Dronetech startup Zuppa secures $1.5 Mn in bridge round

Zuppa, a drone intelligence startup has raised $1.5 million in a bridge funding round led by entrepreneur Rahul Dewan (founder of Srijan Technologies) with participation from Ajay Gupta (Capital Foods) and the Mangwani Family Office (ex-Aquapharm Chemicals).  

The startup will use the new funds to grow its presence in the defence sector, especially after its tech proved useful during Operation Sindoor, where it helped fill key performance gaps.

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“This funding is more than capital - it’s validation,” said Sai Pattabiram, Founder and Managing Director, Zuppa. “These are entrepreneurs who have built scaled companies from scratch. Their belief in Zuppa signals that our deep-tech IP has real relevance for India’s drone-powered future.”

“This is more than a bridge round - it is a launchpad,” said Venkatesh Sai, Co-founder and Technical Director at Zuppa. “We are entering an AI-first era in unmanned systems, and this funding enables us to build faster and smarter.” Zuppa also collaborates with academic institutions and government agencies to influence India’s drone policy and standardisation efforts.

About Zuppa 

Founded by Sai Pattabiram and Venkatesh Sai, Zuppa develops fully homegrown drone intelligence systems, including flight control, vision guidance, secure cyber-physical tech, and AI-based targeting. These drones work without relying on GPS or high-speed internet, making them ideal for tough and remote environments.

The company has carved out a strong position in the defence drone space and is actively involved in deployments following Operation Sindoor, where Indian drone tech showed gaps.

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With patented technology already in use, Zuppa is also working with universities and government agencies to help shape national drone policies and standards.