When people ask, “Who is Kavin Bharti Mittal?” The first thing that comes to mind is his connection with Hike Messenger, a once-celebrated Indian startup that aimed to rival WhatsApp. Known as the son of Sunil Bharti Mittal, chairman of Bharti Airtel, Kavin Bharti Mittal has carved out his own space in India’s tech ecosystem. From building a unicorn company to facing regulatory roadblocks, his journey represents both the promise and pitfalls of startups in India.
In this article, we’ll explore his story—the rise of Hike Messenger, its pivot into the gaming industry with the Rush app, the reasons behind the unexpected Hike shutdown, and what lies ahead for one of India’s most recognized young entrepreneurs.
From Messaging App to a Billion-Dollar Dream
Kavin Bharti Mittal’s entrepreneurial journey began in 2012 when he launched Hike Messenger. At the time, India’s digital space was ripe for innovation, and Mittal envisioned Hike as a competitor to WhatsApp. Within just a few years, the app exploded in popularity, crossing 40 million monthly active users and earning the title of one of India’s fastest-growing consumer brands.
By 2016, Hike had achieved unicorn status with a valuation of over $1 billion, cementing Kavin Bharti Mittal’s reputation as a visionary leader in the Indian startup world. Backed by global investors such as SoftBank, Tiger Global, Tencent, and Foxconn, Hike seemed unstoppable.
However, despite its early success, Hike Messenger struggled to keep pace with WhatsApp’s strong “network effect.” Even with innovative features like stickers and offline messaging, Hike could not sustain long-term dominance in India’s messaging space.
The Big Pivot: From Hike Messenger to Gaming
By 2021, Kavin Bharti Mittal made the tough call to shut down Hike Messenger. Instead of giving up, he pivoted the company into gaming, launching the Rush app. This platform offered real-money games, play-to-earn opportunities, and even integrated Web3 features that aligned with global digital trends.
The move was bold but effective. In just four years, Rush amassed over 10 million users, generated $500 million in gross revenue, and became a leading name in India’s gaming industry. With 5 million active players and annual winnings of around $480 million, Rush showcased how a quick pivot could revive a struggling company.
The Rise and Fall of Rush
The Rush app proved that Kavin Bharti Mittal’s entrepreneurial instincts were sharp. His ability to reinvent Hike into a successful gaming business attracted top investors like Rajeev Misra, Elad Gil, and Mark Pincus.
But just as momentum was building, India’s blanket ban on real-money gaming struck a devastating blow. The new regulations made it nearly impossible for Rush to continue operating profitably. Even though Hike’s U.S. business showed potential, scaling globally without a fresh infusion of capital and a complete reset was not feasible.
In his Substack blog post, Kavin Bharti Mittal announced the Hike shutdown, describing the decision as a “knockout punch” from regulatory policies. With $4 million remaining on the balance sheet, the company prioritized clearing vendor obligations and employee severance before returning leftover funds to investors.
Kavin Bharti Mittal’s Family Legacy
To understand who Kavin Bharti Mittal is, one must also consider his powerful family background. His father, Sunil Bharti Mittal, is the founder and chairman of Bharti Airtel, India’s largest telecom company. With a family net worth of $30.7 billion, the Mittals rank among the country’s wealthiest business families.
Despite this immense legacy, Kavin Bharti Mittal has consistently pursued his own path. From starting his first company, Appspark, while studying at Imperial College London, to leading one of India’s most famous startups, he has shown that he is more than just an heir—he is a risk-taking entrepreneur in his own right.
What’s Next for Kavin Bharti Mittal?
Although the Hike shutdown marks the end of an era, Kavin Bharti Mittal is far from done. In his closing statement, he hinted at future plans involving artificial intelligence, clean energy breakthroughs, and personal mastery. These areas suggest that he is now looking to build businesses with global impact, beyond gaming or messaging apps.
The story of Kavin Bharti Mittal is a compelling reminder of the highs and lows of entrepreneurship. Startups can soar to billion-dollar valuations in a short time, but they are equally vulnerable to external forces such as regulatory changes.
Final Thoughts: Who is Kavin Bharti Mittal Today?
So, who is Kavin Bharti Mittal? He is a determined entrepreneur, the former founder of Hike Messenger and Rush app, and the son of Sunil Bharti Mittal of Bharti Airtel. He is someone who has tasted both massive success and painful setbacks and yet continues to push forward toward new opportunities.
The Hike shutdown may appear to be a setback, but it also reflects the harsh realities of the Indian startup ecosystem. As Mittal steps into new ventures in AI and energy, the world will be watching closely. His journey serves as inspiration to young entrepreneurs who dream big but must be prepared for challenges along the way.
In the end, Kavin Bharti Mittal is not just the heir to a telecom empire—he is a bold innovator navigating the ever-changing landscape of technology and business in India.
