Nazara announces investment in esports platform STAN

Indian gaming and esports media company Nazara has announced an investment in esports fan platform STAN.

As a result, Nazara will hold a 15.86% stake in STAN. According to a release, Nazara’s investment into the STAN platform was ~INR 18.4 Cr (~$2.2m / ~£1.68m) in an all-cash transaction. The release also states that STAN will use the funds to expand its reach within India and the surrounding regions.

Founded in 2022, STAN operates as a platform for esports fans to connect and engage with each other. As of July 2024, the platform noted that its number of registered users has surpassed 12m with over 500,000 paying for services offered. In addition to fan engagement, the app features competitions on a range of titles.

Nazara is one of India’s largest media companies. In 2022, it invested $2.5m (~£1.9m) into venture capital fund BITKRAFT Ventures it to expand its presence within the Indian market. In 2024, the company’s UK subsidiary acquired London-based gaming studio Fusebox Games for £21.1m.

Fan platforms continue to act as a place for esports fans to engage and compete with their favourite titles and teams. The likes of Ninjas in Pyjamas, Team Vitality, and Sentinels all feature dedicated platforms for fans to connect with players alongside receiving other benefits.

Nitish Mittersain, Founder and CEO of Nazara, spoke on the investment: “Nazara’s investment in STAN strengthens our position in the rapidly growing gaming and esports landscape.

“STAN’s mobile-first approach and focus on community engagement align perfectly with our vision to become a leading player in the global esports ecosystem. This acquisition allows us to expand our reach while empowering content creators and fostering a stronger gaming community.”