Bengaluru-based gaming startup LightFury Games has raised $11 million (around ₹103 crore) in a pre-Series A funding round, marking a significant milestone for India’s growing gaming ecosystem. The round was led by investors including Blume Ventures, V3 Ventures, MIXI, and Times Internet, with participation from several prominent Indian cricketers.
What sets this funding apart is the presence of cricket stars such as MS Dhoni, Jasprit Bumrah, and Hardik Pandya as strategic investors. Their involvement signals a growing trend where athletes are not just endorsing brands but actively investing in technology ventures.
The company, founded by CEO Karan Shroff, is positioning itself as a premium game-tech studio focused on building globally competitive titles from India. With this latest funding, LightFury is looking to accelerate development and expand its team, which already includes around 100 professionals working across creative and technical domains.
“Dhoni, Bumrah, Pandya back LightFury in $11M round.”~Economic Times
Cricketers Join as Strategic Investors, Not Just Brand Faces:
Unlike traditional brand endorsements, the cricketers involved in this funding round are expected to play a more integrated role in the company’s flagship product. According to company statements, players like Dhoni, Bumrah, and Pandya will not only support the venture financially but also contribute to shaping the gaming experience.
In fact, these athletes are expected to appear as playable characters in the company’s upcoming cricket-based game, adding authenticity and fan appeal. The move is aimed at bridging the gap between real-world cricket and digital gaming, something the industry has struggled to achieve at a global level.
The funding round also included other Indian cricketers such as Shreyas Iyer, Ravindra Jadeja, Tilak Varma, and Sai Sudharsan, further strengthening the startup’s sports-backed credibility.
“Top Indian cricketers back LightFury’s global gaming ambitions.”~SportsMint
Focus on Building a Global AAA Cricket Gaming Franchise:
At the core of LightFury’s vision is the development of a AAA-quality cricket game franchise, something that has long been missing despite cricket’s massive global following. The company is currently working on a mobile-first title called ‘eCricket’, which is expected to launch in 2026.
The game is being built using advanced technologies, including Unreal Engine 5, and aims to deliver a realistic cricketing experience with features such as physics-based gameplay, tactical decision-making, and immersive presentation.
LightFury has also secured rights to a large roster of professional cricketers, reportedly featuring over 600 players from around the world. This is expected to give the game a level of depth and authenticity that could help it compete with global sports gaming franchises.
“LightFury bets big on eCricket with $11M funding.”~Business Today
Funding Reflects Growing Confidence in India’s Gaming Industry:
The investment in LightFury Games highlights a broader trend: increasing confidence in India’s gaming and esports sector. With a large and young user base, the country has become one of the fastest-growing gaming markets globally.
Analysts say that the involvement of high-profile athletes adds not just financial backing but also marketing power and credibility, which can significantly boost user adoption.
“LightFury raises $11M with strong backing from cricket stars.”~Moneycontrol
The company had earlier raised $8.5 million in 2024, and this latest round strengthens its financial position as it moves closer to launching its flagship product.
For LightFury, the goal goes beyond just launching a game. The startup aims to prove that India can create world-class gaming intellectual property (IP) capable of competing on a global stage. With strong investor backing and involvement from some of cricket’s biggest names, the company appears well-positioned to take on that challenge.
