Indian cricket legend Mahendra Singh Dhoni has once again deepened his ties with Garuda Aerospace, an emerging drone startup based in Chennai. Dhoni, a brand ambassador and investor in the company, has topped up his investment, signaling his strong belief in the company’s vision. In a recent Facebook post, Dhoni reiterated his commitment, expressing confidence in Garuda Aerospace’s goal of turning India into a global hub for drones by 2030.
Dhoni’s association with Garuda Aerospace began in 2022, a pivotal moment when Prime Minister Narendra Modi flagged off 100 drones across 100 locations in India. Since then, Garuda Aerospace has expanded significantly, becoming one of the most valuable drone startups in India, with a 50% market share in the agricultural and consumer drone sectors. The company aims to continue its rapid growth by focusing on defence technology and becoming a market leader in this domain within the next two years.
Dhoni shared that Garuda’s focus on agriculture, Industry 4.0, and consumer drones resonates deeply with him. “As Garuda spreads its wings across the world, I am proud to be associated with the team’s journey in positively impacting agriculture, defence, and industry sectors as their captain,” Dhoni stated. His involvement goes beyond finances—his star power has brought significant visibility and credibility to the company, especially in rural areas, where drones are revolutionizing precision agriculture.
Garuda Aerospace’s founder and CEO, Agnishwar Jayaprakash, sees Dhoni as more than a business partner. He describes Dhoni as a source of inspiration for the entire team, crediting the cricketer’s leadership and encouragement for Garuda’s success. Jayaprakash, once a fan of Dhoni, now collaborates closely with him, benefiting from his support in scaling the business globally.
Garuda Aerospace has been a trailblazer in the drone industry, becoming the first drone startup in India to receive dual certifications from the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) for both manufacturing and training. The company offers a wide range of services, from agricultural drone solutions to smart city projects and industrial applications. Garuda’s international partnerships with companies like Thales from France, Agrowing from Israel, and Spirit Aeronautics from Greece have allowed the startup to explore cutting-edge technology, reduce costs through local manufacturing, and create job opportunities for India’s youth.
In 2024, Garuda Aerospace is poised to enter the defence sector, aiming to design state-of-the-art drones for military use. This marks a significant shift from their current focus on agriculture and consumer drones, with the goal of capturing a significant portion of the defence market in the coming years.
As Garuda prepares for an IPO, Dhoni’s increased investment is seen as a powerful endorsement of the company’s trajectory. His belief in their mission, coupled with his leadership, could prove instrumental in positioning Garuda Aerospace as a key player on the global stage.
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Garuda Aerospace’s impact has already been substantial, but with Dhoni’s backing and their aggressive growth strategy, the future looks even brighter for this innovative Indian drone startup.
