Flipkart Expands into Gaming Space with Mech Mocha Acquisition

Indian e-commerce behemoth Flipkart has made a significant move into the gaming industry by acquiring the intellectual property of gaming startup Mech Mocha. This strategic acquisition underscores Flipkart’s ambition to tap into the burgeoning social gaming space and enhance user engagement on its platform.

Hello Play: A Social Gaming Platform

Mech Mocha, based in Bengaluru and founded by Arpita Kapoor and Mohit Rangaraju in 2014, operates a popular social gaming platform called Hello Play. Social gaming platforms typically offer multiplayer online games that users can play through various social media networks, fostering a sense of community and interaction among players.

Backing and Localization Efforts

Backed by prominent investors including Accel Partners, Blume Ventures, and Shunwei Capital, Mech Mocha has made significant strides in the Indian gaming market. The startup boasts a portfolio of over ten games available in seven local Indian languages, catering to diverse audiences across the country.

Strengthening User Engagement

Flipkart’s decision to acquire Mech Mocha’s gaming team aligns with its broader strategy to explore innovative avenues for engaging with users on its platform. Prakash Sikaria, Vice-President of Flipkart, emphasized the importance of gaming as a gateway for first-time e-commerce users, noting the strong correlation between casual gamers and early shoppers on Flipkart. By leveraging Mech Mocha’s IP, games, and talented team, Flipkart aims to bolster its presence in the gaming domain and accelerate its efforts to enhance user engagement.

Prior Investment and Future Prospects

This acquisition marks a continuation of Flipkart’s interest in Mech Mocha, as the e-commerce giant had previously invested in the startup during its $1 million seed funding round in 2015. With this latest move, Flipkart underscores its commitment to diversifying its offerings and leveraging gaming as a strategic avenue for growth and user acquisition in the competitive e-commerce landscape.