Zuppa Raises ₹5 Crore to Boost Indigenous Drone Tech for Defence

Chennai-based drone startup Zuppa has raised ₹5 crore in strategic funding from Rahul Devan, founder of Sangam Talks. This investment will help the company expand its operations and speed up the rollout of its Ajeet Series drone platforms, especially those designed for high-altitude and tactical missions.

A Made-in-India Tech Breakthrough

Zuppa is the only Indian drone company with a proprietary autopilot system built on its patented Disseminated Parallel Control Computing in Real Time (DPCC) architecture. This system powers Zuppa’s flagship drones, such as the Ajeet Mini—India’s first kamikaze and micro-armed drone meant for military use in high-altitude areas.

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Focus on National Security

The investment comes amid rising concerns about foreign drones being spotted near India’s western borders. Zuppa’s drones offer a cyber-resilient, homegrown alternative, making them a strong fit for India’s defence sector under the Atmanirbhar Bharat (Self-Reliant India) initiative.

Devan, who invested after a detailed conversation with Zuppa’s founder Venkatesh Sai on the Sangam Talks podcast, said, “Zuppa’s Ajeet Mini and NavGati autopilot stack reflect the need for indigenous, cyber-resilient technologies in India’s evolving defence landscape.”

Battle-Tested and Army-Approved 

Zuppa’s drone technology has been tested and validated by the Indian Army at locations above 11,000 feet. This real-world performance gives the Ajeet drones an edge over many imported systems.

Plans to Raise More Funds

The ₹5 crore investment is part of a ₹10 crore bridge round, which Zuppa aims to close by May 31. The funds will be used to expand its channel partner network and improve drone production and availability. Founder Venkatesh Sai noted that interest in their drones has increased after Operation Sindoor, but they are careful about who they accept funding from, preferring those with a deep understanding of defence innovation cycles.

Support from Key Players

Zuppa also has support from notable Indian firms like Garuda Aerospace, MapmyIndia, and Four Pursuits, a fund backed by tech entrepreneurs.

Conclusion 

With strong funding, tested technology, and growing interest from defence stakeholders, Zuppa is well-positioned to be a key player in India’s drone ecosystem, especially at a time when secure and indigenous solutions are urgently needed.
 
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