Esports and youth media company NODWIN Gaming has appointed former CEO Sidharth Kedia as its chief strategy and investments officer, as it prepares for a potential IPO.
Kedia, who previously led the company between 2019 and 2023, will oversee strategy, fundraising and mergers and acquisitions in his new role. His return comes at a time when the firm is positioning itself for its next phase of growth following its separation from parent Nazara Technologies.
During his earlier tenure, Kedia oversaw a period of rapid expansion. The company said it raised more than $50 million in funding, achieved a tenfold increase in revenue and saw its valuation rise after investment from Sony Group Corporation.
Kedia later held senior roles at Jio Platforms' gaming division and AI startup Mythik before returning to Nodwin.
Sidharth Kedia, Chief Strategy and Investments Officer, Nodwin Gaming, said, "It feels great to be back at Nodwin at such an important point in its journey. Having seen the company grow over the years, it's clear how strong the foundation is today and how much opportunity lies ahead. Nodwin is entering a phase where focused strategy, thoughtful capital allocation, and strong execution will unlock its true value potential. I'm looking forward to working with the team to build on this momentum and take Nodwin into its next stage of growth.'
Akshat Rathee, Co-Founder and Managing Director, Nodwin Gaming, said, "Sidharth has played a pivotal role in shaping Nodwin's journey, and his return to the Nodwin family comes at an important stage as we continue to scale the business globally and look at a potential listing. He combines a deep understanding of our ecosystem with strong expertise in capital strategy and corporate development. As we expand our IP portfolio, enter new markets, and advance our capital plans, his leadership will be instrumental in driving long-term value creation for the company.'
Nodwin Gaming is currently exploring a pre-IPO funding round of around $100 million , as part of a structured readiness plan that includes governance alignment, regulatory compliance and investor demand assessment.
The company expects to report annual revenue of around Rs 700 crore, with its India business already profitable. It operates in more than 20 countries and continues to grow at an annual rate of 20-40%, according to company estimates.
Founded in 2015, Nodwin has evolved from an esports-focused business into a broader youth media platform spanning live events, digital content and creator-led ecosystems. Its operations are now split between live experiences, including esports tournaments and festivals, and a content division focused on media and brand partnerships.