BonV Aero, an Odisha-based drone manufacturing startup, has successfully raised ₹10 crore in an extended pre-Series A funding round from Unicorn India Ventures. The investment was announced at the Utkarsh Odisha 2025 Conclave in Bhubaneswar, marking a significant milestone for India's emerging aerospace sector.
About BonV Aero
Founded in 2021 by Satyabrata Satpathy, Abinash Sahoo, Rahul Kumar, Gaurav Achha, and Sultan Alam, BonV Aero specializes in designing and manufacturing electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) aircraft and autonomous drone technologies. The company's flagship product, Air Orca, is a heavy-lift transport-class aerial mobility platform capable of carrying payloads up to 35 kilograms at altitudes of nearly 14,000 feet. Notably, the Indian Army utilizes the Air Orca for high-altitude logistics support, showcasing its practical application in defense operations.
Utilization of Funds
This latest funding round will be directed towards:
- Advancing research in eVTOL and autonomous drone technologies
- Enhancing production capabilities in Odisha
- Expanding applications in defense, logistics, and emergency response sectors
- Strengthening industry collaborations to drive innovation
Industry and Investor Insights
Satyabrata Satpathy, Co-founder and CEO of BonV Aero, expressed optimism about the investment, stating:
"Securing support from investors like Unicorn India Ventures reflects our team's efforts and underscores the market opportunity for these capabilities. This funding will help us accelerate research and scale production."
Bhaskar Majumdar, Founder and Managing Partner at Unicorn India Ventures, emphasized the strategic importance of the investment:
"We invest in entrepreneurs developing new technologies. BonV Aero's work in eVTOLs and unmanned aerial systems can impact logistics, supply chain management, and defense applications. The investment aligns with Odisha's growing focus on emerging technologies and innovation-driven industries."
Previous Funding and Global Reach
Before this round, BonV Aero had secured funding from U.S. venture capitalist Tim Draper, known for his early investments in companies like Tesla and Microsoft. The startup has also been selected to join the U.K. Ministry of Defence’s Unmanned Aerial Systems Heavy Lift Capability (UASHLC) Framework, reinforcing its potential for international expansion.
Our Opinion on the News
BonV Aero's funding success signals a strong investor confidence in India's drone and aerospace industry. With a focus on eVTOL and autonomous logistics solutions, the startup is positioned to contribute significantly to defense and commercial transportation. The strategic backing from Unicorn India Ventures not only provides financial support but also helps position Odisha as a key hub for aerospace and emerging technology advancements. As BonV Aero continues to innovate, it has the potential to reshape aerial mobility and logistics, both in India and globally.