MiniPix, a Bengaluru-based micro-drama streaming platform, has raised ₹2.4 crore in a pre-seed round led by accelerator PedalStart, with participation from early-stage investors and strategic angels. The capital arrives as short-form, regional storytelling gains traction among smartphone users in Tier‑2 and Tier‑3 India.
Building a micro-drama platform for Bharat
Launched in June 2025 by Brijesh Kashyap, Om Prakash Singh and Sushil N., MiniPix specialises in vertical micro-dramas—short episodic stories optimised for mobile viewing. The platform targets users who prefer bite-sized narrative experiences rather than long-format series common on mainstream OTT services.
MiniPix has been designed around viewing habits prevalent in Bharat, where regional-language content and culturally familiar storylines often deliver higher engagement. The startup positions itself to offer premium, accessible entertainment rooted in local storytelling traditions.
Early traction indicates product‑market fit
In its first six months, MiniPix crossed 100,000 app downloads and converted more than 20,000 users to paid subscriptions. The platform’s library has recorded over three million episode views, amounting to more than 35,000 hours of watch time.
The company reports annual recurring revenue (ARR) north of ₹3 crore, signalling a robust willingness among users to pay for short-form, regional content. These metrics point to an emerging product‑market fit in a segment still evolving within India’s digital entertainment ecosystem.
Planned use of funds
MiniPix will deploy the fresh capital across content production, team expansion and technology improvements. A significant share will fund higher-quality storytelling and more consistent releases, while hires will focus on product, content and operations.
The startup also plans platform upgrades to boost user retention and engagement, including technology-driven tools for content discovery, production workflow optimisation and scalable operations.
Regional-focus and expansion roadmap
To date, MiniPix has established a strong presence in Bhojpuri micro-dramas, a category that has seen enthusiastic user adoption. The company intends to add five more regional languages over the next two years, aligning with broader trends where affordable smartphones and data have driven demand for local-language entertainment.
Micro-dramas—short, emotionally resonant episodes—are resonating with younger and working-age audiences who prefer snackable content formats suitable for mobile consumption.
Investor rationale
Investors supporting MiniPix believe the micro-drama segment in India remains under‑penetrated. Changing viewing habits and growing appetite for regional, snackable content make platforms that deeply understand Bharat audiences attractive scaling opportunities.
PedalStart cited MiniPix’s clear vision, early revenue traction and execution capability as key reasons for leading the round, viewing the startup as part of a new wave of digital media companies focused on non-metro India.
Outlook
MiniPix is targeting ₹6 crore in annual recurring revenue by March 2026 through regional expansion and increased user engagement. With fresh funding, rising adoption and a Bharat‑first content strategy, the startup aims to strengthen its position in India’s evolving short-form entertainment market.
