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Metasports Interactive Secures $20M UA Funding from Metica to Scale Hitwicket Globally

Metasports Interactive Secures $20M UA Funding from Metica to Scale Hitwicket Globally

Metasports Interactive, a mobile-first competitive sports gaming company, today announced a $20 million UA (User Acquisition) funding from Metica, a London-based growth financing company.

The fund will be used to accelerate growth for Metasports Interactive’s competitive multi-player cricket game, Hitwicket. The capital will be deployed towards scaling marketing and user acquisition, as the studio targets its next phase of global expansion. The funding comes alongside a technology partnership, with Metica deploying its proprietary platform to optimise Hitwicket’s in-game revenue performance, strengthening the unit economics that underpin the studio’s growth model.

Co-founded by Kashyap Reddy and Keerti Singh, Metasports Interactive with its flagship title Hitwicket, has built a player base of over 18 million users across 109 countries since its launch. Its strong monetisation metrics, deep player retention, and the consistent quality of its user acquisition data gave Metica the confidence to deploy capital at scale. With this funding, Metasports Interactive is targeting approximately 8x growth over the next 18 months, driven by intensified marketing in priority international markets, AI-led targeting strategies, and continued investment in product depth.

Kashyap Reddy, Co-Founder and CEO, Metasports Interactive, said, “With Hitwicket, our vision is to reach over a billion cricket fans globally and build a truly world-class gaming business from India. This partnership with Metica gives us the capital and the tools to move faster in international markets without diluting ownership. We’re proud to be among the first Indian gaming companies to access this kind of structured UA funding, and we see it as a model that can unlock real scale for studios with strong fundamentals.”

UA funding, a new financing model, has been gaining momentum in the global gaming and consumer apps industry. As user acquisition is one of the biggest cost factors for gaming and consumer apps companies, this growth model is increasingly emerging as a smarter way to scale given its non-dilutive, performance-led growth mechanics. The model is now popular across the United States, Europe, and South-East Asia, where it has become a standard tool for scaling mobile titles efficiently.

Phil Mohr, CEO, Metica, added, “User acquisition funding is reserved for companies that demonstrate strong unit economics and repeatable growth. Metasports Interactive stood out because of Hitwicket’s ability to scale efficiently across both India and global markets. We see a major opportunity not only to provide growth funding, but also to support growth through our technology by helping optimise in-game revenue to increase lifetime value. We’re excited to partner with Metasports Interactive as they build a globally competitive gaming business from India.”

As Indian gaming companies mature, building internationally competitive products, adopting rigorous data practices, and demonstrating the kind of predictable growth curves that capital providers require, game developers are increasingly attracting the attention of global investors and financiers with alternative financial instruments. Metasports Interactive’s UA funding deal with Metica is a signal of this shift.

About Metica

Metica is a London-based growth financing and technology company focused exclusively on the gaming sector. It provides non-dilutive UA funding facilities alongside a proprietary technology platform that helps gaming studios improve player lifetime value through optimised in-game advertising and in-app purchases. Metica partners with studios that demonstrate strong retention, monetisation performance, and data maturity. For more information, visit www.metica.com.

About Metasports Interactive

Metasports is a mobile-first competitive sports gaming company building multiplayer sports games designed for long-term engagement and global scale. The company is the creator of Hitwicket, its flagship cricket multiplayer title launched in 2020, which blends deep, skill-based gameplay with mass-market accessibility. With a long-term vision to create category-defining sports gaming franchises, Metasports is focused on shaping the future of competitive sports gaming on mobile. Operating with a player-first, performance-driven approach, the company maintains a strong focus on product quality, scale, and global impact, underscoring that India can build world-class gaming companies beyond casual or service-led products. Metasports has raised $8Mn in funding from Prime Venture Partners and Horizon Ventures (Singapore). The startup is also backed by renowned cricket commentator, Harsha Bhogle. The game, designed as a skill-first, competitive multiplayer experience, has grown to over 18 million players across 109 countries.

Infosys Approves ₹52 Cr ESOPs for CEO Salil Parekh Amid Pending Wage Hikes

Infosys Approves ₹52 Cr ESOPs for CEO Salil Parekh Amid Pending Wage Hikes

Infosys has approved ₹52 crore worth of ESOPs (restricted stock units) for CEO Salil Parekh as part of his annual performance-linked compensation, even as employee salary hikes for FY27 remain undecided.

Key Details of the ESOP Grant

  • Total Value: ~₹52 crore in restricted stock units (RSUs).
  • Breakdown: ₹34.75 crore under annual performance equity grant, ₹2 crore linked to ESG targets, ₹5 crore tied to Total Shareholder Return (TSR), ₹10 crore under the 2019 performance plan.
  • Vesting Period: 1–2 years, subject to performance milestones.
  • Effective Date: May 2, 2026, with units determined by Infosys’ share price before grant date.

