After 13 years of building, scaling, and pivoting, Hike founder and CEO Kavin Bharti Mittal has announced the complete shutdown of Hike. In a heartfelt note, he reflected on the decision, the lessons learned, and the road ahead.
The Hard Decision
Hike’s U.S. business, launched just nine months ago, was gaining traction. However, after the India ban, Mittal said scaling globally would have required a complete recapitalization something that, while possible, was not worth the time or capital investment.
“We could raise the capital, but the real question is: is it worth it? For the first time in 13 years, my answer is no. Not for me, not for my team, and not for our investors.”
He explained that real-money gaming (RMG), which became central to Hike’s pivot, was never meant to be the end goal. It was a way to test economics and traction in India. But regulatory headwinds locked the company into a model that wasn’t aligned with its long-term vision.
Mittal admitted that while the “Gaming Nation” concept is real, the timing may be too early, especially given uncertainties in crypto regulation globally.
Looking Back: The Journey and the Lessons
At its peak, Hike Messenger had 40 million monthly active users and ranked as the 35th most loved consumer brand in India. Later, with Rush, Hike built a new kind of casual PvP gaming platform that scaled to 10 million users and more than $500 million in gross revenue within just four years.
Despite strong execution, Mittal acknowledged that Hike could not make it “stick.” The journey, however, offered powerful lessons:
- Be careful with winner-take-all markets. To win, you need to go global.
- Don’t build for today’s constraints. Build for the spring and summer of new technologies.
- Regulatory clarity matters. Risk is fine; uncertainty is not.
“Momentum is everything. And above all, build what your heart and mind are deeply excited about. It’s conviction that carries you through.”
Gratitude and Acknowledgment
Mittal thanked Hike’s users, investors, and especially his team for their relentless effort and commitment.
“As a CEO, you’re only as strong as your team, and I want to give a special shout-out to mine an incredible group of people who gave this everything.”
Looking Ahead: The Next Frontiers
While one chapter ends, Mittal is clear about the future he wants to help shape. He pointed to three great frontiers that will define his next phase of building:
1. Artificial Intelligence (AI)
Technology now has both intelligence and memory. AI-driven products will not just serve functions but adapt, grow, and partner with humans a paradigm shift for software.
2. Breakthroughs in Energy
Human progress has always been tied to energy. Future innovation lies in exploring new frontiers like electromagnetism and quantum physics to deliver abundant, clean energy.
3. Mastery of the Self
As AI takes over more human work, Mittal believes the focus will shift inward. Humanity will seek deeper meaning and connection with itself and the divine, unlocking higher potential through inner growth.
“Just imagine a future where willpower is infinite, energy is abundant, and intelligence is at our fingertips. This is the future I will help build.”
A New Chapter Begins
With this vision, Mittal is closing the Hike chapter but looking forward with renewed conviction.
“This chapter ends, but the climb continues. This new chapter will look very different from the last one 🚀”
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