MS Dhoni-backed Drone Startup Garuda Aerospace Secures Rs. 100 Crores in Series B Funding

In a strategic move that fuels India's ambition towards technological self-reliance, drone tech startup Garuda Aerospace has secured Rs. 100 crores in Series B funding. The investment, led by Venture Catalysts (VCAT), comes at a valuation of $250 million. This development not only strengthens Garuda’s footprint in the indigenous drone manufacturing space but also accelerates its plans to expand operations, particularly in defence drone R&D. With MS Dhoni as its brand ambassador and investor, Garuda Aerospace continues its journey as a key player in India’s growing drone ecosystem.

The funding aims to scale up production capacity while supporting the completion of a high-tech R&D and testing centre tailored for defence-grade drones. Founded by Agnishwar Jayaprakash in 2015, the Chennai-based startup has been instrumental in developing cutting-edge drone solutions for various sectors—agriculture, defence, surveillance, and infrastructure. With over 20+ patents and a fleet of more than 400 drones across 84 cities, the company is rapidly advancing toward creating a robust indigenous tech platform. The latest investment further supports an expansion of their intellectual property portfolio and enables the establishment of a new design facility to enhance innovation.

Dr. Apoorva Ranjan Sharma, Co-founder of VCAT, expressed that their support aligns with a broader mission to back transformative Indian startups. The company’s approach to developing affordable and scalable UAV (Unmanned Aerial Vehicle) solutions not only empowers local industries but also creates global opportunities. The funding is also a response to the Indian government’s favourable drone policies like the PLI scheme and Drone Rules 2021, which have made the sector ripe for investment. The drone-as-a-service model (DaaS) provided by Garuda, including pilot training and drone customisation, places it at a strong advantage in this competitive space.

This recent backing further reflects investor confidence in the company’s scalable business model, proven success across sectors, and its role in realising the Atmanirbhar Bharat mission. From collaborations with Tata and Reliance to international partnerships with Lockheed Martin and Elbit Systems, Garuda Aerospace is weaving itself deeply into the fabric of India’s technological narrative. With plans to globalise and a mission to positively impact a billion lives through affordable drone solutions, this funding round marks a critical chapter in India’s journey to becoming a global drone technology hub.