ITV

Tag: Rajan Navani

  • GEPL goes prime time: JioStar to air Season 2 of e-Cricket league with 34 knockout clashes

    GEPL goes prime time: JioStar to air Season 2 of e-Cricket league with 34 knockout clashes

    MUMBAI: Cricket, consoles and crores: JetSynthesys is bowling a bouncer into India’s primetime schedule. The company announced that season two of its Global e-Cricket Premier League (GEPL) will air live on JioStar’s linear and OTT platforms. For the first time ever, the esports league will hit national television, blending the thrill of gaming with the theatrics of traditional sport.

    GEPL Season 2 promises an adrenaline spike with 34 high-octane matches slated from 27 April to 2 May. The broadcast window runs 11 am to 8 pm daily, across Star Sports and JioHotstar. In this edition, the prize pool jumps to Rs 3.05 crore – a bump up from Rs 2.51 crore in the previous season. Player interest has surged as well, with registration numbers skyrocketing from two lakh to 9.1 lakh.

    Powered by Real Cricket™ and featuring a team-based format, the league will stage its matches in Bengaluru. According to organisers, this year marks a watershed moment in India’s esports evolution.

    “GEPL is a high-energy league that mirrors the scale and professionalism of traditional sports. Our partnership with JioStar is a milestone; cementing our place on India’s biggest broadcast stage,” said JetSynthesys founder & CEO Rajan Navani.

    CEO & league commissioner Rohit Potphode added, “With Season 2, we’ve sharpened our vision for GEPL that enables player growth, team development, and fan engagement at scale. Our presence on JioStar, across both streaming and TV, is strategic in expanding our reach and delivering a premier sports entertainment experience to millions of Indians.”

    JioStar head of content – sports Siddharth Sharma remarked, “GEPL is a perfect example of innovation in sport, and we are committed to help it reach its full potential.”

    As esports flexes its muscle on mainstream platforms, GEPL’s arrival on national broadcast is a sign of the times – a spectacle merging cricket’s legacy with the future of competitive play.

  • Influencers: The new rockstars of marketing and GMJ’s striking partnership

    Influencers: The new rockstars of marketing and GMJ’s striking partnership

    MUMBAI: When influencers speak, the world listens—sometimes even more than it does to parents.

    With 69 per cent of consumers trusting influencer recommendations and brands reaping a whopping 16.6 per cent ROI boost through optimised campaigns, influencer marketing has cemented its place as the crown jewel of digital strategies.

    Riding this wave, Global Music Junction (GMJ), the music and entertainment subsidiary of JetSynthesys, has orchestrated a game-changing partnership with the charismatic Arvind Arora, aka A2 Sir. With a staggering 22 million social media followers, A2 Sir’s blend of education, motivation, and entertainment makes him the perfect maestro for GMJ’s ambitious foray into influencer-driven entertainment.

    This collaboration signals that in the digital age, influencers are the new rockstars—and GMJ knows how to pick a headliner.

    Strengthened by Warner Music India’s 26 per cent stake in GMJ earlier this year, the platform already holds partnerships with over 100 regional music creators across India, spanning Bhojpuri, Haryanvi, Rajasthani, and Odiya music. GMJ collaborates with Bollywood stalwarts such as Sonu Nigam, Shaan, and Salim Merchant. This new partnership reflects its ambition to redefine the digital entertainment ecosystem by blending music, motivation, and influencer-driven storytelling.

    In this initiative, Hariprem Films will spearhead content execution, ensuring the partnership delivers impactful narratives that resonate across India and beyond. JetSynthesys chairman & MD, Rajan Navani highlighted the significance of this collaboration, “At JetSynthesys, we aim to build a robust digital ecosystem that seamlessly combines technology and entertainment. Through this partnership, backed by Warner Music’s expertise and GMJ’s Hariprem Films’ exceptional execution, GMJ is well-positioned to set new benchmarks in influencer-driven content.”

