Indian Startup ARC Secures Funding for Portable Gaming Device
A new Indian startup aims to bridge the gap between mobile and PC gaming with a dedicated handheld device, backed by fresh investment.
ARC, a gaming technology startup based in India, has secured 10.5 crore rupees in a pre-seed funding round. The investment, led by Chimera VC and MIXI Global Investments, is intended to accelerate the development of the ARC X1, a portable gaming system designed to make high-performance gaming more accessible to players in India.
The company states that the capital will be used for hardware engineering, product validation, and supply chain preparation. Additionally, the funds will support the expansion of its software team and the refinement of OWL OS, the proprietary operating system that powers the device. This move positions ARC to compete in a market where dedicated handheld hardware has seen relatively low penetration compared to mobile gaming.
Device capabilities and technical foundation
The ARC X1 is built on ARM architecture and utilizes Qualcomm technology. It runs on OWL OS, a custom software stack that allows the device to support native Android games as well as PC titles. The system also includes cloud gaming capabilities, enabling users to access a wider library of software without requiring a full desktop setup.
According to GN technics/gaming (en-US), the startup has collaborated closely with Qualcomm Technologies during the development phase. Gamers have been involved in early testing programs to provide feedback on both hardware and software performance. This iterative process is designed to refine the user experience before the commercial launch, ensuring the device meets the specific needs of the target audience.
Targeting the mobile-first market
ARC is targeting India's large mobile-first gaming demographic. Founders Jobin Joseph and Kaustubh K. Jadhav believe that access to high-quality gaming should not be limited by expensive hardware. By offering a portable device that bridges the gap between smartphones and personal computers, the company aims to deepen the gaming experience for a broader segment of the population.
The startup reports that more than 50,000 people have joined the waitlist for the ARC X1 ahead of its official release. This level of interest suggests a significant demand for dedicated portable gaming hardware in the region. The company plans to use the funding to scale its operations and establish partnerships across gaming, cloud, and content sectors to support this growth.
Investor confidence and market outlook
Chimera VC and MIXI Global Investments cited the potential for ARC to become foundational infrastructure for the next phase of portable gaming. They noted that India has a passionate gaming community that has been underserved by dedicated hardware options. The global portable gaming console market is projected to grow at a compound annual rate of 9.7% between 2026 and 2033, indicating a favorable environment for new entrants.
The trade-off for consumers will likely be a device that requires a specific operating system and software stack to function optimally. While the device supports multiple game types, its performance relies heavily on the proprietary OWL OS. As ARC moves closer to launch, the focus will be on ensuring that the hardware and software integration delivers a seamless experience that justifies the shift from standard mobile devices.
