Indian Defence-Tech Startup Raises $20M

Founded in 2017 by Satya Gopal Panigrahi and Avinash Chenreddy, Hyderabad-based Constelli develops electronic intelligence and signal processing systems for the aerospace and defense industries. The company's products include radar target simulators, tactical radios, and digital telemetry systems used in the design and testing of mission-critical technology. The new capital is aimed at accelerating R&D for next-generation electronic warfare and communication payloads. These systems are designed for deployment across multiple platforms, including drones, satellites, naval vessels, and ground systems, with plans to establish rapid prototyping infrastructure. Constelli already serves clients like India's Ministry of Defence and the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO). The firm also has an international footprint, supplying to defense contractors in South Korea, Australia, and Singapore. The investment aligns with General Catalyst's recently announced plan to deploy $5 billion in India over the next five years, targeting key sectors like AI, healthcare, and defense technology. The firm's CEO, Hemant Taneja, views Indian founders as uniquely positioned to develop technology for large-scale, real-world deployment. This deal is part of a larger trend that saw funding in India's defense-tech sector nearly double to a record $247 million in 2025. The Indian government's push for self-reliance is a major driver, mandating that 75% of the capital acquisition budget be spent on procurement from local sources. Constelli is based in Hyderabad, a city that has become a major aerospace and defense hub with over 1,500 small and medium-sized enterprises and more than 25 large global companies. The region benefits from a robust ecosystem that includes dedicated aerospace parks and a deep pool of skilled engineering talent.