User acquisition funding and gaming startup growth drive global expansion for Hitwicket

In a major boost for the gaming startup funding landscape, India-based Metasports Interactive has secured $20 million in user acquisition (UA) funding from London-based Metica.

The investment is set to accelerate the global expansion of its popular multiplayer cricket game Hitwicket, marking a significant milestone for Indian gaming startups aiming for international scale.

Scaling Hitwicket for Global Dominance

With over 18 million users across 109 countries, Hitwicket has already established a strong presence in the global gaming market. Now, with fresh capital, Metasports Interactive is targeting aggressive international growth.

The company plans to:

  • Expand marketing efforts in key global markets
  • Use AI-driven user targeting to boost acquisition
  • Enhance gameplay and features through continuous product development

The goal is ambitious—nearly eightfold growth within 18 months.

What Makes This Funding Unique?

Unlike traditional venture capital, user acquisition funding allows startups to scale without giving up equity.

This means:

  • Founders retain full ownership control
  • Capital is directly used for growth and marketing
  • Funding aligns with performance and scalability

For startups in sectors like gaming, where user acquisition costs are high—this model is becoming increasingly attractive.

A Strategic Tech Partnership

Beyond funding, the deal includes a technology partnership with Metica. Its platform will help:

  • Optimise in-game revenue performance
  • Increase user lifetime value (LTV)
  • Improve monetisation strategies

This combination of capital + technology gives Metasports a powerful edge in scaling efficiently.

Founder Vision: Building a Global Gaming Brand

Co-founder and CEO Kashyap Reddy shared a bold vision: to reach over a billion cricket fans worldwide and build a world-class gaming business from India.

The partnership with Metica enables the company to:

  • Expand faster globally
  • Avoid ownership dilution
  • Strengthen its position as a data-driven gaming startup

It also sets a precedent, positioning Metasports among the first Indian gaming companies to leverage structured UA funding.

Why Investors Are Paying Attention

According to Phil Mohr, CEO of Metica, user acquisition funding is reserved for startups with strong unit economics and repeatable growth.

Metasports stood out due to:

  • Proven scalability across markets
  • Strong data performance
  • Efficient user growth strategies

This reflects a broader trend—global investors are increasingly backing Indian startups that demonstrate measurable and predictable growth.

The Rise of UA Funding in Gaming

The success of this deal highlights the growing importance of user acquisition funding in the gaming industry.

As competition intensifies, startups need:

  • Large marketing budgets
  • Efficient user growth strategies
  • Sustainable monetisation models

UA funding provides a solution by linking capital directly to growth performance, making it ideal for high-scale digital products like games and apps.

Final Takeaway

The $20 million funding round is more than just an investment, it signals a shift in how startups scale globally. With the right mix of data, technology, and funding models, companies like Metasports Interactive are proving that Indian gaming startups can compete on the world stage.

As gaming startup funding evolves, models like UA funding may become the blueprint for fast, scalable, and founder-friendly growth.