Infosys Financial Context

  • Q4 FY26 Net Profit: ₹8,501 crore, up 27.8% QoQ.
  • Revenue: ₹46,402 crore, up 2% sequentially.
  • FY27 Guidance: Revenue growth expected at 1.5%–3.5%.

Employee Salary Hikes

  • Status: Decision on FY27 wage hikes is still pending.
  • Reason: Infosys CFO Jayesh Sanghrajka cited low-growth environment and pressure on discretionary spending.

Quick Comparison: CEO ESOPs vs Employee Hikes


AspectCEO (Salil Parekh)Employees (FY27)
Grant Value₹52 crore RSUsPending decision
StructurePerformance-linked (ESG, TSR, equity grants)Salary hikes under review
Vesting Period1–2 yearsN/A
StatusApproved (effective May 2, 2026)Not finalized

🔎 Sources


L&T Enters B2B Electronics Market With New Coimbatore Facility; Launches New Electronics Vertical LTEPS

L&T Enters B2B Electronics Market With New Coimbatore Facility; Launches New Electronics Vertical LTEPS

Larsen & Toubro (L&T) has officially entered the B2B industrial electronics segment with the launch of its new vertical, L&T Electronic Products & Systems (LTEPS), headquartered in Bengaluru and manufacturing operations based in Coimbatore, Tamil Nadu.

LTEPS will extend the capability to the development and manufacture of industrial electronic products and systems across several key domains — including power electronics, mobility, industrial robotics & automation, communication platforms and electronics systems design & manufacturing (ESDM).

Key Highlights of the Announcement

  • Launch Date: 24 April 2026
  • New Vertical: L&T Electronic Products & Systems (LTEPS)
  • Headquarters: Bengaluru
  • Manufacturing Hub: Coimbatore campus, Tamil Nadu
  • Initial Setup: Two manufacturing lines commissioned, serving Indian and global clients
  • Strategic Vision: Supports Lakshya 2031 roadmap to deepen technology leadership

Strategic Significance

  • Diversification: Expands L&T’s portfolio into advanced electronics
  • Domains Covered: Power electronics, mobility solutions, robotics & automation, communication platforms, ESDM
  • Innovation Approach: In‑house R&D, technology partnerships, advanced testing infrastructure
  • Future Expansion: Plans to scale across a 40‑acre zone in Coimbatore

Leadership Statement

The foray into industrial electronics is an important step towards our Lakshya 2031 aspiration of deepening technology leadership and enhancing India’s self‑reliance in critical manufacturing. With LTEPS, we are bolstering the nation’s electronics manufacturing ecosystem while expanding our presence across high‑growth, innovation‑driven domains.
— S N Subrahmanyan, Chairman & MD, L&T

Context & Impact

  • National Policy Alignment: Supports Make in India and Atmanirbhar Bharat initiatives
  • Global Competitiveness: Positions L&T to serve Indian and international clients
  • Economic Impact: Boosts Coimbatore’s role as a hub for engineering and electronics talent.
LTEPS plans to progressively expand its footprint. Future expansions are envisioned across a 40-acre zone within the Coimbatore campus to cover the entire industrial electronics value chain — spanning R&D, in-house product development, ESDM, contract manufacturing, design and engineering support, sourcing, testing and validation services.

Vikram‑1: India’s First Privately Built Orbital Rocket Flagged Off

Vikram‑1: India’s First Privately Built Orbital Rocket Flagged Off

Telangana Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy, along with Industries Minister D. Sridhar Babu, has officially flagged off the flight hardware of Skyroot Aerospace’s Vikram‑1 — India’s first privately developed orbital rocket. The ceremony at Skyroot’s Max‑Q campus in Hyderabad marks a turning point in India’s space journey, symbolizing the rise of private participation alongside ISRO’s legacy.

Skyroot Aerospace’s Vikram‑1 is a three‑stage, carbon‑composite orbital launch vehicle designed to carry up to 350 kg of satellites into low Earth orbit (LEO). It features 3D‑printed engines, solid and liquid propulsion stages, and is India’s first privately developed rocket headed for an orbital mission, with launch targeted for June 2026.

This marks a historic milestone in India’s space sector, symbolizing the rise of private participation alongside ISRO’s legacy. Vikram‑1 is designed to carry small satellites into low Earth orbit, offering cost‑effective and flexible launch options for global and domestic customers.

What Makes Vikram‑1 Special

Vikram‑1: India’s First Privately Built Orbital Rocket Flagged Off
  • Payload Capacity: Can carry up to 350 kg of satellites into Low Earth Orbit (LEO).
  • Design: A three‑stage rocket built entirely with carbon composites, making it lighter and faster to manufacture.
  • Propulsion: Solid boosters for initial thrust, liquid engines for precision orbital insertion, and 3D‑printed indigenous engines reducing cost and assembly time.
  • Launch Site: Final integration at Satish Dhawan Space Centre, Sriharikota.
  • Launch Window: Targeted for June 2026, marking India’s first private orbital launch attempt.

