Archive · 14 Sep 2025
Hike Messenger to Shut Down, Citing Regulatory Hurdles
Hike, a messaging app that later offered games, is closing down after 13 years.
The ban on online money gaming in India made it hard for Hike to continue.
Although its US business was going well, the company decided scaling globally wasn't the best move.
Kavin Bharti Mittal, the founder, is now looking at AI, energy, and other fields.
Hike Messenger is shutting down after 13 years in business.
Kavin Bharti Mittal, son of Sunil Bharti Mittal, announced the closure.
The decision comes after the Indian government effectively banned real-money gaming (RMG).
Hike's US business launched nine months ago, was performing well.
Mittal will focus on AI, energy, and personal growth in the future.
- Who
- Kavin Bharti Mittal, founder of Hike
- What
- Hike is shutting down
- When
- After 13 years, in September 2024
- Where
- Globally, with strong operations in India and the US.
- Why
- Due to the ban on real-money gaming (RMG) in India and challenges in scaling
- Company
- Hike
- Founder
- Kavin Bharti Mittal
- Launched
- 2012
- Original Business
- Messaging App
- Primary Platform
- Rush (casual games)
- Closure Reason
- Regulatory Hurdles & Scaling
- US Business Status
- Strong Start
Sources
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