Zupee Backs India’s Gaming Story at Waves Summit 2025

Zupee Backs India’s Gaming Story at Waves Summit 2025

Mumbai, May 5 2025: Zupee, India’s leading skill-based gaming platform, took center stage at the WAVES Summit 2025 held in Mumbai as industry pioneers gathered to spotlight India’s ascent as a global gaming powerhouse. Representing Zupee, Ravi Shankar Jha – Director of Public Policy shared insights on the transformative role of gaming in shaping India’s digital economy and cultural storytelling.

Speaking at the summit, Jha said, “Our mission has always been to bring culturally relevant games to the Indian mass audience. India has always been a land of games and stories, and we believe that with the right support, domestic developers can take Indian games to a global audience.”

Related:Zupee Reports First-Ever Profit With ₹146 Cr PAT.

The summit also saw the launch of the Government of India’s ‘Create in India Challenge’ encouraging young developers to build original games inspired by Indian themes  – a creative initiative that mirrors Zupee’s mission of celebrating Indian culture through innovative digital gameplay.

With games like Online Skill-Based Ludo and a growing national user base, Zupee continues to drive a paradigm shift from entertainment to meaningful engagement in the digital gaming space.

By advocating for homegrown innovation and expanding access to skill-based gaming, Zupee reinforces its role as a catalyst in India’s journey to becoming a global gaming powerhouse.

About Zupee: Zupee is the largest skill-based ludo platform in India. Zupee offers ‘games of skill’ in which a player’s skill, knowledge, attention, experience and capabilities are crucial to success. Zupee’s product portfolio of skill-based board games is redefining the online real-money gaming ecosystem by providing meaningful entertainment and bringing moments of joy. Zupee seeks to offer a learning-driven gaming ecosystem in the country. Founded by IIT Kanpur graduates, Dilsher Singh Malhi and Siddhant Saurabh in 2018, Zupee is backed by marquee investors such as WestCap Group, Tomales Bay Capital, Nepean Capital, AJ Capital, Matrix Partners India, & Orios Venture Partners. Recently, Zupee was also recognized and applauded as the ‘Future Ready Organization’.

Also Read: Why the Gaming Industry Is Key to Your Success in 2025?

Zupee, a responsible gaming platform, adheres to a transparent communication policy and outlines clear guidelines on its website regarding Do’s & Dont’s. Zupee advocates for responsible gaming practices, emphasizing that gaming should be enjoyed primarily for entertainment purposes, rather than solely for monetary gains.

Media Contact: amrit.anand@zupee.in

Zupee Reports First-Ever Profit With ₹146 Cr PAT.

Zupee Reports First-Ever Profit With ₹146 Cr PAT.

 

  • Reported net revenue of ₹1,123 crore, reflecting strong topline growth
  • Achieved net profit of ₹146 crore — Zupee’s first full-year profitability since inception
  • Registered 60% growth in user base, with significant traction across new regions and demographics
  • Expanded beyond core North Indian markets to establish a pan-India footprint
  • Reinforced leadership in the skill-based casual gaming category, demonstrating both scale and commercial viability
  • Increased workforce by over 10%, with strategic hiring across product, technology, data science, and operations
  • Maintained growth momentum while navigating a dynamic regulatory and tax environment, including the impact of the revised GST framework in H2 FY24


New Delhi, 22nd April 2025: Zupee, India’s leading skill-based gaming platform, today announced its financial results for the fiscal year ending March 31, 2024, posting ₹1,123 crore in net revenue. The company also reported a net profit of ₹146 crore marking its first annual profitability since inception, corroborating strong business fundamentals and sustainable growth.

FY24 marked a period of strong, broad-based growth for Zupee, with a 60% increase in its registered user base. Having consolidated its leadership in traditional North Indian markets, the company expanded its presence across India, successfully entering new regions and attracting a wider, more diverse user demographic.

Zupee is known for pioneering Skill-Based Online Ludo, creating an entirely new category in India’s online gaming landscape. At a time when the space was dominated by fantasy sports and rummy, Zupee introduced skill-based casual games that offered a fresh alternative. Today, it not only leads the category it created but has also proven that this model can scale, resonate across diverse demographics, and thrive on strong business fundamentals.

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During the fiscal, Zupee continued to strengthen its internal capabilities to support long-term growth. The company expanded its workforce by over 10%, with focused hiring across product development, data science, technology, and operations. This strategic investment aligns with Zupee’s commitment to building scalable systems, fostering innovation, and ensuring operational excellence as the business scales rapidly.

Dilsher Singh Malhi, Founder & CEO of Zupee said, “FY24 was a landmark year as we turned profitable, scaled significantly, and saw our games resonate with audiences far beyond our initial markets. We didn’t just grow; we built an entirely new category in India’s gaming landscape. Our growth proves that games rooted in culture transcend geographies and generations. Our focus on innovation, compliance, and responsible gaming has positioned Zupee as a resilient player in India’s gaming market.”