    Arora expressed his enthusiasm for the project, “I am delighted to collaborate with JetSynthesys’ Global Music Junction to create content that inspires, motivates, and educates millions. This partnership allows us to combine our strengths to push the boundaries of digital storytelling.”

    GMJ founder & CEO, Rajkumar Singh outlined the partnership’s objectives, “This partnership with Arvind Arora is a significant step forward in GMJ’s journey to expand into the influencer entertainment market. Arora’s ability to inspire and connect with millions aligns perfectly with our vision to create impactful digital content and community.”

    Hariprem Films CEO Nitin Samadhiya emphasised the creative execution behind the initiative, “At Hariprem Films, we strive to bring ideas to life with precision and creativity. This collaboration with GMJ and Arvind Arora is an exciting opportunity to deliver content that inspires, motivates, and entertains, taking digital storytelling to new heights.”

    This collaboration represents a convergence of innovation, creativity, and execution excellence. By fusing digital entertainment with motivational storytelling, JetSynthesys’ Global Music Junction is poised to redefine influencer-driven content, inspiring millions across India and beyond.

  • Anuj Tandon joins venture capital firm Bitkraft Ventures as partner

    Anuj Tandon joins venture capital firm Bitkraft Ventures as partner

    MUMBAI: When Anuj Tandon announced his departure from the Rajan Navani-owned JetSynthesys  as CEO of its gaming division the question on every one’s mind was, where was he headed. Well, a short while ago he announced that he was back to doing what he does best: finding new studios and startups in gaming and interactive media by joining as a partner in one of the largest gaming and interactive media venture capital firms  globally, Bitkraft Ventures, leading its India initiatives. 

    Said he on Linkedin: “One of the biggest ecosystem gaps in emerging and new markets like India and Mena  in gaming and  interactive media is the lack of a peer network of founders and  mentors who push you to become better. Bitkraft  has  deep global expertise in this sector and 100-plus  portfolio companies and global mentor network and team –  I am pretty sure Indian entrepreneurs  will benefit immensely with Bitkraft India presence and localised strategy.”

    Each of Bitkraft’s investments, the company says, are contributing to the construction of the virtual worlds and economies of tomorrow.

     

  • Anuj Tandon announces departure from JetSynthesys as gaming CEO

    Anuj Tandon announces departure from JetSynthesys as gaming CEO

    MUMBAI: He’s game to get a move on Anuj Tandon, the CEO and investor of  gaming at JetSynthesys  has decided to hang up his boots at the company. As CEO of gaming, Anuj led  and managed various gaming assets of JetSynthesys including its game studio, investments and  global partnerships, esports (Skyesports), Nautilus Mobile, Jetapult, Nodwin and Web3 ventures.

    He spent two years at India’s foremost gaming firm as its CEO, also being a board observer at Nautilus and Jetapul. Prior to that, he was head (India & Mena regions) of corporate development &  investments at Krafton where he led its investments in Pratilipi, FRND, Nautilus Mobile, KukuFM, Nodwin, Loco, One Impression, among others.

    A hard core software enthusiast Anuj began his career at Infosys working as a developer, then a solution designer for four years before jumping to Tech Mahindra for a short stint of six months in end-2009. He then  co-founded his own studio Rolocule Games which he ran for five years before it was acquired by Dream 11. Nazara Games was his next stop for a year where he headed mobile game publishing & marketing till 2016. He then helped Chinese company Yozu Interactive to set up Yoozoo Games as its CEO and stayed there for four years. And then came his Krafton shift where he oversaw its investments in various companies.

    Anuj is a well-known figure in the games industry and observers are all eager to know what his next initiative will be.

    However, he was effusive in his praise while posting his departure from JetSynthesys on Linkedin this morning. Said he:  “.. I would like to thank Rajan Navani for being the visionary to create one of the most important companies in digital media and gaming in India and offering me the opportunity to work as CEO gaming.”  

