The Rise of Base1 Gaming
The Indian gaming landscape is undergoing a seismic shift, moving beyond casual play into the high-stakes world of competitive esports. At the forefront of this revolution is Base1 Gaming & Esports Technologies Private Limited, a startup that secured crucial funding from StartupLanes at its Idea Stage.
This partnership highlights a growing trend: investors are no longer just looking for established revenue; they are looking for visionary founders who can solve systemic problems in massive markets.
The Visionary and the Strategic Mentor
The journey of Base1 Gaming began with Waqas Abbas Rumani, a founder who noticed a glaring gap in the Indian market. While India has millions of gamers, the infrastructure for "grassroots" esports—community-level tournaments, high-end local gaming hubs, and professional talent scouting—was practically non-existent outside of major metros.
Waqas wanted to democratize professional gaming, making it accessible to every talented youth with a controller. However, turning a passion for gaming into a scalable business requires strategic mentorship. This is where Dr. Shishir Gupta, Founder & CEO of StartupLanes, stepped in. Recognizing the multi-billion dollar potential of the Indian gaming industry, Dr. Gupta helped Waqas refine the business model to capture the massive untapped market of Tier-2 and Tier-3 cities. Dr. Gupta’s belief in the project was driven by the sheer scale of the market and the "phygital" approach proposed by the team.
Company Profile: Base1 Gaming & Esports Technologies
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Company Name | Base1 Gaming & Esports Technologies Private Limited |
| Founder | Waqas Abbas Rumani |
| Co-Founder | Saif Abbas Rumani |
| Location | Kharghar, Navi Mumbai, Maharashtra |
| Incorporation Date | May 30, 2022 |
| Business Model | Phygital (Physical Gaming Cafes + Digital Esports Platforms) |
Team and Qualifications
The startup is led by a specialized team focused on expanding gaming esports to a wider audience at the grassroots level in India.
Waqas Abbas Rumani (Founder): An entrepreneur with deep domain expertise in the gaming ecosystem and a background in technology management.
Saif Abbas Rumani (Co-Founder): Brings operational excellence and focuses on enterprise growth.
The team combines technical proficiency in esports technology with a localized understanding of the Indian consumer, ensuring their gaming hubs serve as community centers for future esports athletes.
Products and Services
Base1 Gaming is more than a traditional "video game parlour"; it is a tech-enabled esports ecosystem. Their offerings include:
Esports Facilities: Premier destinations equipped with the latest games and professional-grade infrastructure.
Tournament Hosting: Organizing grassroots initiatives to identify and engage local talent.
Community Engagement: Fostering a vibrant atmosphere for social interaction and competitive spirit.
Grassroots Expansion: Focused on bringing professional esports standards to non-metro regions.
The Business Model & Benefits
The Base1 model is built on high-engagement "Social Gaming." Unlike home gaming, which can be isolating, Base1 hubs foster a competitive social environment.
Key Benefits of their Business:
Democratized Access: Allows aspiring professional gamers to access high-end setups for an affordable fee.
Scalable Infrastructure: A replicable hub-and-spoke model that can expand rapidly across Indian districts.
Talent Funnel: Creates a structured path for grassroots players to move into professional leagues.
Economic Growth: Contributes to the growing INR 66,000 crore Indian gaming market and creates local employment in the tech and hospitality sectors.
Startup India Policy Integration
As an innovative and scalable venture, Base1 Gaming leverages the Startup India Policy to accelerate its growth. By meeting the criteria of being a Private Limited company within 10 years of incorporation, they access several benefits:
Tax Exemptions: Potential 3-year income tax holiday under Section 80-IAC.
Easier Compliance: Self-certification for various labor and environmental laws.
IPR Support: Access to facilitators for fast-tracking patent and trademark applications at reduced costs.
Funding Access: Eligibility for government-backed seed fund schemes and easier public procurement norms.
The New Bharat
By funding Base1 Gaming at the Idea Stage, StartupLanes has placed a strategic bet on the democratization of Indian esports. With the guidance of Dr. Shishir Gupta and the relentless drive of Waqas and Saif Rumani, Base1 is set to turn Navi Mumbai—and eventually all of India—into a powerhouse of gaming talent.