Raphe mPhibr Secures $100 Million to Enhance Drone Production and R&D Amid Rising Military UAV Demand

Raphe mPhibr, an Indian drone startup, has raised $100 million in a Series B funding round, led by General Catalyst. The funds will support the company’s research and development, as well as its local manufacturing capabilities. With growing demand for drones in military applications, particularly in conflict zones and for border surveillance, the company aims to bolster India’s domestic drone capabilities. Raphe mPhibr, founded in 2017 by brothers Vikash and Vivek Mishra, designs and manufactures drones for a variety of military purposes, such as rapid infiltration, high-impact strikes, and maritime patrols. The startup produces flight controllers, batteries, and other critical components locally, avoiding reliance on foreign suppliers, especially from China. The company is expanding its operations, having recently moved into a new, larger facility. While most of its customers are Indian government agencies, Raphe mPhibr has ambitions to expand internationally, with ongoing discussions about exports to other countries. The company has grown rapidly in recent years, selling over 300 drones in the past year alone and achieving fourfold revenue growth. It plans to go public in the next 2 to 5 years.