    He then went on to thank the rest of his colleagues at the various studios and companies he oversaw. 

  • JetSynthesys welcomes Ryo Shima as CEO of gaming division

    JetSynthesys welcomes Ryo Shima as CEO of gaming division

    Pune: JetSynthesys, a new age global digital entertainment and technology company, announced the appointment of Ryo Shima as the new chief executive officer of its gaming division. Shima, who has been leading JetSynthesys’ Japan business, will now oversee the company’s gaming operations. Based in Silicon Valley, Shima brings a wealth of experience, including a notable tenure at listed Japanese major GREE (Former-CEO of GREE UK, COO of GREE US and SVP of GREE Inc) where he excelled in driving growth and innovation in the mobile gaming sector.

    Shima is a highly seasoned leader known as an expert in data-driven decision making, financial modeling, global partnership strategies, and digital marketing to deliver innovations, and revenue growth. He has also been instrumental in cross border game development (Japan-India-US) in the past at JetSynthesys. In his new role, Shima will be charged with steering the strategic direction of the Gaming Division, with a focus on expanding the company’s portfolio, enhancing player experiences, and harnessing advanced technology to deliver groundbreaking gaming solutions, at a time when Indian companies are expanding their global footprint.

    “Ryo’s impressive track record, particularly during his time at GREE where he played a pivotal role in establishing key titles and expanding international reach, makes him an exceptional leader for our Gaming Division,” said JetSynthesys founder & CEO Rajan Navani. “His insights from Silicon Valley, combined with his experience in the global gaming arena, will be crucial as we pursue innovative opportunities and deeper engagement with our global partners.”

    Shima said, “I am excited to step into this expanded role and look forward to collaborating with our talented teams worldwide to create engaging and innovative gaming experiences. Our focus will remain on offering unparalleled solutions for game developers, publishers and gamers while ensuring growth in the dynamic and ever-evolving gaming landscape.”

    Ryo holds an MBA from the Stanford University Graduate School of Business and has investment banking experience as well having worked with one of the world’s largest firms, Carlyle for three years. With Ryo Shima at the helm, JetSynthesys is poised to strengthen its position in the competitive gaming market and deliver unparalleled entertainment to gamers around the globe.

  • Jetsynthesys’ Metaphy Labs launches WardenAI with Spanish PM’s support

    Jetsynthesys’ Metaphy Labs launches WardenAI with Spanish PM’s support

    Mumbai: Metaphy Labs, a subsidiary of Jetsynthesys, has officially launched its cutting-edge AI solution, WardenAI, at the Indo-Spanish Dialogue in Mumbai, witnessed by Spanish prime minister Pedro Sánchez. This event marks a significant leap in leveraging AI for societal benefit and positions WardenAI as a powerful tool to combat global challenges like misinformation and false news.

    Metaphy Labs’ strategic collaborations in Spain have fueled this groundbreaking development. The company has secured Letters of Intent (LOIs) and initiated early partnerships with leading organisations, including the PRISA Group, starting with platforms such as Huffington Post, CadenaSER, and the Heretics Group, as well as the University of Navarra. These partnerships underscore the recognition of WardenAI’s potential to foster accountability, drive innovation, and bolster AI-powered growth.

    WardenAI is engineered to tackle emerging digital threats, serving as a comprehensive AI safety and trust platform that protects stakeholders across devices and channels in real-time. It reinforces the ‘Right to correct information’ by providing reliable access to verified data.

    At the launch, Metaphy Labs and WardenAI co-founder, Varun Sharma shared an impactful demonstration involving Burkina Faso. Reports of misinformation related to ‘guerrilla donations’ claimed that foreign funds were fueling propaganda and causing social unrest. Utilizing WardenAI’s capabilities to process data from over 200,000 sources swiftly, Metaphy’s team identified the origins of the disinformation within 72 hours, uncovering a coordinated network and flagging over 5,000 suspicious narratives.

