Hyderabad-based drone technology startup Marut Drones has raised $6.2 million in a Series A funding round led by Lok Capital.
Known for its DGCA certification in manufacturing and training, the startup is a prominent player in India’s expanding drone ecosystem, focusing primarily on agricultural solutions while also exploring disaster management and surveillance applications.
The funding will be used to accelerate product development and manufacturing. Founded by Prem Kumar Vislawath, Suraj Peddi, and Sai Kumar Chinthala, Marut Drones plans to leverage this investment to advance the development of specialized agricultural drones tailored to meet the unique needs of farmers.
With agriculture at its core, Marut Drones will use the investment to support its goal of manufacturing 3,000 drones annually.
Prem Kumar Vislawath, CEO and Co-Founder of Marut Drones, commented, “This substantial investment reinforces our commitment to empowering Indian farmers and creating drone-based solutions for institutions across various sectors. The funding will help us build our team, increase manufacturing capacity, and achieve a revenue target of Rs 1,000 crore within the next five years.”
Expanding Reach in Rural India with New Service Hubs
Beyond product development, Marut Drones plans to extend its presence in tier 2 and 3 cities by expanding its network of channel partners and service centers. Through its Drone-as-a-Service (DaaS) model, the startup will create service hubs that bring drone technology directly to rural customers, fostering closer connections with remote areas.
Hari Krishnan, Director at Lok Capital, shared, “We’re excited to partner with Marut to provide solutions to farmers and the rural economy. Drones for agriculture are a groundbreaking technology that can protect crop health, conserve water, increase yields, and provide income opportunities for village-level entrepreneurs.”
Focus on Training and Innovation
Marut Drones is also investing in skill development and research, collaborating with leading Indian institutions and expanding its network of drone academies. The startup plans to open 17 new academies to train operators and promote drone entrepreneurship, crucial for widespread adoption and growth.
These academies will focus on creating a skilled workforce capable of operating agricultural drones, helping to improve farming practices and drive greater efficiency and safety in agriculture.
In addition, Marut Drones is ramping up its R&D efforts to develop innovative applications in crop monitoring and direct seeding, both critical components of precision agriculture. These advancements aim to lower input costs for farmers and boost crop yields.
Expanding Employment Opportunities and Creating Rural Impact
With a workforce of over 200 team members and a fleet of 750 drones managed by more than 1,000 trained pilots across 14 states, Marut Drones is enhancing its role as a key contributor to employment in rural India.
The startup’s strategic expansion into tier 2 and 3 cities is poised to create additional job opportunities and stimulate local economies, providing rural communities with the tools to adopt technology-driven agricultural practices.
Marut Drones is also actively seeking partnerships with agribusinesses, agri-entrepreneurs, and other stakeholders in India’s agriculture sector to expand the reach of its drone services and further integrate drones into the country’s agricultural landscape.
