Raphe mPhibr's Funding, Amazon’s Win, and Mumbai’s ‘Yatri Mitra’

Raphe mPhibr's recent $100 million funding is a big deal and rarely seen in India's aerospace and defense industry. At a time when large-scale investments typically go toward consumer tech or enterprise SaaS, this deep-tech defense startup is doing something very different. It's not focused on urban convenience or digital platforms. Instead, it's building next-generation unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) for India’s military and border operations.

Raphe’s rise hasn’t come from glossy PR campaigns. In fact, until this funding round, most people had never even heard of the company. But investors knew about them very well. What drew their attention was Raphe’s proven ability to build and deploy indigenous drones that meet combat requirements. One of its most significant successes was Operation Sindoor, where Raphe’s drones were used in real-time battlefield conditions. In a sector where most prototypes never leave testing labs, this kind of operational success matters.

The company has built a full-stack capability in UAVs, from propulsion systems and avionics to complete drone assemblies. It has invested years into R&D to ensure these systems can operate at high altitudes and in harsh environments. Raphe has its own 4.5-acre integrated manufacturing facility in Noida and employs over 200 engineers. This gives it end-to-end control over design, testing, and production.

This is not something many Indian defense startups can claim. Most are dependent on imports for key components or work as subcontractors for larger government PSUs. Raphe is different. It’s building the entire system, with an eye on both performance and cost.

The $100 million it has raised will now be used to scale up this capability even further. According to reports, the funds will go toward doubling production capacity, hiring more engineers, and expanding its global reach. There are also plans to develop new drone models for different battlefield scenarios, and potentially export to countries with similar terrain and defense needs as India.

This fundraise puts Raphe among the largest defense tech investments in India. To put that in context, most startups in this space raise single-digit millions in early rounds. IdeaForge, one of the more well-known names in Indian drones, went public last year and had raised around $40 million before its IPO.

So what compelled the investors? It’s not only the tech, but also the timing. India has been working to reduce its defense imports for years, and drones have become a key focus area. China is the global leader in drone manufacturing, especially through players like DJI. But geopolitical concerns have forced countries to look for alternatives. Raphe offers one of the few credible options outside China that has operational success, indigenous production, and modular design.

Indian defense agencies want systems they can trust, modify, and control. Raphe fits that need. And in an age where drones are critical for border skirmishes and spy operations, it's a national priority to have our own technology.

The defense sector isn’t easy. Timelines are long, regulations are strict, and payments are delayed. But Raphe’s story shows that if a company can deliver on all fronts - technology, manufacturing, deployment, and performance - it will find support.

We think this is a significant moment for India’s defense-tech ecosystem. Startups like Raphe prove that global-scale tech can come from local soil. But they also highlight the need for deeper capital, patient investors, and long-term policy support. It’s not about beating China in drone exports. It’s about ensuring India is never left behind in strategic technology.

Let’s go through what else is happening in Indian startup world - Grab your simmering cup of StartupChai.in and unwind with our hand-brewed memes.

“Aa Gaya Swaad”: SIAC Awards INR 24 Cr In Damages To Amazon Over Future Group Battle

Amazon just bagged INR 24 Cr in damages from the Singapore International Arbitration Centre (SIAC) in its long-running legal slugfest with Future Group. The Kishore Biyani-led firm was found breaching its contract by cozying up to Reliance back in 2020.

While Amazon spent a whopping INR 125 Cr fighting the case, SIAC at least helped ease the burn with INR 83 Cr awarded toward costs and fees.

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“Sapno Ke Udaan Ki Durghatna”: DroneAcharya Fined For Delay In Submission Of Financials

DroneAcharya just got grounded with a fine of INR 1.3 Lakh by the BSE for dragging its feet on financial disclosures for H2 FY25.

The delay violated SEBI’s Regulation 33, which mandates timely filing of results. Founded in 2017, the drone-tech firm now finds itself navigating a regulatory headwind instead of just aerial routes.

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“Aim For Moon, Shoot For Stars”: Kaynes Tech Incorporates New Arm To Make Space Satellites

Kaynes Tech is reaching for the stars, literally, with a new subsidiary called Kaynes Space Technology to build satellites and launch vehicles for everything from LEO to GEO.

With just INR 10 Lakh in seed fuel from its parent, the new arm plans to make space tech cheaper, reusable, and more sustainable. India’s private space race just got a new player on the launchpad.

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“Hum Saath Saath Hai”: MGF Kavachh Backs Robotics Startup Coratia Technologies

Delhi-based VC fund MGF Kavachh has thrown its weight behind Coratia Technologies, a robotics startup incubated at NIT Rourkela.

Founded by Debendra Pradhan and Biswajit Swain, Coratia is diving deep with its autonomous underwater and remotely operated vehicles.

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“Ye Hai Bambai Meri Jaan”: Mumbai Auto Union Launches Meter-Based Ride-Hailing App ‘Yatri Mitra’

Mumbai's iconic kaali-peelis are going digital with the launch of ‘Yatri Mitra,’ a meter-based ride-hailing app backed by the city’s auto union.

Built by Metazen Labs and powered by the Seva Sarathi Union, the app promises zero commission and fair fares. With drivers paying just INR 25 a day to stay on the grid, this could be a game-changer for both autos and riders.

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“Ek Dil Chahiye That’s Made In India”: DPIIT signs MoU with L’Oreal India to support beauty tech startups

The DPIIT just inked a glam-packed MoU with L’Oréal India to give beauty-tech startups a serious makeover.

As part of Startup India, this partnership will launch the Big Bang Beauty Tech Innovation Program to scout and support high-potential ventures. From sustainable packaging to AI-powered skincare, the future of beauty might just be Made in India.

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1. Eggoz is set to raise INR 125 Cr in fresh funding, with Gaja Capital leading the round at INR 100 Cr. The farm-to-retail egg brand is cracking into new markets with its ready-to-cook offerings.
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2. Meesho’s board has greenlit a public listing to raise INR 4,250 Cr through a fresh issue of shares. With founder Vidit Aatrey reappointed as chairman and CEO, the homegrown ecommerce player is gearing up for a Made-in-India IPO debut.
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