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Marut Drones funding Hyderabad
Marut Drones Secures $6.2 Million Investment for Expansion
Hyderabad-based Marut Drones has received a significant boost, raising $6.2 million in Series A funding from Lok Capital, an established investment firm focused on sustainable development sectors. Founded in 2019, Marut Drones has quickly gained recognition for its impactful contributions to agriculture, healthcare, and public safety. The startup aims to use this latest funding to scale its operations, expand manufacturing, and further advance drone technology for critical applications in rural and urban India.
Expanding Manufacturing Capacity and Workforce
With the recent funding from Lok Capital, Marut Drones plans to increase its production capacity to 3,000 drones per year. This scaling effort aligns with Marut’s ambitious goal of achieving Rs 1,000 crore in revenue within the next five years. Marut currently has over 200 employees, with a fleet of 750 drones and over 1,000 trained drone pilots operating across 14 Indian states. The infusion of funds will also support the recruitment of skilled professionals across its various verticals, ensuring that the company can meet growing demand while maintaining high standards in technology and service.
Pioneering Drone Technology in Agriculture and Healthcare
Marut Drones has made a name for itself by pioneering drone applications in agriculture and healthcare. Notably, the company garnered attention for its contributions during the COVID-19 pandemic, delivering vaccines to remote areas where traditional delivery methods were challenging. In agriculture, Marut’s drones have been instrumental in seeding, crop monitoring, pest control, and even mosquito management, significantly benefiting farmers by increasing yield and preserving crop health.
Marut’s commitment to improving the rural economy through advanced technology has been praised for reducing farmers’ operational costs, conserving water, and supporting healthier soil practices. The company’s flagship drone, AG365H, recently launched in the presence of Andhra Pradesh’s Chief Minister and India’s Minister of Civil Aviation, further demonstrates Marut’s leadership in agricultural drone innovation.
Strategic Goals: Training and Expanding Rural Outreach
With the new funding, Marut Drones is setting its sights on expanding its reach beyond major urban centers. As part of its mission to make drone technology accessible to rural communities, the company is establishing 17 new drone training academies across India. These academies aim to create employment opportunities by training the next generation of skilled drone pilots and technicians. The goal is to foster drone entrepreneurship in Tier 2 and Tier 3 cities, empowering rural youth and promoting economic independence.
To support this mission, Marut also plans to expand its network of channel partners and service centers into smaller cities, ensuring that rural customers have access to essential drone services. Marut’s drone hubs will offer “Drone-as-a-Service” in agriculture, an initiative designed to meet the specific needs of rural customers through a partnership model that brings technology directly to the fields.
DGCA Certification and Industry Recognition
Marut Drones holds the prestigious DGCA (Directorate General of Civil Aviation) certification, a testament to its adherence to safety, quality, and regulatory standards in drone manufacturing and operation. The DGCA certification allows Marut to manufacture drones and offer certified training services, ensuring that its personnel are equipped with the necessary expertise. As one of the few companies in India with this level of certification, Marut Drones is well-positioned to continue setting high standards in the industry and attract further investment.
Strengthening R&D and Partnerships
Marut is investing in research and development (R&D) to develop new drone applications tailored to the evolving needs of the agricultural sector. By partnering with leading Indian institutions, the company aims to create advanced solutions such as direct seeding technology and real-time crop monitoring. This R&D focus is part of Marut’s broader objective to be a comprehensive provider of drone-based services across sectors, including agriculture, disaster management, and surveillance.
According to Marut’s CEO and co-founder, Prem Kumar Vislawath, the fresh capital will help strengthen the company’s R&D capabilities and broaden its technological offerings. Vislawath envisions a future where Marut Drones funding supports not only agricultural efficiency but also rural job creation, as drones become a tool for both productivity and employment.
Lok Capital’s Vision for the Rural Economy
Hari Krishnan, Director at Lok Capital, expressed optimism about the partnership, emphasizing the investment’s potential to improve rural livelihoods. Lok Capital’s commitment to Marut Drones funding aligns with its focus on sectors that impact the rural economy. By supporting indigenous manufacturing and technological innovations, Lok Capital aims to help Marut expand the availability of its services in rural markets, fostering sustainable development at the grassroots level.
Impact of Drone Technology on Rural Economies
The use of drones in agriculture, such as those produced by Marut Drones, is transforming rural economies by offering technology that addresses specific agricultural challenges. Drones allow for precise crop management, reducing pesticide usage, conserving water, and boosting yields, all while lowering costs for farmers. In addition, Marut’s emphasis on drone entrepreneurship provides income opportunities to rural entrepreneurs, helping them become independent while contributing to the agricultural sector’s modernization.
Marut Drones’ Vision for the Future
As Marut Drones funding continues to propel the company forward, it remains focused on creating a pan-India presence and playing a crucial role in the modernization of Indian agriculture. By driving innovation and fostering economic growth in rural areas, Marut Drones exemplifies how technology can be leveraged to build a sustainable, inclusive economy. The company’s work with Lok Capital marks a new chapter in its journey, setting a strong foundation for growth and impact across the nation.
