December 22, 2024
Startup Updates

Marut Drones Secures $6.2 Million in Series A Funding Led by Lok Capital to Revolutionize Agriculture

Drone technology pioneer Marut Dronetech has successfully raised $6.2 million in Series A funding, led by impact investment firm Lok Capital.

The funding will accelerate Marut’s vision of enhancing drone technology solutions for India’s agricultural sector, with a primary focus on developing advanced drones for rural applications and precision farming.

Marut Dronetech’s new capital will be instrumental in expanding their service network into Tier 2 and Tier 3 cities, aiming to better meet the needs of rural farmers. The company plans to enhance its channel partner network and establish service centers, ensuring that rural customers have access to its technology, support, and training programs. Furthermore, Marut is building agriculture-specific drone hubs that will offer Drone-as-a-Service (DaaS) in collaboration with partners across India. This innovative approach will allow farmers and agriculture businesses to benefit from drone technology without needing to invest heavily in equipment.

To foster a skilled workforce in this emerging sector, Marut Dronetech is also launching 17 drone academies aimed at training professionals in drone operations and applications. This commitment to skill development aligns with the company’s mission of driving drone-based entrepreneurship and creating a network of drone operators equipped to support the agricultural sector’s unique needs. Marut also aims to recruit talent across various business verticals to strengthen its internal teams and scale operations.

In terms of technology, Marut is investing in research and development to create innovative applications for agriculture, collaborating with top Indian institutions to develop capabilities such as direct seeding and precision crop monitoring. This partnership approach will bolster the company’s product offerings and facilitate the rollout of new applications designed to improve crop health and productivity, while reducing resource usage and labor costs.

Prem Kumar Vislawath, CEO and co-founder of Marut Drones, expressed optimism about the impact of this investment. “This funding from Lok Capital reinforces our commitment to empower Indian farmers with high-impact technology solutions. We are dedicated to building an ecosystem that provides institutions with comprehensive drone-based services, from agriculture to environmental management,” he shared. He also noted that the funding will allow Marut Dronetech to scale its manufacturing capabilities, with the aim of producing up to 3,000 drones per year, and to further increase its reach and impact with a target of achieving Rs 1,000 crore in revenue within the next five years.

Hari Krishnan, Director of Lok Capital, emphasized the significance of Marut’s role in transforming Indian agriculture. “Our investment reflects our confidence in Marut’s potential to drive sustainable growth for India’s rural economy. Their technology offers not only improved crop yields but also a means for farmers to conserve water, protect soil health, and minimize exposure to harmful chemicals. By empowering village-level entrepreneurs with these tools, we’re supporting both economic growth and environmental sustainability,” Krishnan stated.

Through Lok Capital’s support, Marut Dronetech is positioned to enhance its indigenous manufacturing processes and introduce cutting-edge agricultural technology to the Indian market. With a focus on leveraging drones for sustainable farming, Marut aims to deliver a positive impact on rural communities, while also positioning itself as a leader in the rapidly evolving field of agricultural drone technology.