IAN Alpha Fund invests in EndureAir Systems with ₹25 crores
New Delhi, 10th Sep 2025: EndureAir Systems, a deep-tech UAV (Unmanned Aerial Vehicles) company & aerial robotic solutions provider, has raised ₹25 crores from IAN Alpha Fund (along with IAN Angel Fund). The capital will be deployed to strengthen EndureAir’s deep-tech drone capabilities for the defense ecosystem, expand into enterprise markets, and advance the development of next-generation high-altitude logistics and aerial robotics platforms.
Founded in 2018 by Dr. Abhishek, Professor of Aerospace Engineering at IIT Kanpur, along with his former students Rama Krishna and Chirag Jain, EndureAir has rapidly emerged as a pioneer in India’s indigenous UAV sector. Unlike drone assemblers, the company develops both hardware and software entirely in-house, backed by more than 15 years of rotorcraft research and a portfolio of 8 patents. This research-driven approach gives EndureAir a strong edge in building rugged and mission-ready UAVs tailored for India’s terrain.EndureAir’s flagship platforms are already in active deployment. Sabal, its heavy-lift logistics UAV family (10–70 kg payloads), has proven high-altitude capabilities, with Sabal (20 kg) inducted by the Indian Army’s Eastern Command. Vibhram, its long-endurance UAV, powered Telangana’s Medicine from the Sky program by delivering vaccines to remote areas. Alakh, the nano-UAV series, has supported high-stakes rescue operations including the Chamoli cloudburst, Silkyara Tunnel rescue, and earthquake relief in Turkey. EndureAir is also co-developing high-altitude logistics drones with Bharat Electronics Limited (BEL) and working with Druk Holding & Investments group (DHI) in Bhutan on pilot logistics missions to remote monasteries.
Rama Krishna, Co-founder & CEO, EndureAir, said, “As we continue to develop the next generation of deep-tech aerial robotics for the defense ecosystem, we are dedicated to promoting enterprise adoption of UAV technology. With the help of this fundraise led by IAN Alpha Fund, we can move more quickly to develop strong, domestic systems that can function well even in the most difficult environments. By creating solutions that benefit the Indian armed forces as well as transform how businesses use aerial mobility/logistics, we hope to position India as a global leader in UAV innovation.”
Sarika Saxena, Managing Partner, IAN Alpha Fund, said, “EndureAir embodies the very best of India’s deep-tech potential. By transforming cutting-edge research into powerful, indigenous solutions, they are meeting critical needs in defense, enterprise, and disaster response. We’re proud to partner with a team that is not only pushing the boundaries of UAV technology but also demonstrating how India’s innovative spirit can set a new global standard.”
Headquartered in Noida, Uttar Pradesh, EndureAir Systems originated from advanced UAV research at IIT Kanpur and has since evolved into a mission-driven enterprise serving defense, logistics, surveillance, and disaster-response sectors. Its UAVs have already been deployed by the Indian Army, government agencies, and international humanitarian missions in critical environments. With this funding round, the company aims to strengthen its leadership in high-altitude UAV logistics, expand enterprise offerings, and continue building cutting-edge aerial robotics solutions that demonstrate India’s deep-tech innovation.
About EndureAir Systems:
EndureAir Systems is a Noida-based deep-tech UAV company founded in 2018 by Dr. Abhishek, Professor of Aerospace Engineering at IIT Kanpur, along with his students — now IIT Kanpur alumni — Rama Krishna and Chirag Jain, to advance India’s aerial autonomy. Built on more than 15 years of vertical flight and UAV research, EndureAir designs and manufactures both hardware and software entirely in-house, supported by 8 patents in flight dynamics and autonomy. EndureAir is shaping the future of rugged, reliable, and proudly indigenous UAV systems for India and beyond.
About IAN Alpha Fund:
IAN Alpha Fund, a ₹1,000 crores (US$125 mn) SEBI-registered Category II AIF VC Fund, is the second fund in IAN Group’s series of funds. The Fund explores opportunities in diverse sectors such as healthtech, cleantech, deep tech, agritech, medtech, hardware and electronics, manufacturing, Web 3.0, Metaverse, Industry 4.0, SaaS, and other sectors where innovation is transformational. The Fund invests in innovative startups solving real problems for India and the world, with sustainable business models enabling scale by leveraging technology. With the IAN Alpha Fund, IAN Group continues its two-decade legacy of building a portfolio of technology-focused, innovative companies led by founders who not only understand customer needs but also have the leadership qualities to build large and valuable businesses.