South Korean gaming giant Krafton, best known globally for developing the blockbuster battle royale title PUBG, is spearheading a major new investment push into India and Asia’s technology landscape. The company has announced plans to lead a $666 million investment fund, in partnership with fellow South Korean heavyweights Naver and Mirae Asset, marking one of the most significant coordinated bets by Korean firms on the Indian tech ecosystem to date.

The newly formed fund reflects growing confidence among South Korean investors in India’s long-term digital growth story. With its large and youthful population, rapidly expanding internet access, and flourishing startup ecosystem, India has increasingly emerged as a key destination for global technology capital. Krafton’s leadership role in the fund underscores its intention to go beyond gaming and establish a broader strategic footprint across sectors such as digital entertainment, fintech, artificial intelligence, content platforms, and consumer technology.

Krafton already has a strong presence in India through its popular title Battlegrounds Mobile India (BGMI), which was developed specifically for Indian users after regulatory challenges forced PUBG Mobile’s exit. Over the years, the company has invested hundreds of millions of dollars in Indian startups across gaming, esports, social media, and interactive content. This new fund signals a continuation—and expansion—of that strategy, with a sharper focus on long-term value creation rather than short-term returns.

Naver, South Korea’s leading internet company and the operator of popular platforms such as LINE and NAVER Search, brings deep expertise in digital services, content, and AI-driven platforms. Meanwhile, Mirae Asset, one of Asia’s largest financial services groups, adds institutional investment strength and global capital management experience. Together, the trio aims to identify and nurture high-growth technology ventures across India and other Asian markets.

Industry observers see this move as part of a broader trend of increased South Korean investment in India, driven by geopolitical diversification, strong bilateral ties, and India’s rising role as a global innovation hub. The fund is expected to focus on early- and growth-stage startups, providing not just capital but also strategic guidance, global market access, and operational support.

For India’s startup ecosystem, the fund could prove significant at a time when global venture capital flows have become more selective. The involvement of established strategic investors like Krafton and Naver may help promising startups scale sustainably, access international markets, and build globally competitive products.

Overall, Krafton’s decision to lead a $666 million Asia-focused fund highlights India’s growing importance in global technology investment strategies. As digital adoption accelerates and innovation deepens, such cross-border collaborations are likely to play a crucial role in shaping the next phase of India’s tech-driven growth story.