Sanlayan Technologies, a Bengaluru-based defence electronics startup, has raised Rs 186 Cr in its Series A funding round led by marquee investors Ashish Kacholia, Lashit Sanghvi, and Jungle Ventures. This latest capital infusion marks a major turning point for the company’s mission to scale domestically designed defence tech solutions.
What This Funding Means
Surge in R&D Investment
Funds will be used for critical indigenous technologies, including electronic warfare, avionics systems, and next-gen radars. Sanlayan is developing AESA radar for India’s unmanned underwater vehicle (UUV) program.
Massive Engineering Team Expansion
The company will grow its engineering workforce fivefold in six months, onboarding domain experts, R&D scientists, military veterans, and top leaders from both public and private sectors.
Strategic Moves and Leadership Strength
Acquisition of Dexcel Electronics
Sanlayan acquired a majority stake in Dexcel Electronics, known for its role in projects like Jaguar, Sukhoi, LCA Tejas, and Chandrayaan-3. This acquisition strengthens its design and manufacturing capabilities in aerospace and defence.
Hybrid Growth Approach
Sanlayan’s strategy blends acquisition, in-house R&D, and global OEM partnerships to drive innovation and scale. This includes:
- Acquiring successful Indian defence MSMEs
- Developing mission-critical modules internally
- Partnering with foreign OEMs for tech co-development
Investor Confidence and Vision
Jungle Ventures’ Rishab Malik praised Sanlayan for its operational excellence and disciplined execution. Investor Ashish Kacholia noted the company’s deep domain understanding and alignment with national strategic goals.
Why It Matters for India’s Defence Ecosystem
This funding supports the Make-in-India initiative by fostering homegrown defence systems. Technologies like AESA radar and CUAS/EW systems will strengthen India’s independence in defence electronics. Sanlayan is becoming a key player across aerospace, naval, avionics, and space systems.
Background Snapshot
| Detail | Summary |
|---|---|
| Founded | 2023 by former Zetwerk executives Abhijit Kothawale, Rohan Gala, Rahul Vamsidhar |
| Seed Round | Rs 36 Cr in March 2024 via Jungle Ventures’ First Cheque platform |
| Focus Areas | AESA radar, electronic warfare, avionics, CUAS, space platforms |
| Partnerships | Five Indian startups and global OEMs |
What’s Next?
Sanlayan plans to:
- Scale engineering operations in defence tech
- Lead large-scale indigenisation projects, especially in CUAS and EW
- Expand OEM collaborations
- Boost national security through indigenous innovations
Final Thoughts
The Series A capital of Rs 186 crore not only highlights investor confidence but also boosts India’s defence innovation capabilities. Sanlayan is set to redefine the landscape of indigenous defence electronics.
