Nazara Technologies Leads Pre-Series C Round as Startup Bets on AI and Original Content
Digital entertainment startup Rusk Media has raised ₹100 crore ($10.6 million) in a Pre-Series C funding round led by Nazara Technologies, with participation from Info Edge Ventures, IvyCap Ventures, and a consortium led by Audacity VC.
The latest funding comes less than a year after the company raised ₹103 crore ($12 million) in its Series B round. With the new infusion, Rusk Media has now raised approximately $32 million since inception.
The investment highlights growing investor confidence in India’s creator economy and digital entertainment sector, particularly platforms targeting younger audiences through mobile-first content experiences.
Capital to Fuel Content Expansion and Platform Growth
According to the company, the fresh proceeds will be deployed toward expanding its content portfolio, scaling its owned streaming platform Alright! TV, and launching new sports and audio-first content formats.
Rusk Media is primarily focused on Gen Z and Gen Alpha audiences, two consumer segments driving a significant share of digital content consumption in India.
The company also plans to strengthen its intellectual property portfolio and create new entertainment formats designed for short-form, mobile-first viewing habits.
The funding positions Rusk Media to compete more aggressively in India’s rapidly evolving digital entertainment landscape.
AI Becomes a Key Part of Content Strategy
Founded in 2019 by Mayank Yadav, Rusk Media creates and distributes content across social media platforms, OTT services, and its proprietary platform, Alright! TV.
Beyond content expansion, the startup plans to invest heavily in AI-driven production capabilities. These investments will include proprietary tools aimed at reducing production costs, improving content creation efficiency, and enhancing monetisation opportunities.
The company believes AI can help streamline production workflows while enabling creators and production teams to scale output more efficiently.
As entertainment companies increasingly embrace AI, technology is becoming a competitive differentiator across content creation, personalization, and audience engagement.
Expanding Intellectual Properties and Global Reach
Rusk Media also plans to expand some of its most successful intellectual properties, including I-Popstar and Engaged, into additional languages and international markets.
As part of the transaction, representatives from Nazara Technologies and Audacity VC will join the company’s board, providing strategic guidance during its next phase of growth.
The startup currently produces fiction series, unscripted content, animation, vertical dramas, and live entertainment formats. Its content is distributed through platforms including Amazon MX Player, JioHotstar, social media channels, and Alright! TV.
Financially, Rusk Media reported strong momentum in FY25. Revenue grew 43.1% to ₹81.38 crore, up from ₹56.85 crore in FY24, while losses narrowed 11.7% to ₹25.33 crore from ₹28.70 crore in the previous year.
As digital consumption among younger audiences continues to rise, Rusk Media is positioning itself as a next-generation entertainment company built around mobile-first storytelling, creator ecosystems, and AI-powered content production.