Why This Milestone Matters

  • Private Breakthrough: Skyroot becomes the first Indian private company to build and launch an orbital rocket.
  • Policy Impact: Reflects India’s new space reforms encouraging private sector innovation under IN‑SPACe and ISRO oversight.
  • Global Signal: Positions India as a competitive hub for small satellite launches, a market dominated by Rocket Lab and SpaceX.
  • Local Boost: Telangana’s support highlights its ambition to be a space‑tech hub, creating jobs and fostering innovation.

Vikram‑1 vs ISRO’s PSLV

FeatureVikram‑1 (Skyroot)PSLV (ISRO)
Payload to LEO350 kg~1,750 kg
StructureCarbon compositeMetal alloys
EnginesSolid + liquid, 3D‑printedSolid + liquid conventional
OperatorPrivate (Skyroot)Government (ISRO)
Target MarketSmall satellitesMedium‑sized satellites


Key Technical Details of Vikram‑1

Vikram‑1: India’s First Privately Built Orbital Rocket Flagged Off
  • Type: Multi‑stage orbital launch vehicle.
  • Payload Capacity: Up to 350 kg to Low Earth Orbit (160–2,000 km altitude).
  • Structure: Built entirely with carbon composites, making it lighter and faster to manufacture compared to traditional metal rockets.
  • Propulsion: Solid boosters for initial thrust, liquid engines for precision orbital insertion, and 3D‑printed indigenous engines reducing cost and assembly time.
  • Fairing: Space‑ready payload fairing protects satellites during ascent.
  • Integration Site: Final assembly and integration at Satish Dhawan Space Centre, Sriharikota.

Launch Timeline

  • Flag‑off Date: April 25, 2026, from Skyroot’s Max‑Q campus in Hyderabad.
  • Destination: Hardware dispatched to Sriharikota spaceport.
  • Launch Window: June 2026, marking India’s first private orbital launch attempt.


Challenges Ahead

  • Reliability: First‑time orbital launches carry high risk.
  • Competition: Global players already dominate the small satellite launch market.
  • Regulation: Must meet stringent safety standards set by ISRO and IN‑SPACe.

The Bigger Picture

Vikram‑1 is more than just a rocket — it’s a symbol of India’s private spaceflight era. With cost‑effective technology, government backing, and global ambitions, Skyroot Aerospace is positioning India as a serious contender in the commercial satellite launch market.

Beyond Skyroot’s Vikram‑1, India’s private space sector is rapidly expanding with several other rockets in development — including Agnikul’s Agnibaan, Bellatrix’s Chetak, and a privately manufactured PSLV variant — all aiming to capture the booming small satellitelaunch market.

Adani’s ₹2,500 Cr Defence Plant Marks India’s Leap Toward Self-Reliance

Adani’s ₹2,500 Cr Defence Plant Marks India’s Leap Toward Self-Reliance

Union Minister Jyotiraditya Scindia has announced a ₹2,500 crore Adani Group defence manufacturing plant in Kolaras, Madhya Pradesh. The facility will be set up within two months and is expected to generate around 2,000 direct jobs while strengthening India’s defence production capabilities.

Key Details of the Defence Plant

  • Location: Kolaras, about 70 km from Shivpuri, at the junction of Kota Highway and Mumbai–Gwalior Highway
  • Investment Size: ₹2,500 crore by the Adani Group
  • Timeline: Construction to begin within two months
  • Jobs Created: Approximately 2,000 direct jobs
  • Purpose: Manufacturing defence equipment to protect India’s borders and reduce reliance on imports

Strategic Significance

  • Boost to Defence Manufacturing: Strengthens India’s push for self-reliance in defence production under Atmanirbhar Bharat
  • Regional Development: Kolaras, traditionally known for agriculture and tomato production, will now emerge as a defence industry hub
  • Industrial Growth: Addresses the long-pending demand for industrial development in the Shivpuri–Kolaras region

Impact Overview

FactorDetails
Investment₹2,500 crore
Jobs~2,000 direct jobs
Location AdvantageJunction of Kota & Mumbai–Gwalior Highways
SectorDefence arms manufacturing
Regional ImpactIndustrial growth in Kolaras, diversification beyond agriculture
National ImpactStrengthens border security, supports defence self-reliance

Risks & Considerations

  • Execution Timeline: Large-scale defence projects often face delays in commissioning
  • Local Infrastructure: Adequate power, logistics, and skilled workforce will be critical for smooth operations
  • Geopolitical Sensitivity: Defence manufacturing hubs may attract strategic scrutiny and require strong security measures

Takeaway

This announcement marks a major milestone for Madhya Pradesh’s industrial landscape and India’s defence sector. For local communities, it promises job creation and economic diversification, while nationally it reinforces India’s defence self-reliance strategy.

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