Indian logistics drone startup Airbound has raised $8.6 million (approximately INR 76 crore) in a seed funding round led by Lachy Groom, founder of US-based Physical Intelligence. The round also saw participation from Humba Ventures, existing investor Lightspeed, and several senior industry leaders from global giants like Tesla, Anduril, and Ather Energy.
This fresh infusion of capital marks a significant milestone for the Bengaluru-based startup, which is rapidly positioning itself at the forefront of India’s drone logistics revolution. According to cofounder Naman Pushp, the funds will be deployed towards scaling up drone manufacturing, improving drone reliability, and expanding operational capabilities.
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“Our focus is to build highly reliable, scalable drone systems tailored for India’s logistical and geographical challenges,” said Pushp in a conversation with Inc42. “This funding gives us the resources to invest in R&D, expand our fleet, and deliver real-world impact, especially in critical sectors like healthcare.”
Strategic Partnership with Narayana Health
In a move that showcases the real-world utility of drone logistics, Airbound also announced a three-month pilot program in partnership with Narayana Health, one of India’s leading multispeciality hospital chains. The pilot aims to complete 10 medical deliveries per day, including blood samples, diagnostic test kits, and essential medical supplies.
The collaboration demonstrates how drone logistics can play a transformative role in healthcare delivery, especially in urban areas with traffic congestion or in remote locations with limited infrastructure. By reducing the time and cost of transporting medical items, drones could help healthcare institutions operate more efficiently and provide quicker, more reliable services to patients.
A Fast-Rising Player in India’s Drone Ecosystem
Founded with a vision to modernize logistics through autonomous aerial technology, Airbound has gained attention for its focus on end-to-end drone logistics solutions. The startup is part of a new wave of Indian companies tapping into the booming drone-as-a-service (DaaS) sector, spurred by government initiatives such as Make in India, Drone Shakti, and PLI (Production Linked Incentive) schemes.
India’s logistics and healthcare industries, in particular, stand to benefit from drone technology. By integrating drone delivery systems into supply chains, companies can improve efficiency, reach underserved regions, and cut last-mile delivery times drastically.
Looking Ahead
Airbound’s seed funding and partnership with Narayana Health underscore the growing confidence in drone-based logistics and their applicability across sectors. As regulatory frameworks evolve and infrastructure develops, startups like Airbound are well-positioned to lead the way in creating safe, efficient, and scalable drone delivery networks in India.
With the new funding in place and real-world pilots underway, Airbound is taking bold steps toward reshaping how goods — especially critical medical supplies — are moved across the country.
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