Indian music label giant Saregama acquires Pocket Aces | TechCrunch

Saregama has agreed to acquire a 51.82% stake in the startup Pocket Aces as the oldest Indian music label makes deeper push into videos.

Saregama is paying about $20 million for the 51.82% stake in Pocket Aces and plans to invest an additional $1.8 million in the startup, the Kolkata-headquartered firm disclosed in a stock exchange filing. The music label plans to acquire as much as 92.61% of Pocket Aces in the future and will determine the pricing based on completion of certain metrics, it said.

TechCrunch reported about the two companies engaging for a deal earlier this month.

Pocket Aces largely produces short-form video content aimed at young Indians, creating over 30 new items each day. It has seen its popularity surge in recent years as its shows, typically comedic and dealing with real-world issues, have resonated with viewers. The startup, which manages over 100 digital talent, has also licensed IPs like the show “Little Things” to Netflix and shared other content with platforms such as Jio, MX Player, Vistara, and Qatar Airways.

Pocket Aces, which had raised about $20 million over the years and counts Peak XV and 3one4 Capital among its early investors, reaches 50 million viewers weekly and accumulates 700 million views monthly, according to stats it has disclosed on its website.

More to follow.