India, Feb. 3 -- Delhi NCR-based gaming startup Zupee has acquired Mumbai-based microdrama startup Vertical TV to strengthen its short-video offering, sources told Inc42.

The acquisition, valued at under INR 40 Cr, will help Zupee strengthen its recently launched short-video content platform Zupee Studio.

Vertical TV has started hiring talent to scale Zupee Studio, the sources added.

Vertical TV was launched by Mohit Paliwal in 2024 under the umbrella brand 'The Eight Network'. Inc42 couldn't ascertain if Paliwal joined Zupee following the acquisition.

Zupee declined to comment on Inc42's queries on the development.

Notably, Zupee fired around 40% of its workforce, or 200 employees, last week as part of a cost-cutting exercise follow...