In a significant boost for India’s defence and aerospace technology ecosystem, Sanlayan Technologies has raised INR 186 crore (approximately $30 million) in its Series A funding round. The round was led by prominent investors including Ashish Kacholia (cofounder of Hungama Digital), Lashit Sanghvi (cofounder of Alchemy Capital), and Singapore-based Jungle Ventures. Existing investors Gemba Capital and Singularity Ventures also doubled down on their bets, with Shastra VC joining the startup’s cap table for the first time.
Building the Future of India’s Strategic Tech
Founded in 2023 by former Zetwerk executives Abhijit Kothawale, Rohan Gala, and Rahul Vamsidhar, Sanlayan Technologies is an electronics startup focused on developing high-performance electronic systems for the aerospace, defence, and space sectors. The startup is rapidly gaining recognition for its indigenous, mission-critical hardware that plays a key role in building self-reliant and secure defence infrastructure in India.
Sanlayan’s product portfolio includes rugged electronics, embedded systems, avionics, communication modules, and real-time control units. These are essential components for satellites, drones, fighter aircraft, missile systems, and other military-grade platforms.
Strategic Funding for a Strategic Sector
The latest funding round is expected to accelerate Sanlayan’s R&D, expand manufacturing capabilities, and attract top talent in the highly specialized field of defence-grade electronics. As the government of India pushes forward with the “Atmanirbhar Bharat” initiative to localize defence production and reduce dependency on foreign technology, startups like Sanlayan Technologies are emerging as vital players.
Investor interest in Sanlayan highlights the growing appetite for dual-use tech startups—those whose innovations span both commercial and strategic defence applications. With heightened geopolitical tensions and an increased focus on self-sufficiency in defence, the timing for such a startup could not be better.
A High-Caliber Founding Team
Sanlayan’s founders bring deep experience from their time at Zetwerk, one of India’s most successful manufacturing platforms. This background gives the team a unique advantage in understanding the complexities of hardware development, supply chains, and scaling industrial operations. Their ability to bridge high-tech innovation with practical deployment is what sets Sanlayan apart in a highly competitive sector.
Riding the Tailwinds of Defence-Tech Growth
India’s defence budget continues to grow year after year, with significant allocations now earmarked for domestic R&D and procurement. The space and aerospace industries are also undergoing a renaissance, with ISRO’s increasing commercial engagements and the rise of private space startups.
In this landscape, Sanlayan Technologies is positioning itself as a core enabler. The new capital will help the company fast-track strategic partnerships with defence PSUs, private defence contractors, and global aerospace leaders.
Conclusion
Sanlayan Technologies’ successful Series A funding round is not just a milestone for the startup—it’s a testament to the rising global confidence in India’s defence-tech capabilities. As the company scales its operations, it stands poised to play a crucial role in powering India’s journey toward technological sovereignty in aerospace, defence, and space.
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