Zomato founder Deepinder Goyal is in advanced talks to invest approximately $1 million (₹9 crore) in the Lucknow-based space-tech and drone startup Kalam Labs.
The investment is part of a larger $5 million to $7 million funding round intended to scale the startup’s production and research capabilities.
The “Mini Fighter Jet” Innovation
Founded by BITS Pilani graduates Harshit Awasthi, Sashakt Tripathi, and Ahmad Faraaz, Kalam Labs has pivoted from its original roots as a science edutainment platform to a “deep-tech” aerospace player.
- Stratospheric Drones: The startup develops near-space Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs) capable of operating at altitudes up to 43 kilometers—significantly higher than standard commercial drones.
- Low Detection: The drones feature minimal thermal signatures and low radar cross-sections, making them difficult for traditional defense systems to track or intercept.
- Cost Efficiency: The founders claim their vehicles deliver capabilities comparable to mini fighter jets but are built at the manufacturing cost of a standard drone.
Shark Tank & Cinematic Ties
Kalam Labs recently gained significant public traction through high-profile appearances and collaborations:
- Shark Tank India: On January 12, 2026, the founders appeared on Shark Tank India Season 5, seeking a ₹300 crore valuation. They ultimately secured a ₹2 crore investment from Aman Gupta (boAt) for 1.25% equity.
- Bollywood Collaboration: The startup served as a technical partner for the aerial action film Fighter (starring Hrithik Roshan), showcasing its drone tech for cinematic sequences.
- Institutional Backing: The company is already supported by prestigious accelerators and VCs, including Y Combinator and Lightspeed India.
Goyal’s “Frontier Tech” Portfolio
This ₹9 crore bet is consistent with Deepinder Goyal’s recent shift toward “longevity and deep-tech” personal investments outside of the food-tech sector.
| Venture | Sector | Estimated Personal Stake |
| Pixxel | Space Tech (Satellite Imaging) | ~$25–30 Million |
| LAT Aerospace | Regional Aviation (STOL Aircraft) | ~$20 Million |
| Continue | Longevity Research (Human Biology) | ~$25 Million |
| Temple | Wearable Hardware | Part of $54M Series A |
| Kalam Labs | Near-Space Drones | ~$1 Million (Proposed) |
Why Now?
The investment comes amid a surge in interest for Indian drone startups following “Operation Sindoor” in late 2025, which highlighted the critical role of autonomous systems in modern border surveillance and defense. Kalam Labs has reportedly already conducted launches for the Indian Army and the IMD (India Meteorological Department).
