Loco, a leading homegrown game streaming platform, has secured $9 million for its first round of fundraising as an independent company. The seed round was led by South Korean gaming firm, Krafton, as well as Lumikai, India’s foremost gaming, and interactive media fund. The round also saw Hashed, Hiro Capital, North Base Media, Axilor Ventures, and 3one4 Capital.

The new investment will fuel the platform’s innovation efforts across game streaming technology and gaming content, helping it cement its leadership position as the home of Indian gaming. With this raise, Loco will be spun off into an independent entity from its parent, Pocket Aces, India’s largest digital entertainment company. Pocket Aces founders Anirudh Pandita and Ashwin Suresh will lead Loco in the future, while co-founder Aditi Shrivastava will continue to lead Pocket Aces.

Loco has been a pioneer in the live game streaming and esports sector in India. This is paving the way for gaming to go from a niche hobby to the mainstream national interest.