Indian drone startup Raphe mPhibr has raised $100 million in a Series B funding round led by General Catalyst, with participation from Think Investments.
The all-equity round will accelerate R&D and manufacturing expansion as India ramps up its military UAV capabilities.
Building drones for battlefield readiness
Founded in 2017 by brothers Vikash and Vivek Mishra, Raphe mPhibr produces drones tailored for defense applications, including battlefield surveillance, maritime patrol, and high-altitude logistics. The company serves over 10 Indian government agencies, including the Army, Navy, Air Force, and border security forces.
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From research to full-scale production
The startup has grown from a 2,000-square-foot R&D site to a 650,000-square-foot manufacturing facility in Noida. It designs and builds nearly all core components in-house—batteries, flight controllers, drone bodies, and navigation systems—eschewing reliance on Chinese imports.
AI-powered capabilities and global expansion plans
Raphe’s drones use AI for tasks like object detection and frequency band switching in electronic warfare. It also employs swarm intelligence for decentralized UAV operations. Partnerships with Hensoldt, Safran, and Dassault Systèmes support advanced sensor and simulation development.
The company has sold over 300 drones in the past year, achieving 4x revenue growth and remaining profitable for four consecutive years. Raphe is now eyeing exports and anticipates IPO plans within the next two to five years.
With $145 million in total funding and 600 employees, Raphe mPhibr is positioning itself as a key player in India’s effort to build a sovereign drone ecosystem.
