iWorld
Warner Bros Discovery dominates Digital Reinvent Innovation Awards with big wins
Mumbai: In a significant achievement, Warner Bros Discovery proudly reveals multiple wins at the esteemed Digital Reinvent Awards 2023. Discovery original series “The Journey Of India,” clinching the distinguished Gold Title for Limited or Anthology series in the ‘Best In Content Creation’ category. Sharing the spotlight in this category, “Money Mafia Season 3” takes home the silver award.
Amplifying its position as the leader of the factual entertainment space, Warner Bros Discovery also secured the silver title for “The Journey of India” in the category of ‘Documentary or NonFiction Program or Series’. Spanning a wide range of subjects, the series features Amitabh Bachchan as the host and provides an in-depth look at the nation’s progress, influences, and accomplishments on its 75 years of independence. Notable figures who have contributed to the show’s captivating narrative include Anand Mahindra, Kajol, Karan Johar, S.S. Rajamouli, Amish Tripathi, Rana Daggubati, A. R. Rahman, chef Vikas Khanna, Nandan Nilekani and Naina Lal Kidwai.
Discovery, South Asia head of factual and lifestyle cluster Sai Abishek shared, “We are deeply honored by the success of our Indian originals at the Digital Reinvent Awards 2023. From ‘The Journey of India,’ a heartfelt tribute to India’s remarkable 75-year journey, to ‘Money Mafia,’ we strive to create compelling stories that connect with our audiences through our gripping non-fiction narratives. This recognition fuels our dedication to crafting engaging series that resonate with our viewers.”
Sai also mentioned, “We extend our gratitude to Black Iris for their collaboration on ‘The Journey of India’ and Vice Media for their contribution to ‘Money Mafia.’ Their invaluable partnership enhances the celebration of this significant achievement.”
The Digital Reinvent Renovation Awards, held virtually on 1 December, 2023, recognised outstanding achievements in streaming entertainment. Acknowledging the exceptional contributions of individuals and organisations reshaping the digital entertainment landscape, the ceremony positions Warner Bros Discovery as the frontrunner in the infotainment space.
Gaming
MTG gaming chief Benninghoff joins NODWIN board as esports firm primes for IPO
The Gurugram-based esports firm is pursuing a public listing, has returned to profitability and is growing revenues by 42 per cent
GURUGRAM: NODWIN Gaming is moving fast. The Gurugram-based gaming and esports company has launched a pre-IPO fundraising round, appointed UBS as lead adviser for both the round and a subsequent public listing, and landed a heavyweight board director, all in one go.
The new board member is Arnd Benninghoff, executive vice president of gaming at Stockholm-listed Modern Times Group (MTG), who has overseen the group’s strategic investments and portfolio growth since 2014. He is no stranger to building things: Benninghoff has founded and built fifteen companies, served as chief digital officer at ProSiebenSat.1 Media AG, managing director of SevenVentures, and chief executive of Holtzbrinck eLAB. He began his career as a journalist at Deutsche Presse Agentur and various TV networks, holds a Diplom-Kaufmann in business and administration from the University of Münster, and previously sat on the board of Edgeware AB.
The numbers back the ambition
NODWIN is not pitching a story without substance. The company has returned to EBITDA profitability and posted a 42 per cent year-on-year revenue surge, reaching $58.5m in the first nine months of FY2026. The pre-IPO round will combine a primary issuance to fund global expansion through organic growth and acquisitions, alongside a secondary sale to give existing shareholders some liquidity.
Akshat Rathee, co-founder and managing director of NODWIN Gaming, said Benninghoff understands “the entire lifecycle of the gaming and media ecosystem, from the boots-on-the-ground reality of building startups to the strategic complexity of managing multi-billion dollar global portfolios.”
Benninghoff, for his part, said the company “sits at the intersection of sports, entertainment, and technology, making it one of the most exciting players in the global gaming landscape today.”
A portfolio built for the global south
Founded in 2014 by Rathee and Gautam Virk, NODWIN has quietly assembled one of the more compelling esports portfolios outside the Western hemisphere. Its properties include DreamHack India and Comic Con India, and it recently acquired StarLadder, the Ukraine-based tournament organiser behind premier events in CS:GO and Dota 2. The company also serves as a long-term strategic marketing partner for the Evolution Championship Series (EVO), the world’s most prominent fighting game tournament, helping push it into new geographies.
Its geographic focus spans South Asia, Central Asia, Southeast Asia, the Middle East and Africa. Backers include Nazara Technologies, KRAFTON, Sony Group Corporation, JetSynthesys, and the founders’ investment vehicle Good Game Investments.
What comes next
With UBS running the books, a board freshly reinforced with European media and gaming expertise, and revenue heading in the right direction, NODWIN is laying the groundwork deliberately. The esports industry has burned investors before with big promises and thin margins. NODWIN’s return to profitability, combined with a real portfolio of owned intellectual properties across gaming, music and youth culture, gives it a more credible runway than most. The IPO clock is now ticking.
