Social media startup Shuru raises Series A funding from Krafton, Omidyar and Eximius

Shuru, a hyperlocal community app focused on connecting users across India with neighbourhood-level updates and services, has raised an undisclosed amount in a Series A funding round led by Krafton India.

The round also saw participation from existing investors Omidyar Network India and Eximius Ventures, the company said on Thursday.

The Indore-based social media startup, which provides local news, classifieds, buy-sell listings, and shop updates, said it has crossed over 1 crore (10 million) installations and serves more than 2 million monthly active users.

“With 650,000+ locations on board and recently crossing 1 crore installations, we're creating a platform that will redefine the way Indians live, work, and interact. The partnership with Krafton India opens unparalleled opportunities for Shuru to innovate and scale,” said Mayank Bhangadia, CEO and Co-founder of Shuru.

Founded by Mayank Bhangadia and Harsh Chhabra, Shuru aims to digitally empower communities by enabling users to post updates, promote local businesses, and raise civic issues. The app is currently live across 600 cities and 8,000 sub-districts in India.

Bhangadia previously built Roposo—a short video platform that reached 100 million users before InMobi’s Glance acquired it—while Chhabra led product development at Roposo.

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Krafton India, the local arm of South Korean gaming giant Krafton Inc., said the investment aligns with its broader strategy of engaging regional audiences and supporting the Indian startup ecosystem.

“This investment is a natural extension of our strategy to partner with Indian startups and emerging ecosystems like hyperlocal platforms. By working closely with Shuru, we aim to enhance user experiences, amplify regional connect and contribute meaningfully to the evolving Indian hyperlocal digital landscape,” said Nihansh Bhat, Lead - Corporate Development, Krafton India.

Krafton, the publisher of Battlegrounds Mobile India (BGMI), has been actively investing in Indian startups since 2021. With this investment, the company has now deployed about $200 million into India’s startup ecosystem, focusing on gaming, entertainment, esports, and related technology platforms.

"The hyperlocal digital ecosystem in India holds immense promise, and we see it as a vital driver of connectivity and community engagement," said Sean Hyunil Sohn, CEO of Krafton India. "Shuru is uniquely positioned to lead this transformation in India."