaming) making history as the first female gamer from India to win ‘Streamer of the Year’ on the global stage.
“When we started S8UL, one of our biggest goals was to put Indian gaming and esports on the global map. Over the years, that dream has evolved into a movement powered by the incredible passion of our players, creators, and community.
What began as a small group of like-minded gamers has grown into a family that inspires millions, builds careers, and represents India on the world’s biggest stages. With one of the youngest populations in the world, the story of Indian gaming is still being written, and we are determined to ensure it resonates across the globe,” notes Lokesh Jain aka 8Bit Goldy, Co-founder, S8UL Esports.
While NODWIN and S8UL focus on youth entertainment and esports, Dirtcube Interactive is building the technology stack that could power the future of gaming globally. Founded in Mumbai by Pravan Parikh and Mikhail Bhuta, Dirtcube recently launched GameStarz, a groundbreaking mobile-based virtual world blending multiplayer gaming, competitive play, and social interaction.
At the heart of Dirtcube’s innovation is Specter, its proprietary all-in-one backend platform that integrates player progression, game economy management, automated achievements and rewards, leaderboards, LiveOps, real-money features, and much more. Specter empowers developers and marketers worldwide to create immersive and scalable gaming experiences.
Mikhail Bhuta, Co-founder and Tech Lead, Dirtcube Interactive, highlights, “Dirtcube Interactive has always aimed to reimagine the future of digital entertainment and create experiences that connect people in meaningful ways. With Gamestarz and Specter, we are only beginning to explore what is truly possible.
The convergence of gaming with fitness, sports, content, and even education shows that interactive experiences can be more than just entertainment; they can become a way of life. We are committed to being at the forefront of this revolution, ensuring that what we build in India has the power to scale globally and inspire the next generation of gamers and creators.”
On World Entrepreneur Day, ventures like NODWIN Gaming, S8UL, and Dirtcube Interactive show that India’s entrepreneurial energy extends far beyond traditional industries. By creating world-class IPs, competing at the highest stages, and driving innovation, they are ensuring India does not just participate in this revolution but leads it.
