Nodwin Gaming, the esports arm of Nazara Technologies, has announced the acquisition of StarLadder, a leading Ukraine-based esports IP and services company, in a deal worth $5.5 million (₹46.75 crore). This strategic move aims to enhance Nodwin’s global presence and strengthen its esports event offerings.
The acquisition aims to expand Nodwin Gaming’s global portfolio of AAA esports IPs and event production. In gaming, AAA refers to high-budget, high-quality titles.
Under the deal, Nodwin’s Singapore subsidiary will pay StarLadder $2 million (₹17 crores) in cash, while it will settle the remaining $3.5 million through an equity share swap in Nodwin Singapore. Additionally, the company will pay StarLadder extra upon achieving specified earn-out targets.
Despite the acquisition, StarLadder will retain its brand identity. Founder Roman Romanstov will continue to lead the business while also becoming a shareholder in Nodwin Gaming.
“StarLadder and Roman have been and remain the superstars behind the Creme de la Creme events that esports fans have loved to see. Roman is considered one of the pioneers of esports event production, and he has deep insight into stage design, creative broadcast solutions, and entrepreneurial energy,” said Nodwin Gaming co-founder Akshat Rathee in a statement.
“With this, Nodwin will level up our capability and envision bigger and better IPs and events for our fans and partners to love,” he said.
Founded in 2018 by Roman Romanstov, StarLadder boasts a team with over two decades of experience in organizing esports tournaments. Their portfolio includes major events like the Valve CS:GO Major, Valve Dota 2 Major and Minors, 18 seasons of StarSeries for CS 1.6 and CS:GO, and 17 seasons of StarSeries for Dota 2.
In addition to hosting its tournaments, StarLadder has successfully executed numerous white-label events. The company has collaborated with top gaming giants, including Valve, Tencent, Krafton, Blizzard, Riot Games, Supercell, Com2uS, Moonton, and Smilegate.
“We live in an era of globalization, where the synergy of resources, expertise, and potential drives success and paves the way for future growth…Together with Nodwin Gaming, Starladder is committed to creating extraordinary experiences for fans, delivering unforgettable events across multiple games and regions,” Romanstov said.
Founded in 2014 by Akshat Rathee and Gautam Singh Virk, Nodwin Gaming has expanded its footprint in India and international markets through acquisitions and strategic investments.
In November 2024, Nodwin acquired Trinity Gaming, a leading gaming agency and creator service provider, for ₹24 crore. In December 2024, the company further strengthened its esports presence by acquiring AFK Gaming for ₹7.6 crore.
In June 2024, Nodwin took over Germany-based esports and gaming marketing agency Freaks 4U Gaming to enhance its PC gaming and game publishing support capabilities. In January 2024, the firm diversified into pop culture events by acquiring Comic Con India for ₹55 crore. In February 2024, it expanded into the UAE and Turkey by acquiring Ninja Global FZCO.
Other key acquisitions include:
• April 2023: Purchased a 51% stake in Singapore-based live events firm Branded for up to $1.3 million in an all-cash deal.
• September 2021: Acquired the gaming and adjacent IP businesses of OML Entertainment for ₹73 crore, including the popular NH7 Weekender music festival.
• January 2022: Bought Planet Superheroes for ₹4.9 crore.
On the investment front, Nodwin Gaming secured a ₹64 crore funding boost from NazaraTechnologies in December 2024. Before this, in May 2023, it raised $28 million from new investors Sony Group Corporation and Innopark, alongside existing investors Nazara, Krafton, and JetSynthesys. As of November 2024, Nodwin Gaming’s valuation was $410 million.