Summary:
- Bengaluru-based Unmannd secures $2M pre-seed funding from angels and defence sector veterans.
- Funds to accelerate R&D in autonomous defence drone systems for India’s security forces.
- Move aligns with India’s Atmanirbhar Bharat push in defence technology.
A Record Pre-Seed Round In Defence Tech
In a landmark deal for India’s defence-tech ecosystem, Bengaluru-based startup Unmannd has raised $2 million in pre-seed funding, one of the largest early-stage rounds for the sector. Founded by aerospace engineers and ex-defence professionals, Unmannd is building autonomous, AI-driven drones designed for surveillance, border management, and tactical operations. The company says this fresh infusion of capital will help bring its prototypes closer to real-world deployment.
Who’s Betting On Unmannd?
The funding round saw participation from a network of angel investors, retired defence officers, and strategic deep-tech backers. This blend of capital and domain expertise provides Unmannd with not just financial muscle but also critical access to policy corridors and defence procurement channels. The startup will use the funds to expand its R&D team, fast-track patent filings, and run live pilot programs with select defence agencies by early 2026.
Defence-Tech In India’s Atmanirbhar Push
The timing couldn’t be sharper: India is aggressively backing indigenous defence innovation under the Atmanirbhar Bharat initiative. With geopolitical tensions underscoring the urgency for homegrown unmanned aerial systems (UAS), startups like Unmannd are stepping into a space once dominated by global players. Analysts say this $2M round signals rising investor confidence in defence-tech, a sector traditionally seen as high-barrier and state-dependent.
