Indian Drone Startup Raphe mPhibr Raises $100 Million in Series B Round
Drones are gaining popularity in military operations globally, with countries like India and Pakistan deploying them extensively in recent conflicts. In response to this trend, Indian drone startup Raphe mPhibr has secured $100 million in an all-equity Series B round led by General Catalyst. The funding will be used to enhance the company’s research and development capabilities and bolster local production to meet the increasing demand for drones in battlefields and border surveillance.
Raphe mPhibr, founded by siblings Vikash Mishra (chairman) and Vivek Mishra (CEO) in 2017, offers a range of drones with various payloads and capabilities tailored for military use. The startup currently serves Indian government agencies, including the Army, Navy, Air Force, and armed police forces.
The Mishra brothers, who conceived the idea for Raphe mPhibr while studying in the U.S., have focused on understanding the operational needs of defense forces. They have built a diverse portfolio of drones to cater to different requirements, from operational drone swarms to lightweight man-carried drones for surveillance.
Raphe mPhibr distinguishes itself by domestically producing key components like flight controllers and batteries, along with developing proprietary autopilots and navigation systems. The startup aims to reduce reliance on external suppliers and plans to manufacture additional components in-house in the future.
With a focus on training and developing its workforce, Raphe mPhibr has overcome challenges related to research and manufacturing. The startup also leverages AI technology on its drones for various purposes, such as object detection and adaptive frequency band switching.
Looking ahead, Raphe mPhibr intends to expand beyond the Indian market and has already initiated partnerships with international companies for sensor development and software simulation. The startup has ambitious plans to enter new markets and has set its sights on potential collaborations with government agencies worldwide.
Having achieved significant growth in revenue and profitability over the past few years, Raphe mPhibr is on track to go public within the next two to five years. With a dedicated team of over 600 employees, the startup is well-positioned to capitalize on the growing demand for drones in military and surveillance applications.
