Mobile Premier League (MPL) has emerged as a frontrunner, with its recent financial report for FY23 showcasing impressive growth. Headquartered in Singapore and specializing in internet-based games, MPL’s strategic moves, revenue surge, and foray into new markets demonstrate its resilience and commitment to global expansion. This article delves into MPL’s financial achievements, strategic shifts, and notable milestones in the context of its journey from a 2018 startup to achieving unicorn status in 2021. MPL reported a remarkable surge in revenue for FY23, reaching $104.6 million, a 63% increase from the $64 million recorded in FY22. Equally significant is the notable reduction in losses, with figures dropping to $37.04 million from the $194.47 million reported in the previous fiscal year. MPL attributes this financial turnaround to a strategic shift in marketing and optimization of infrastructure costs, as outlined in its official statement.
Established in 2018, MPL achieved unicorn status in 2021 after a successful Series E funding round, raising $150 million at a valuation of $2.3 billion. The company’s focus on internet-based games, particularly in the Indian gaming market, has contributed to its rapid rise and sustained success. MPL’s performance in the Indian gaming market has been a key driver of its financial success. In FY23, the Indian entity of MPL reported Rs 814.2 crore in revenue from operations, reflecting a robust 35.56% increase from the Rs 600.6 crore recorded in the previous fiscal year. Notably, Rs 521.78 crore of this revenue was attributed to operations in India, a substantial rise from the Rs 424.3 crore reported in FY22.
This surge in revenue highlights MPL’s stronghold in the Indian gaming ecosystem, where it has become a go-to platform for gamers seeking real-money gaming experiences. The company’s ability to adapt to market dynamics and consumer preferences has played a crucial role in its sustained growth. Despite its financial success, MPL faced challenges earlier in the year, particularly with the implementation of new Goods and Services Tax (GST) regulations in India. In August, MPL underwent a series of layoffs affecting approximately 350 employees. Co-founder Sai Srinivas cited the newly imposed 28% GST on real-money gaming by the Indian government as a driving factor behind the decision. Srinivas explained in an email to employees that the move was prompted by the expectation of a substantial increase in the company’s tax burden starting October 1, 2023.
In a strategic move, MPL expanded its footprint beyond India by venturing into African markets in collaboration with Carry1st, a prominent gaming firm on the continent. This expansion marked MPL’s first foray into African territories, showcasing its commitment to exploring and diversifying its presence in the global gaming landscape.
The collaboration with Carry1st not only reflects MPL’s ambition to tap into new markets but also signifies a strategic partnership aimed at leveraging local expertise and insights. MPL’s entry into Africa aligns with the company’s vision of becoming a global player in the real-money gaming industry.
MPL’s journey from a startup in 2018 to achieving unicorn status in 2021 and its subsequent financial successes underscore its resilience, adaptability, and strategic foresight. The surge in revenue, reduction in losses, and expansion into African markets signal a company poised for continued growth on the global gaming stage. As MPL navigates challenges, including regulatory changes and market dynamics, its ability to innovate and explore new horizons positions it as a key player in the ever-evolving world of real-money gaming.