MS Dhoni invests Rs 4 crore in IPO-bound drone startup Garuda Aerospace

Former Indian cricket captain MS Dhoni has increased his investment in the drone start-up Garuda Aerospace, which is preparing for an IPO. While the exact amount of the investment has not been publicly disclosed, sources indicate that Dhoni has invested Rs 4 crore, raising his stake in the company to 1.1%.

“I am proud to be part of Garuda's journey as they expand globally and make a positive impact on agriculture, defence, Industry 4.0, and the consumer drone sector,” Dhoni stated.

Agnishwar Jayaprakash, the Founder and CEO of Garuda Aerospace, expressed his admiration for Dhoni, saying, "Mahi Bhai has inspired all of us at Garuda Aerospace. His encouragement and unwavering support motivate each of us to deliver our best."


“From being a fan to a founder, I have always admired MS Dhoni. His influence on emerging drone technology is immense. Mahi Bhai represents a successful story for rural youth, and both agricultural and consumer drones resonate well with our target market. His star power has enabled Garuda to reach the farthest corners of India,” Jayaprakash added.

Garuda Aerospace was the first drone start-up to obtain dual certifications from the DGCA for both manufacturing and training. With a 50% market share, the company has established itself as a leader in the agricultural and consumer drone sectors and is now looking to expand globally.

Dhoni began his association with Garuda Aerospace in 2022 when Prime Minister Narendra Modi flagged off 100 drones at various locations. Since then, the company has seen significant revenue growth and has become one of India's most valuable drone start-ups.

Garuda Aerospace has formed important international partnerships with firms such as Thales (France), Agrowing (Israel), and Spirit Aeronautics (Greece), focusing on technology transfer and local manufacturing to reduce costs while generating job opportunities for Indian youth.

As a leader in agricultural and consumer drones, Garuda aims to broaden its reach into defence technology by entering the defence drone sector. The company is actively developing advanced drones for defence applications, with plans to become a market leader in this segment within the next two years.

Founded in 2015 with a team of five, Garuda Aerospace has grown to over 200 members and boasts the largest drone fleet in India, comprising more than 400 drones and 500 pilots operating in 84 cities. The company manufactures 30 different types of drones and provides 50 distinct services.