In a significant development for the Indian tech landscape, Kavin Bharti Mittal, the scion of the Bharti Airtel group, has announced the closure of Hike Messenger after a commendable 13-year run. This decision comes in the wake of challenges faced following the recent ban in India, which has prompted a reevaluation of the platform’s future.
Kavin Bharti Mittal’s Announcement
In a heartfelt message shared on his Substack, Mittal expressed the difficulty of this decision, stating, “After regrouping with our investors and the team, I’ve made the difficult decision to wind down Hike completely.” He elaborated that the prospect of scaling the messaging platform globally post-ban would necessitate a complete overhaul, which he deemed “not the best use of capital or time.”
“For the first time in 13 years, my answer is no. Not for me, not for my team, and not for our investors,” he added, emphasizing the weight of the decision. Despite the challenges faced by Hike, Mittal noted that their recent venture into the U.S. market, launched just nine months ago, has shown promising results.
A Journey of Growth and Innovation
Reflecting on Hike’s journey, Mittal shared that the platform once boasted 40 million monthly active users and was recognized as the 35th most loved consumer brand in India at its peak. The app, launched in December 2012, was envisioned as India’s answer to WhatsApp, aiming to create a messaging platform tailored specifically for Indian users. With backing from Bharti Enterprises and early investors like SoftBank, Hike quickly gained traction, surpassing 100 million downloads within a few years.
Mittal also highlighted the success of their gaming platform, Rush, which attracted 10 million users and generated over 0 million in gross revenue within just four years. This achievement underscores the innovative spirit that Hike embodied throughout its existence.
Gratitude and Future Aspirations
In his message, Mittal extended his gratitude to everyone who contributed to Hike’s journey—users, team members, investors, and the broader community. “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,” he remarked.
Looking ahead, Mittal hinted at his future endeavors, expressing a vision for a world where willpower is limitless, energy is abundant, and intelligence is readily accessible. “This is the future I will help build — and it’s where I’ll be contributing in the decades to come. This new chapter will look very different from the last one,” he concluded, leaving the door open for new possibilities in the tech landscape.