    Jetsynthesys founder & CEO, Rajan Navani highlighted the innovation: “Metaphy has been doing pioneering work in AI. With the launch of WardenAI, we have once again broken new ground in the way AI can be harnessed and applied to solve societal problems. Fake news and misinformation is a global issue and WardenAI demonstrates how it can be tackled and its adverse impact mitigated with technology.”

    Metaphy Labs, co-founders, Sharma and Rakesh Sreedhar elaborated on the urgency: “Recent studies estimate that false news spreads 70 per cent faster than the truth online. The financial and social costs of fake news are staggering – it is estimated to cost the global economy $78 billion every year, while its impacts undermine social cohesion and trust in public institutions. We believe that WardenAI is poised to redefine the way AI supports and empowers societies and we are thrilled to see this vision align with the broader Spain-India collaboration and the shared support from Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez.”

    Prime minister Sánchez’s endorsement emphasises Spain’s dedication to responsible AI and the shared vision for a resilient AI ecosystem. This collaboration exemplifies joint efforts between Spain and India to advance transparent and ethical AI practices.

  • JetSynthesys enters Hollywood with ‘Please Don’t Feed the Children’

    JetSynthesys enters Hollywood with ‘Please Don’t Feed the Children’

    Mumbai: Digital entertainment and technology company – JetSynthesys has announced the Hollywood debut of two key executives as executive producers on Please Don’t Feed the Children, directed by Steven Spielberg’s daughter Destry Allyn Spielberg. Founder & CEO Rajan Navani and JetSynthesys Los Angeles head Medha Jaishankar serve as executive producers on this post-apocalyptic thriller, marking a significant milestone for the company as it expands to Hollywood. The project aligns with JetSynthesys’ mission to connect eastern and western storytelling while advancing creative boundaries in global cinema.

    Please Don’t Feed the Children received a strong response at its world premiere at the Sitges Film Festival, known for genre films. Set in a dystopian world ravaged by a mysterious disease, the film follows a group of orphans fighting for survival. The cast includes Michelle Dockery (Downton Abbey) and Giancarlo Esposito (Breaking Bad, The Mandalorian). Spielberg’s directorial debut aims to combine suspense with emotionally driven storytelling, offering a new perspective in the horror genre.

    “Partnering with Please Don’t Feed the Children as an executive producer is a defining moment for JetSynthesys and for me personally,” said JetSynthesys founder & CEO Rajan Navani. “This project aligns with our vision of supporting bold, innovative storytelling that transcends borders. Working with Destry Allyn Spielberg has been a privilege, and her unique approach to the genre highlights the importance of nurturing fresh voices in the industry. We’re excited to continue exploring narratives that resonate across cultures and look forward to further opportunities that strengthen the connection between Eastern and Western cinema.”

    JetSynthesys Los Angeles head Medha Jaishankar added, “Please Don’t Feed the Children represents an exciting new chapter for JetSynthesys as we enter Hollywood’s vibrant creative space. Our role in this project reflects our commitment to cross-cultural collaboration and genre-defining storytelling. Supporting Destry’s directorial vision has been an inspiring journey, and we’re eager to bring this compelling film to audiences worldwide, showcasing the depth and creativity that horror can offer.”

    JetSynthesys’ involvement in Please Don’t Feed the Children showcases its strategy to become a key player in the global entertainment landscape. This venture reinforces JetSynthesys’ commitment to innovative storytelling and its focus on nurturing the next generation of filmmakers shaping the future of cinema.

  • JetSynthesys announces first franchise ownership for GEPL season two

    JetSynthesys announces first franchise ownership for GEPL season two

    Mumbai: JetSynthesys, a digital entertainment and tech company, has announced the first franchise ownership for season two of the Global e-Cricket Premier League (GEPL). Zerodha co-founder Nikhil Kamath, Curefoods founder Ankit Nagori, and Accel partner Prashanth Prakash will co-own the Bengaluru franchise.

