PlaySuper, a pioneering gaming commerce company, has successfully raised $500,000 in a seed funding round led by IAN Angel Fund and 100X.VC. The round also saw participation from notable angel investors, including Uday Sodhi, KRS Jamwal, Pratham Mittal, Rajit Bhattacharya, and Ankit Das.
About PlaySuper
Founded in April 2024 and headquartered in Gurgaon, PlaySuper is transforming the gaming landscape by integrating real-world shopping experiences directly into mobile games. This innovative approach allows gamers to shop for tangible products within their favorite games, enhancing player engagement and offering a novel monetization strategy for developers.
Utilization of Funds
The newly secured capital will be utilized to:
- Accelerate Product Development: Launch a next-generation, hyper-personalized in-game store that integrates seamlessly without requiring game updates.
- Market Expansion: Enter Southeast Asia within six months, followed by expansions into the MENA and LATAM regions.
- Talent Acquisition: Recruit a world-class Product Head and expand the B2B partnerships team to collaborate with more gaming studios.
Founders' Background
The founding team—Shouradeep Chakraborty (Co-founder & COO), Upamanyu, and Abhir—are lifelong gamers and second-time entrepreneurs. They previously co-founded LectureNotes, an edtech platform that raised $2.5 million in 2022, demonstrating their capability to build and scale tech-driven businesses.
Industry Perspective
Padmaja Ruparel, Co-founder of IAN Group, emphasized the significance of PlaySuper's innovation, stating:
"The gaming industry in India is growing rapidly, yet retention and monetization remain challenges. PlaySuper is pioneering a new business model that benefits both developers and players. We have immense confidence in the founding team’s ability to drive this change."
Our Opinion on the News
PlaySuper's successful seed funding round marks a significant milestone in the convergence of gaming and commerce. By embedding real-world shopping into mobile games, the company addresses critical challenges in player retention and monetization. This innovative approach not only enhances the gaming experience for players but also provides developers with a sustainable revenue model. As PlaySuper expands into new markets and strengthens its partnerships, it is poised to set a new standard in the gaming industry, reflecting the evolving dynamics of digital engagement and consumer behavior.