News Summary

Indian drone startup Raphe mPhibr has successfully raised $100 million in a Series B funding round led by General Catalyst. This investment is aimed at enhancing the startup’s research and development as well as its local production capabilities, as demand for military UAVs increases globally. Raphe mPhibr, co-founded by siblings Vikash and Vivek Mishra in 2017, provides drones to Indian government agencies, including the Army, Navy, and Air Force. The startup has expanded its facilities significantly, from an initial 2,000-square-foot research space to a 650,000-square-foot research and manufacturing facility. Raphe mPhibr focuses on indigenous production, avoiding reliance on Chinese components, and employs AI for object detection and UAV swarm intelligence. The startup is also collaborating with international companies such as Germany’s Hensoldt and France’s Safran and Dassault Systèmes for sensor and software development. Raphe mPhibr aims to enter new global markets and has already acquired some export licenses. The startup has sold over 300 drones in the past year and anticipates going public within the next two to five years.