    Last year’s tournament drew 200,000 registrations and selected the top 64 players for eight teams. The final showdown took place in JetSynthesys’ Real Cricket video game, streamed on JioCinema, with over 1.1 million minutes viewed and a reach of 70 million-plus.

    JetSynthesys CEO and founder Rajan Navani expressed his enthusiasm about these developments, “We are thrilled to welcome Nikhil Kamath, Ankit Nagori, and Prashant Prakash to the GEPL family. Their involvement is a testament to the growing recognition of e-cricket as a mainstream sport. With an expanded team format and new league guidelines, we are set to elevate the competitive spirit and excitement to new heights globally.”

    The new team owners also shared their excitement about joining the league.

    Kamath remarked, “The gaming industry is incredibly exciting right now, especially with how fast things are moving in India. We’ve reached a point where we’re not just participating in global gaming—we’re creating esportable games for the world. Real Cricket is a prime example of that. Partnering with Rajan and JetSynthesys for the Global e-Cricket Premier League is a good opportunity to help foster and inspire young talent in this dynamic space. I’m keen to see what we can achieve together and to play a role in shaping the future of esports in India.”

    Nagori added, “I’m truly passionate about the video gaming industry and excited about the vision JetSynthesys has for taking cricket to the world as India’s premier esport. This is my way of giving back and supporting the next generation of gamers. I believe in their potential, and I’m here to help them shine in a space that’s evolving so quickly. Together, I believe we can turn gaming into the next big contributor to India GDP, and also a fulfilling career for many talented individuals.”

    Prakash stated, “I’m thrilled to be part of the Global e-Cricket Premier League and to contribute to the growth of esports in India. This partnership with JetSynthesys aligns perfectly with my passion for innovation and my belief in the potential of cricket as a global esport. Together, we can create a vibrant ecosystem that empowers aspiring gamers and showcases their talent on an international stage.”

    GEPL CEO & league commissioner Rohit Potphode enthused on the occasion, “We’re excited to welcome Nikhil Kamath, Ankit Nagori, and Prashant Prakash as our franchise team owners for this thrilling season. This year, the league promises to be bigger than ever, uniting players, franchise owners, fans, and sponsors to create immense value and deliver unforgettable experiences for everyone involved.”

    This year’s upgrades aim to boost competition within GEPL while creating jobs in esports sectors like event management, broadcasting, and talent management. The league offers competitive salaries to top players, turning their passion for gaming into viable careers as they compete for the title of ‘e-Cricket Icon’ on a global stage.

    With the GEPL S2 finals set for January 2025, the tournament continues to blend cricket, gaming, esports, and entertainment, offering a platform for emerging esports talent to showcase their skills in eCricket.

  • Rajasthan Royal & Real Cricket partner for unique cricket esports experience

    Rajasthan Royal & Real Cricket partner for unique cricket esports experience

    Mumbai: JetSynthesys’ Nautilus Mobile, renowned for its globally popular Real Cricket series, is thrilled to announce a pioneering partnership with the Rajasthan Royals, the inaugural champions of India’s premier T20 league. This landmark collaboration marks the introduction of a new, officially licensed mobile cricket simulation game that will feature the dynamic presence of Rajasthan Royals players and iconic team branding.

    From 25 August, Real Cricket fans can get the chance to play with the Rajasthan Royals cricketers in an exclusive mobile game. The game will have star players from the team including their mercurial captain Sanju Samson, T20 World Cup-winning captain Jos Buttler, spin magicians Ravichandran Ashwin and Yuzvendra Chahal, ace pacer Trent Boult, young Indian stars Yashasvi Jaiswal, Riyan Parag, Dhruv Jurel along with their other teammates, making the game as realistic as it will be entertaining to all cricket fans around the world. This partnership will include the official logos of the team, the iconic pink and blue team kits, and the players’ images, which will aim to indulge cricket aficionados playing the game with a realistic look and feel.

