Why Did Kavin Bharti Mittal Shut Down Hike After India’s Ban on Real-Money Gaming?
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Synopsis
In a surprising move, Kavin Bharti Mittal has decided to close Hike, following India's ban on real-money gaming. This decision marks a significant shift in the startup landscape and highlights the challenges faced by gaming companies in the country. Learn more about Hike's journey and what this means for the future of gaming in India.
Key Takeaways
- Kavin Bharti Mittal announced the closure of Hike due to India's ban on real-money gaming.
- Hike transitioned from a messaging app to a gaming platform with Rush.
- Despite achieving substantial user growth and revenue, regulatory challenges proved insurmountable.
- Mittal's decision reflects broader implications for the Indian gaming industry.
- Investors included major players like SoftBank and Tencent.
New Delhi, Sep 13 (NationPress) Kavin Bharti Mittal, the son of Bharti Airtel chairman Sunil Bharti Mittal, announced the closure of his startup Hike following India’s comprehensive ban on real-money gaming. This decision signifies the conclusion of a venture that originally aimed to compete with WhatsApp as a messaging application, later transitioning to gaming through its platform Rush.
In a message shared on Substack, Mittal expressed, “After regrouping with our investors and the team, I’ve made the challenging decision to wind down Hike entirely.”
He noted that while Hike’s U.S. operations, which commenced just nine months ago, were demonstrating robust growth, the ban in India complicated any potential for global expansion.
“Scaling internationally would necessitate a complete overhaul, a reset that isn’t the most efficient use of resources or time,” he elaborated.
Hike had approximately 100 employees across India, the United States, Dubai, and Singapore, working within small, highly specialized teams Mittal referred to as “SWAT teams.”
The company initially launched as a messaging app in 2016 but ceased operations in January 2021, refocusing on casual real-money gaming.
Rush, its primary platform, featured 14 mobile games with monetized play and integrated Web3 functionalities such as user ownership and play-to-earn dynamics.
The startup was supported by several prominent global investors, including SoftBank, Tencent, Tiger Global, Bharti, Foxconn, Jump Crypto, Tribe Capital, Republic, and Polygon.
Notable individual investors included Rajeev Misra, Elad Gil, and Mark Pincus, the founder of Zynga.
Rush achieved impressive traction in India, amassing 10 million users and generating over $500 million in gross revenue within just four years.
The platform claimed to have over 5 million players across its games and reported annual winnings of approximately $480 million.
Despite these accomplishments, the abrupt ban on real-money gaming in India compelled Mittal to halt operations.
Describing it as both a “disappointment” and a “challenging outcome,” he maintained an optimistic outlook. “The insights gained are invaluable, and my conviction for what comes next is even stronger,” he stated.
Point of View
Kavin Bharti Mittal's decision to shut down Hike underscores the significant impact of regulatory changes on the entrepreneurial landscape in India. As the nation navigates the complexities of gaming laws, it raises questions about the future of innovation and investment in the sector. It is crucial for policy-makers to create an environment conducive to growth while ensuring consumer protection.
NationPress
13/09/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What led to the shutdown of Hike?
The shutdown was primarily due to India's ban on real-money gaming, which made it difficult for the company to scale globally.
What was Hike's initial purpose?
Hike initially started as a messaging app designed to compete with WhatsApp before pivoting to gaming.
How successful was Rush, Hike's gaming platform?
Rush gained significant traction with about 10 million users and over $500 million in gross revenue in four years.
Who were the key investors in Hike?
Hike was backed by notable investors including SoftBank, Tencent, and individual investors like Rajeev Misra and Mark Pincus.
What does Mittal say about the future?
Mittal remains optimistic about future opportunities despite the disappointment of shutting down Hike.
