Raphe mPhibr, a Hi-tech aerospace company specializing in comprehensive and customized UAV (Unmanned Aerial Vehicle) solutions, has successfully closed a $100 million Series B funding round led by General Catalyst, marking a significant milestone in the country’s indigenous defense manufacturing sector. The investment represents the largest funding round to date in India’s drone technology space and underscores growing investor confidence in the nation’s defense-tech capabilities.
Company Overview and Leadership
Founded in 2017 by co-founders Vikash Mishra (Chairman) and Vivek Mishra (CEO), Raphe mPhibr operates from a 650,000 square-foot facility in Noida. The Mishra brothers, both alumni of prestigious American institutions—MIT and Georgia Institute of Technology respectively—conceptualized the company while pursuing their academic studies in the United States. The startup has grown from its initial 2,000 square-foot research facility to become a major player in India’s defense technology ecosystem.
Product Portfolio and Market Position
The company currently manufactures nine distinct drone variants with payload capacities ranging from 4.4 to 441 pounds and operational ranges spanning 12 to 124 miles. These unmanned aerial vehicles serve diverse operational requirements including surveillance, logistics resupply, maritime patrol, and border security operations. The startup’s client base consists exclusively of Indian government agencies, including the Armed Forces and various paramilitary organizations such as the Border Security Force and Central Reserve Police Force.
Financial Performance and Growth Metrics
Raphe mPhibr has demonstrated robust financial performance, maintaining profitability for four consecutive years while achieving 4x revenue growth over the same period. The company reported sales of over 300 drones in the past 12 months and currently employs more than 600 personnel, with 150 dedicated to research and development and over 250 focused on production activities. This latest funding round brings the company’s total equity funding to $145 million.
Strategic Manufacturing Approach
The company has adopted a comprehensive indigenous manufacturing strategy, producing flight controllers, batteries, and structural components domestically. This approach eliminates dependency on Chinese suppliers and aligns with India’s strategic autonomy objectives. The startup imports only specialized components such as radars and high-end cameras, with plans to manufacture these in-house within 18 months.
Market Context and Future Outlook
The funding comes as India significantly increases its defense drone expenditure to $470 million over the next 12-14 months, driven by evolving security challenges and operational requirements. Raphe mPhibr plans to utilize the fresh capital for research and development expansion, increased production capacity, and international market entry, with management indicating potential public listing within two to five years.
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