Mahindra-backed funding round hands $3m to Indian Super Gaming League

Let's Game Now, a Bengaluru-based esports company, has raised ₹30 crore (around $3 million) in a funding round co-led by Mahindra Group chairman Anand Mahindra and Bestvantage Investments, according to Esports.gg News.

The company has said the money will go directly towards developing the Indian Super Gaming League, a franchise competition that was first unveiled in March this year and is pitched as India's first esports league of its kind.

Esports.gg News reports that Let's Game Now has not disclosed its current valuation, the equity exchanged in the round, the size of each investor's stake, or the specific funding stage involved. How the capital will be divided between marketing, operations and technology also remains unconfirmed.

The ISGL structure mirrors traditional sports leagues, with franchises that are permanently owned and compete across seasons rather than one-off events. The title list spans Cricket 26, EA Sports FC 26, chess, Call of Duty: Mobile and FAU-G.

Eight founding franchises are attached to established sporting brands: Kerala Blasters FC, Mumbai City FC, Chennaiyin FC and FC Goa from the Indian Super League football scene, Inter Kashi, Puneri Paltan from the Pro Kabaddi League, and two standalone franchise teams, Bangalore Bhargavas and Andhra Agneyas.

Mahindra confirmed his investment on social media, drawing a comparison with the Pro Kabaddi League, which he previously helped establish. He said he was excited to back a league whose action "isn't on a mat. It's on a screen."

He also highlighted the background of ISGL founder Santanu Basu, who Esports.gg News notes was among India's early professional esports players and competed internationally in the FIFA football video game, finishing third at an international tournament. Mahindra added that competitive esports demands teamwork, strategy, reflexes and discipline, and can create career pathways for participants.

The investment lands against a shifting backdrop for Indian gaming companies. Esports.gg News reports that the Indian government banned real money gaming in 2025, prompting several firms to pivot towards esports, tournaments and brand-led gaming instead.

The Indian gaming market is currently valued at close to $3.8 billion, with projected growth to $9.2 billion by FY29 and an estimated 591 million gamers in the country, according to figures cited by Esports.gg News.

Let's Game Now brings its own track record to the venture, having run more than 2,000 events, served over 30 clients, operated across 18 countries and recorded upwards of 50 million viewers, per the outlet's reporting.

The ISGL gives the company a recurring property rather than a string of standalone events, though its success will hinge on securing sponsors, franchise owners, broadcast partners and an audience willing to return season after season.

No launch date for the first ISGL season has been announced, nor has Let's Game Now detailed the league's franchise structure or revenue model.