Zuppa, an Indian drone technology startup, has raised $1.5 million in a bridge funding round led by serial entrepreneurs, as the company seeks to expand its defense-focused unmanned aerial systems business.
The round was led by Rahul Dewan, founder of software engineering firm Srijan Technologies, which was acquired by U.S.-based Material+ in 2022. Other investors include Ajay Gupta, founder of food company Capital Foods, and the Mangwani Family Office, former owners of specialty chemicals manufacturer Aquapharm Chemicals.
Chennai-based Zuppa has developed proprietary drone technology that operates without GPS or high-bandwidth internet connectivity, targeting defense applications where such independence is crucial. The company says its systems address technical shortcomings identified in Indian drone operations.
“What makes this round meaningful is not just the funding itself—but the fact that entrepreneurs who have successfully scaled businesses have found value in Zuppa,” said founder and managing director Sai Pattabiram.
The startup, which has been developing its technology for over a decade, specializes in flight control systems, navigation software and autonomous drone capabilities designed for complex operational environments. Its applications include secure cyber-physical systems, vision guidance and AI-based targeting for defense use cases.
India’s drone sector has gained strategic importance as the government pushes for self-reliance in defense technology. The country’s drone market is expected to grow significantly, driven by defense procurement and commercial applications across agriculture, logistics and surveillance.
Zuppa plans to use the funding to strengthen its position in the defense drone segment, where it claims high entry barriers due to its indigenous technology stack. The company is also collaborating with academic institutions and government programs to help shape policy frameworks for India’s drone ecosystem.
Co-founder and technical director Venkatesh Sai described the funding as “more than a bridge round—it’s a launchpad” as the company prepares to scale its AI and automation capabilities.
The investor group brings operational expertise from successful exits: Capital Foods, known for brands like Ching’s Secret, was recently acquired by Tata Consumer Products, while Aquapharm Chemicals was bought by PCBL Chemical, part of the RPSG Group.
Indian drone startups have attracted increased investor interest as regulatory frameworks mature and demand grows across defense and civilian applications. The sector benefits from government initiatives promoting domestic manufacturing and reducing import dependence for critical technologies.
Zuppa’s focus on GPS-independent systems positions it for both domestic defense contracts and potential export opportunities to markets with similar operational requirements.
