In a nation where gaming has yet to gain universal acceptance, Saumya Singh Rathore stands as a symbol of change. As the co-founder of WinZO Games, Saumya has made history in the gaming world by receiving the prestigious Technology Entrepreneur of the Year award at the Women Entrepreneur Award Show organized by Jagran New Media Harzindagi. Her remarkable journey reflects her dedication to reshaping the Indian gaming landscape.
Education and Entrepreneurial Journey
Saumya Singh Rathore’s educational journey has played a significant role in shaping her career as an entrepreneur. She holds a postgraduate degree in Psychology from the University of Manchester in the United Kingdom. Her academic background in psychology likely equipped her with valuable insights into human behavior, which can be crucial when developing and marketing tech-driven products, especially in the gaming industry where user engagement and understanding player motivations are vital.
Saumya Singh Rathore’s journey into entrepreneurship began with a vision to create a cultural shift through technology. Her early career experiences at The Times Group and KPMG in London equipped her with the strategic acumen needed to drive growth and execution. This foundation laid the groundwork for her pioneering role in the Indian startup scene.
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The Birth of WinZO
A Gaming Revolution In 2018, Saumya co-founded WinZO Games, a local social gaming platform that now boasts over 100 million registered users. WinZO’s mission is to build a robust tech-driven gaming ecosystem in India. With more than 100 games available in 12 languages, including English, Hindi, Gujarati, Marathi, Bengali, and Bhojpuri, WinZO has bridged the gap between small towns and metro cities in terms of gaming accessibility.
Saumya’s passion for creating culturally relevant tech products is evident in WinZO’s success. The platform has partnered with top social influencers such as Bhuvan Bam, CarryMinati, and MS Dhoni, making it a cultural phenomenon. WinZO’s sponsorship of the IPL franchise KKR further solidified its presence in the Indian gaming industry.
Remarkable Success and Impact on Employment
WinZO’s rapid success in the gaming industry has had a significant impact on employment in India, particularly for micro-influencers and translators. By 2022, the platform had provided income opportunities to around 100,000 influencers, with some earning monthly amounts ranging from Rs 75,000 to Rs 1 lakh, and in exceptional cases, even Rs 5-10 lakh. Saumya Singh Rathore, the driving force behind WinZO, aims to double the influencer base in the coming year, further enhancing India’s gaming ecosystem. This commitment to excellence has propelled WinZO Games to a valuation of over $300 million in just three years since its inception. With a diverse portfolio of over 100 games in six formats and availability in 12 languages, WinZO has become a prominent brand in India’s gaming landscape, promising a bright future in tech-driven gaming.
