Qila Games, a hybrid-casual gaming startup, has raised $1 million in a pre-seed funding round led by Chimera VC, with participation from Visceral Capital, Atrium Angels, Ventana Ventures, 91 Ventures, Untitled Ventures, and other angel investors.
Founded in 2024 by Dhananjai Hari and Neeraj Mishra, Qila Games focuses on bridging the gap between casual and mid-core gaming by developing socially engaging experiences tailored for Indian players.
Purpose of fundraising
The startup plans to use the raised capital to create new intellectual properties (IPs), expand the hybrid-casual gaming portfolio, and enhance technology and design capabilities.
Chimera VC’s managing partner, Krish Anurag, highlighted Qila Games’ ability to blend short-form entertainment with deeper gameplay mechanics, a model that could drive high user retention.
“Qila Games has struck the perfect balance between bite-sized entertainment and meta-progression, creating an immersive experience that can significantly impact users,” Anurag said. “The Indian gaming industry is producing phenomenal IPs, and supporting these founders in realizing their vision has been a privilege.”
Betting on hybrid casual gaming
Hybrid-casual games, which blend the accessibility of casual gaming with the deeper engagement of midcore titles, are emerging as a high-growth category in mobile gaming. Qila Games aims to position itself at the forefront of this shift.
“India and other emerging markets are at the cusp of a major transformation in mobile gaming, and hybrid-casual is set to be the next big category,” said Dhananjai Hari, co-founder of Qila Games. “With this funding, we are doubling down on building engaging, high-quality games that resonate with these audiences.”
The startup launched its first title, Ludo Hero, in February 2025. The game reinvents traditional Ludo gameplay, integrating strategic battles, conquests, and hero powers, offering a deeper and more interactive experience.
