WinZO
 | |
| Company type | Private |
|---|---|
| Industry | Gaming, Real-money gaming |
| Founded | 2018 |
| Founders | Paavan Nanda, Saumya Singh Rathore |
| Headquarters | New Delhi , India |
Key people | Paavan Nanda (CEO), Saumya Singh Rathore (Co-founder) |
| Products | Mobile gaming, Real-money gaming, Skill-based games |
| Revenue | ₹674 crore (FY 2023)[1] |
Number of employees | 300+ (2024) |
| Website | www |
WinZO is an Indian mobile gaming and real-money gaming platform, founded in 2018 by Paavan Nanda and Saumya Singh Rathore. The platform offers a variety of skill-based games in multiple languages and provides cash rewards for winning games. WinZO has become one of the fastest-growing gaming startups in India, known for its localized games and collaboration with regional influencers.[2]
History
WinZO was launched in 2018 by Paavan Nanda, who had previously co-founded Zostel, and Saumya Singh Rathore, with the aim of creating a platform for skill-based games in India. The company quickly gained popularity, leveraging its wide range of casual and real-money games, including quiz games, card games, and puzzles.[3]
In 2023, WinZO reported significant growth, posting an operating profit of ₹120 crore for FY 2023 after a similar loss the previous year.[2] The company also reported revenue of ₹674 crore, with a profit after tax (PAT) of ₹126 crore.[1]
Products and Services
WinZO offers more than 100 skill-based games across categories such as puzzle games, strategy games, and fantasy sports. The platform allows players to compete against each other for cash prizes in multiple languages, targeting a wide audience in India’s regional markets.[4] WinZO also launched its ESOP (Employee Stock Ownership Plan) program, which has seen multiple buybacks, the most recent in 2024, marking its fourth round.[5]
Partnerships and Collaborations
WinZO has partnered with various educational institutions, including IITs and top business schools, for a mentorship program that helps students learn about the gaming industry and entrepreneurial opportunities.[6]
In 2024, the company expanded its international footprint by partnering with FGV-EAESP, a prestigious business school in Brazil, to explore opportunities in the Latin American gaming market.[7] WinZO has also worked with the Indian government to enhance digital commerce, becoming one of the first gaming platforms to collaborate with Open Network for Digital Commerce (ONDC).[8]
Legal Issues
WinZO has faced various legal challenges over the years. In 2023, the company was embroiled in a legal battle with Hike Messenger, another Indian gaming company, over allegations of intellectual property rights violations. The case, which gained significant media attention, is ongoing.[9]
Additionally, in 2024, the Delhi High Court granted WinZO a blanket injunction against several fake websites that were impersonating the company, allowing it to protect its brand and consumers.[10]
International Expansion
In addition to its strong presence in India, WinZO has set its sights on international markets. The company has announced plans to export Indian culture-based gaming technologies globally, with a focus on countries in Southeast Asia and Latin America.[4]
Challenges and Outlook
WinZO operates in a highly regulated space, as the Real-money gaming (RMG) industry in India faces increasing scrutiny from regulators. Many RMG startups have struggled due to evolving regulations, but WinZO has managed to stay resilient and continues to innovate in the space.[11]
The company is currently one of the leading players in India's booming real-money gaming sector and aims to continue its upward trajectory despite challenges in the market.
See also
References
- ↑ 1.0 1.1 "WinZO Ends FY23 With Rs 674 Cr Revenue And Rs 126 Cr PAT". Entrackr. Retrieved 2024-04-01.
- ↑ 2.0 2.1 "WinZO Posts Rs 120 Crore Operating Profit In FY23". Mint. Retrieved 2023-12-11.
- ↑ "WinZO Teams With Professors of IITs, Stanford To Build Statistical Models". Times of India. Retrieved 2023-10-01.
- ↑ 4.0 4.1 "WinZO To Export Indian Culture-Based Gaming Tech". Financial Express. Retrieved 2024-03-05.
- ↑ "WinZO Completes Fourth ESOP Buyback". Economic Times. Retrieved 2024-04-10.
- ↑ "WinZO Collaborates With Top B-Schools For Talent Mentorship". Business World. Retrieved 2024-04-02.
- ↑ "WinZO Partners With FGV-EAESP To Expand In Latin America". Business World. Retrieved 2023-06-15.
- ↑ "WinZO Joins Forces With ONDC". Business World. Retrieved 2023-08-22.
- ↑ "WinZO and Hike's Court Battle Over IP Rights Heats Up". Inc42. Retrieved 2023-11-01.
- ↑ "Delhi HC Grants WinZO Blanket Injunction Order Against Fake Websites". Economic Times Legal. Retrieved 2024-04-15.
- ↑ "Many RMG Startups On The Verge Of Shutting Down, Says CEO of WinZO". Storyboard18. Retrieved 2023-09-18.