    “Partnering with the Rajasthan Royals marks a significant milestone in Real Cricket’s journey and our broader ambitions for the Indian esports industry,” said JetSynthesys founder and CEO Rajan Navani. “This collaboration with one of T20’s most iconic teams is a game-changer for our player community, strengthening our vision of making Real Cricket India’s esport export. It’s a testament to our commitment to innovation and our passion for cricket, and we’re excited to see how it will shape the future of mobile gaming.”

    JetSynthesys’ Nautilus Mobile founder & CEO Anuj Mankar added, “We are thrilled to introduce Rajasthan Royals into the Real Cricket world. The aim was always to provide the most realistic cricket simulation experience and by associating with one of the premium teams of the leagues, we are setting the benchmark in mobile cricket gaming ahead of all others. This is not just going to add to the charm of the game but will also give the fans a chance to play with some of the most popular players from the Rajasthan Royals team.”

    Rajasthan Royals chief business officer Alok Chitre commented on the team’s latest approach into e-gaming, “At the Royals, we believe that our fans are the team’s heartbeat and we are always looking at elevating the experience for our loyal fans across the globe, bringing them closer to their team in every way possible. Real Cricket presents an opportunity for our fans to connect with their favorite team in an exciting, new way, we are thrilled to collaborate with Nautilus Mobile to deliver this engaging experience.”

    Since its launch in 2014, the Real Cricket series has been a phenomenon, garnering over 350 million downloads, over one million active daily downloads worldwide, and 6.8 million monthly active users. This allows the gamer to play basic matches, tournaments, and even career modes, which makes the game a complete and interesting package for cricket enthusiasts worldwide.

  • JetSynthesys appoints Raj Thadani as CEO of JS-DHH joint venture

    JetSynthesys appoints Raj Thadani as CEO of JS-DHH joint venture

    Mumbai: New-age digital entertainment and technology company, JetSynthesys, is pleased to announce the appointment of Raj Thadani as the CEO of its joint venture (JV) with Digital Hearts Holdings (DHH), a Japanese holding company listed on the Tokyo Stock Exchange (TSE). In his new capacity, Thadani will spearhead strategic initiatives, drawing on DHH’s expertise to bolster India’s gaming supply chain pipeline.

    Thadani’s appointment signifies JetSynthesys’ commitment to harnessing DHH’s renowned capabilities within India, solidifying its global stature in gaming innovation. With extensive experience spanning close to two decades in technology and gaming, Thadani is poised to guide the joint venture towards success, seizing opportunities within the ever-evolving gaming landscape.

    JetSynthesys CEO and founder Rajan Navani expressed his enthusiasm about the appointment, stating, “We are happy to welcome Raj Thadani as the CEO of our joint venture with Digital Hearts Holdings. His proven leadership skills and deep understanding of the gaming industry will be invaluable as we work to establish India as a global hub for game development and create impactful gaming experiences for our audience. Together, we are poised to unlock new avenues of growth and innovation in the gaming ecosystem.”

    Raj Thadani, the newly appointed CEO of JS-DHH Joint Venture, shared his vision for the joint venture, saying, “I am excited to lead the joint venture between JetSynthesys and Digital Hearts Holdings. Our collaboration signifies a commitment to excellence and innovation in the gaming sector. I look forward to leveraging DHH’s strengths and JetSynthesys’ vision to drive meaningful impact and deliver exceptional value to our stakeholders.”

    In November 2023, JetSynthesys announced a strategic partnership with Digital Hearts Holdings Co., Ltd. (DHH). As part of this collaboration, DHH has invested in JetSynthesys Co., Ltd. (JetSynthesys Japan). Simultaneously, JetSynthesys Japan harnesses DHH’s expertise in quality assurance, customer support, and marketing to create global products. JetSynthesys has formed a 50:50 joint venture in India with DHH. The joint venture will expand its debugging businesses in India and the global gaming market by combining the resources and know-how of both companies.