Gaming platform WinZO acquires Upskillz Games

Social online gaming platform WinZO has acquired a majority stake in Upskillz Games, a casual game development studio, for an undisclosed amount.

Through this acquisition, WinZO will integrate Upskillz’s blockchain and Web3 products into its platform. And it will add up to Upskillz’s 1.3 million captive audience base to its platform.

Following this acquisition, both gaming companies will collaborate to conceptualize new games and share their technical expertise as well as resources while developing new games.

Read also –[Funding alert] SaaS startup LeadSquared join unicorn club with $153 mn in funding

The Gurugram-based Upskillz Games was founded in December 2020 by Mannit Sidhu, it is a mobile-based gaming platform.

The startup claims a month-on-month (MoM) growth rate of 75% since its inception.

“The unparalleled innovation-based approach at WinZO makes it destined to be the top player of this $1.5 Bn rapidly growing industry in India. Having the proponents of these same values at Upskillz, makes this association with WinZO a natural one. Together, we are committed to develop world-class gaming titles powered by modern technology for users in India and globally”, said, Mannit Sidhu, founder of Upskillz Games.

WinZO was founded in 2018 by Paavan Nanda, It offers over 100 online games on its platform including Carrom, Sniper 3D, Bubble Shooter, Fruit Samurai, Cricket, 8-Ball Pool and Knife Up, among others.

Read also – [Funding alert] Go Green Warehouse Private Limited raised undisclosed amount through Structured Debt Financing

The startup essentially partners with third-party developers to host games on Android apps.

According to the statement, it currently offers online games in 12 local languages for its extensive user base of 80 million.

“India is at the cusp of a global gaming revolution today and with the participation of great partners like Upskillz, WinZO is committed to unlock this latent potential of the Indian game development industry,” said, Paavan Nanda, co-founder, WinZO.

In December 2021, WinZO had raised $20 million Game Developer Fund to back gaming developers in India.

Additionally, it had raised $65 million in its Series C funding round from Griffin Gaming Partners in July 2021.

About WinZO

WinZO is the largest social gaming and entertainment platform in India. Launched in early 2018, the Company partners with third-party developers to host games on its own Android and iOS app, where users can enjoy personalized multiplayer gameplay experiences.

The platform is available in 12 languages such as English, Hindi, Gujarati, Marathi, Bengali, and Bhojpuri, with over 75 million registered users. The WinZO platform facilitates over 2.5 billion micro-transactions per month across a portfolio of 100+ games.

Read also – [Funding alert] Immuneel Therapeutics raises $15 mn in funding

WinZO is focused on building an enthusiastic community of gamers and gaming influencers in Tier 2 – 5 cities in India. The Company envisions a future where the WinZO platform can deliver a culturally relevant and enjoyable experience in the Indian gaming ecosystem, monetized through a unique micro-transaction model.

Its Investors- Griffin Gaming Partners, Kalaari Capital, Makers Fund, Courtside Ventures, Steve Pagliuca- Co-Chairman, Bain Capital and Co-owners of NBA team Boston Celtics.

About Upskillz Games

Upskillz Games is a mobile games platform that connects players in fair, fun, and skillful competition. The company is headquartered in Gurugram.