Saregama, a leader in the Indian music and digital entertainment space, has made a significant strategic move by increasing its stake in Pocket Aces to 90.37%. The acquisition, completed on March 29, 2025, involves an additional 36.63% stake purchase for ₹127.47 crore. This consolidation marks a major step in Saregama’s ambition to dominate the digital content industry.
Key Financial Aspects of the Deal
Acquisition structure: Equity and convertible preference shares
Additional stake acquired: 36.63%
Total Saregama ownership in Pocket Aces: 90.37%
Purchase value: ₹127.47 crore
Who is Pocket Aces?
Pocket Aces is one of India’s premier digital content creators, boasting an extensive presence across various platforms. It owns popular brands like:
- FilterCopy (short-form relatable videos)
- Dice Media (long-form digital originals)
- Nutshell (informative content)
- Gobble (food and lifestyle videos)
- Clout (a vast influencer network with 215+ creators)
With a content library exceeding 35,000 pieces, Pocket Aces has firmly established itself as a go-to platform for India’s digital-first audience, particularly in the 18-35 age group.
Why Saregama Acquired a Bigger Stake in Pocket Aces
Saregama’s decision to increase its investment in Pocket Aces is fueled by several strategic objectives:
Building a Stronger Content Library – The vast collection of short-form and long-form content offers potential integration with Saregama’s existing music catalog.
Expanding its Digital Footprint – With more consumers shifting towards digital media, this acquisition strengthens Saregama’s digital content distribution.
Enhancing Engagement with Younger Audiences – Pocket Aces’ core demographic aligns with Saregama’s ambition to engage the millennial and Gen Z market.
Leveraging Influencer-Driven Content – The rise of influencer marketing presents new opportunities for monetization and cross-promotional campaigns.
The acquisition, finalized on March 29, 2025, involves a mix of equity and convertible preference shares. With this transaction, Pocket Aces—known for its extensive digital presence across platforms such as FilterCopy, Dice Media, Nutshell, and Gobble, as well as its talent network of over 215 influencers via Clout—now operates largely under Saregama’s control. The company formally announced the deal through a regulatory filing with the BSE on Saturday.
Pocket Aces, which boasts a content library of over 35,000 pieces ranging from digital originals to short-form reels, presents a significant opportunity for Saregama to strengthen its engagement with the 18-35 age demographic.
Financially, Pocket Aces reported a turnover of ₹8,859.17 lakh for FY24, reflecting a marginal decline from ₹10,267.93 lakh in the previous fiscal year. However, Saregama appears to be prioritizing strategic synergies over short-term financial fluctuations. The transaction, which includes a related party agreement involving a Pocket Aces director, has been executed at an arm’s length basis.
Industry experts highlight the acquisition as more than just a content play; it represents an opportunity for Saregama to enhance its music catalog by leveraging Pocket Aces’ expansive digital ecosystem. By integrating influencer-driven content, long-form storytelling, and bite-sized reels, Saregama is positioning itself as a dominant force in the digital entertainment landscape.
Saregama’s increased stake in Pocket Aces solidifies its commitment to digital transformation. By combining its extensive music catalog with Pocket Aces’ digital prowess, Saregama is set to become an unrivaled player in India’s entertainment industry. This move isn’t just about ownership; it’s about shaping the future of digital storytelling.
