Chennai-based drone startup Garuda Aerospace is making waves in India’s deeptech ecosystem, recently raising INR 100 Cr (approximately $11 Mn) in a Series B funding round led by Venture Catalysts, along with undisclosed investors. With this funding, Garuda maintains its $250 Mn post-money valuation, mirroring its 2023 benchmark.
Founded in 2015 by Agnishwar Jayaprakash and Rithika Mohann, Garuda has steadily evolved from a domestic dronetech provider to a global disruptor. The company offers a suite of solutions across agriculture, defence, logistics, and surveillance, and has trained over 1 lakh drone pilots — a bold move in building drone capabilities across India.
The startup plans to use the fresh capital to scale production, invest in R&D, and most notably, expand internationally — with $10 Mn allocated to penetrate 50 countries in the coming years. The vision is global, but the mission is deeply rooted in Atmanirbhar Bharat, developing indigenous drone technologies that empower India and extend its influence globally.