Krafton, Naver, Mirae Asset pool capital for Asia startup bets

SEOUL, December 19 (AJP) - Game developer Krafton said on Friday it will set up an Asia-focused investment fund with Naver and Mirae Asset Group worth up to 1 trillion won ($740 million), betting on fast-growing technology companies across the region.

The fund, named the Krafton–Naver–Mirae Asset Unicorn Growth Fund, will target promising technology firms in major Asian markets, including South Korea and India. The partners said the vehicle aims to generate long-term growth by supporting rapidly expanding tech industries and startup ecosystems.

The initiative builds on an earlier Asia growth fund jointly established by Naver and Mirae Asset, which has invested in India’s largest food delivery platform and a leading Southeast Asian mobility company.

Krafton joins the partnership after cumulatively investing more than 200 billion won in India’s digital entertainment market. The South Korean game publisher said it has established a strong presence in India on the back of the success of its flagship game service and plans to further expand its investment activities there.

The fund will combine their respective strengths: Krafton’s market insight in India and content expertise, Naver’s capabilities in platforms, content and artificial intelligence, and Mirae Asset’s extensive Indian network and asset management experience. Affiliates of Mirae Asset Group will take part in managing the fund, assuming roles based on their areas of specialization.

Son Hyun-il, head of Krafton’s India unit, said the partnership is expected to create “meaningful synergy” and that the fund will seek sustainable businesses in India that deliver “social and economic value” beyond gaming.

He added that Krafton plans to broaden its investments into sectors such as consumer goods, sports, media and healthcare, with the aim of becoming a trusted brand among the Indian government and public.

Choi In-hyuk, head of Naver’s tech business, said it was “meaningful” to pursue strategic cooperation with Krafton, which he said has built a strong foundation in India. He added that Naver will contribute by identifying innovative Indian companies and helping expand the local tech ecosystem through its platform, content and AI capabilities.

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