Encounter with Soumya Singh Rathore: Co-founder of a Rs 3,000 Crore Enterprise Supported by MS Dhoni, a Leading Figure Among India's Wealthiest Women
Image Credits: online
Soumya Singh, alongside IIM alumnus Pawan Nanda, co-founded WinZO in 2018, emerging as one of India's rapidly growing local gaming companies.
Contemporary aspirations among the youth lean towards entrepreneurial pursuits rather than adhering to corporate structures. Although challenging, the journey is imbued with a sense of fulfillment and independence. Soumya Singh Rathore exemplifies this ethos, leaving behind a lengthy corporate career to venture into entrepreneurship. In just three years since its inception, WinZO achieved a valuation surpassing $300 million. The startup strategically enlisted cricket celebrities and renowned Indian personalities as brand ambassadors.
Image Credits: Winzo.com
WinZO's inception in 2018 marked Soumya Singh's debut in the startup landscape. Collaborating with Pawan Nanda, an experienced entrepreneur with a background in co-founding Zo Rooms, the duo swiftly established their presence in the Indian gaming industry, achieving profitability within a short span.
The gaming industry experienced a notable surge during the pandemic lockdown, providing a significant boost to WinZO. The company secured substantial funding of $110.5 million from prominent investors such as Courtside Ventures, Makers Fund, and Griffin Gaming Partners.
In a pivotal development in 2022, WinZO successfully enlisted cricket legend MS Dhoni as its brand ambassador, marking a significant milestone. Dhoni's association brought added prestige, leading to a long-term sponsorship deal with the IPL franchise Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) that year. Renowned influencers such as Carry Minati and Bhuvan Bam also align themselves with the brand, contributing to its widespread recognition and success.