While the 28% GST implementation in the latter half of the year posed structural challenges across the gaming industry, Zupee ludo sustained its momentum through operational agility, early adaptability, and a product-first approach. The full-year impact of the revised GST regime will reflect in FY ’25, even as we continue to advocate for a balanced tax framework that differentiates skill-based games from games of chance.

Also Read: How Zupee is Building New Gaming Experiences Rooted in India’s Culture

About Zupee: Zupee is the largest skill-based ludo platform in India. Zupee offers ‘games of skill’ in which a player’s skill, knowledge, attention, experience and capabilities are crucial to success. Zupee’s product portfolio of skill-based board games is redefining the online real-money gaming ecosystem by providing meaningful entertainment and bringing moments of joy. Zupee seeks to offer a learning-driven gaming ecosystem in the country. Founded by IIT Kanpur graduates, Dilsher Singh Malhi and Siddhant Saurabh in 2018, Zupee is backed by marquee investors such as WestCap Group, Tomales Bay Capital, Nepean Capital, AJ Capital, Matrix Partners India, & Orios Venture Partners. Recently, Zupee was also recognized and applauded as the ‘Future Ready Organization’.

Zupee, a responsible gaming platform, adheres to a transparent communication policy and outlines clear guidelines on its website regarding Do’s & Dont’s. Zupee advocates for responsible gaming practices, emphasizing that gaming should be enjoyed primarily for entertainment purposes, rather than solely for monetary gains.

Media Contact: amrit.anand@zupee.in

How Zupee is Building New Gaming Experiences Rooted in India’s Culture

How Zupee is Building New Gaming Experiences Rooted in India’s Culture

India’s digital landscape has radically transformed in recent years, driven by widespread smartphone adoption and affordable data plans. Amidst this evolution, Zupee has emerged as a pioneering platform that has created a unique category of games by reimagining traditional Indian pastimes for the digital age. By transforming classic games into skill-based, competitive formats, Zupee has built a successful business and preserved and promoted India’s rich cultural legacy.

Bringing Back Beloved Childhood Games

Zupee started by focusing on games that many Indians grew up playing. Titles like Ludo and Snakes & Ladders were always more than mere games; they were part of family time, festivals, and friendly rivalries. Zupee reimagined these classics with sleek digital designs while keeping their original charm. For example, the click of virtual dice in their Ludo games still sparks the same excitement as rolling a wooden die on a physical board. This mix of old and new has made these games popular across generations, from teenagers to grandparents.

Turning Luck into Skill

Traditional board games often depend on luck, but Zupee changed the rules. Take Ludo Supreme: instead of waiting to roll a six to start, players begin moving pieces right away, with time limits to plan their moves. These tweaks reward strategy over chance, making every match a test of quick thinking. Players now analyze risks, predict opponents’ moves, and adapt tactics, turning a casual pastime into a brain-training exercise.

Also Read: Biggest Game Releases of April 2025

Rewards That Matter

What makes Zupee stand out is its focus on real rewards. Players can earn actual prizes by winning matches, with some tournaments offering a chance to win up to ₹10 lakh. But beyond money, playing and winning with Zupee is more about the recognition that follows. Whether it is a homemaker in Rajasthan or a college student in Karnataka, both can showcase their skills and earn rewards, adding purpose to play. Free versions let newcomers practice, while paid contests challenge seasoned players.

Matching India’s Competitive Spirit

Indians love competition in cricket, exams, or even local card games. Zupee tapped into this spirit by creating fair, transparent tournaments. Over 100 million users log in to test their skills against others nationwide. Wins feel earned because outcomes depend on strategy, not random luck. This fairness has built trust, turning casual players into loyal fans.

Designing for the Future

Zupee’s games are super quick. Most of them wrap up in under 10 minutes. This respects players’ time and avoids addiction risks. Features like RNG certification (ensuring random outcomes are truly random) and blockchain checks (for tamper-proof records) keep games honest. The platform also offers choices: free play for fun, low-stakes contests for practice, and high-reward tournaments for experts.

Keeping Culture Alive in the Digital Age

Beyond entertainment, Zupee’s games act as cultural time capsules. When a teenager plays a digital version of Pachisi (an ancient cross-and-circle game), they are connecting with a 4,000-year-old tradition. By making these games trendy and accessible, Zupee ensures they are passed on to new generations. Regional variations and festival-themed tournaments deepen this cultural link, reminding players of India’s diverse heritage.

Also Read: What Should I Learn to Become a Game Developer?

A Blueprint for the Industry

Zupee’s success shows there is a growing demand for games that feel uniquely Indian. Other studios now explore regional stories and traditional art styles, but Zupee leads by blending culture with competition. As India’s gaming market grows, Zupee’s unique model of honoring Indian roots while also embracing innovation acts as a roadmap for other players in the domain. Whether through nostalgic gameplay, skill-based challenges, or meaningful rewards, Zupee proves that cultural heritage can thrive in the digital world.