Garuda Aerospace Secures ₹100 Cr in Series B to Boost Drone Manufacturing

 

Indian drone startup Garuda Aerospace, known for its innovation in UAV technology and backed by cricket legend MS Dhoni, has secured ₹100 crore (approximately $11.6 million) in a Series B funding round. The investment, led by Venture Catalysts, comes at a post-money valuation of $250 million, marking a significant boost for the rapidly growing aerospace startup in India.

Founded in 2015 by Agnishwar Jayaprakash, Garuda Aerospace has positioned itself as a leader in the Indian drone startup funding ecosystem. The company is focused on drone manufacturing, drone-as-a-service (DaaS) solutions, and training drone pilots across the country.

 

This fresh round of drone sector investment is aimed at fueling the startup’s manufacturing expansion, with a major focus on ramping up production capacity to meet the growing demand for drones in agriculture, infrastructure, surveillance, and disaster management. The funding will also help the company complete its much-anticipated defense-focused R&D and testing center, which is set to boost the country's self-reliance in UAV technologies.

Garuda's latest Series B round follows its $22 million Series A funding secured in February 2023, which was led by SphitiCap. Since then, the startup has expanded its operational footprint across multiple states and launched several drone service programs in collaboration with state governments and private sector partners.

This Series B round reinforces investor confidence in the potential of UAV manufacturing in India, particularly as the country looks to modernize its defense capabilities and support agricultural automation through drone tech. 

Jayaprakash stated that the company is committed to accelerating innovation and contributing to India’s vision of becoming a global drone hub. With its sights set on both domestic expansion and international markets, Garuda Aerospace’s expansion strategy is likely to serve as a blueprint for other aerospace startups in India aiming to scale sustainably while aligning with national priorities.

As regulatory support and industry adoption increase, Garuda’s success could signal a new era for India’s drone economy.