Sanlayan Secures ₹186 Crore Funding to Boost Indigenous Defence Electronics Innovation

Indian defence-tech startup Sanlayan Technologies has raised ₹186 crore in a significant Series A funding round. The funding is aimed at accelerating the country’s push towards self-reliant defence electronics. High-profile investors led the financing. It includes Ashish Kacholia, Lashit Sanghvi, and Jungle Ventures, with participation from Gemba Capital, Singularity Ventures, and Shastra VC.

Strengthening India’s Defence Capabilities

Founded in 2023, Sanlayan is quickly emerging as a key player in India’s defence electronics sector. The company designs and manufactures mission-critical systems. These include RF technologies, embedded electronics, AI algorithms, and power systems used across air, land, sea, and space defence platforms.

The startup was co-founded by Abhijit Kothawale, Rohan Gala, and Rahul Vamsidhar. All of them are experienced professionals with backgrounds in companies like Zetwerk, L&T, Mahindra, Ola, and Tata Advanced Systems. Sanlayan operates a 50,000 sq. ft. advanced facility in Bengaluru equipped with RF test labs, cleanrooms, and rapid prototyping infrastructure.

Strategic Acquisition of Dexcel Electronics

In a bold move earlier this year, Sanlayan acquired a controlling stake in Dexcel Electronics Designs, a Bengaluru-based firm specialising in aerospace and defence systems. Dexcel, founded in 2000, has worked on prestigious projects like India’s Jaguar and Sukhoi aircraft upgrades, Chandrayaan-3, and Aditya-L1 missions.

The acquisition enhances Sanlayan’s capability to provide vertically integrated solutions. Especially in radar systems, avionics, signal processing, and embedded software. This positions it as a holistic provider for defence tech innovation.

Investment Plans and Road Ahead

According to company co-founder Rohan Gala, the funds will be used to:

• Expand manufacturing and testing capabilities
• Scale up R&D for next-gen defence technologies
• Develop integrated solutions across platforms
• Hire top talent in electronics, AI, and aerospace

Sanlayan also aims to unveil its new solutions at Aero India 2025, signalling its intent to become a major player in India’s indigenous defence manufacturing ecosystem.

“This funding allows us to fast-track our vision of building an India-first strategic electronics company that can support the armed forces with homegrown, advanced technologies,”said Gala.

Supporting the Atmanirbhar Bharat Mission

This funding round underscores growing investor interest in India’s defence sector. Particularly in light of the government’s Atmanirbhar Bharat initiative to reduce reliance on foreign military technology.
Sanlayan’s comprehensive approach, covering the entire value chain from design to deployment, positions it as a frontrunner in India’s evolving defence landscape.

📌 Quick Facts

• Startup: Sanlayan Technologies
• Founded: 2023
• Funding Raised: ₹186 crore (Series A)
• Investors: Ashish Kacholia, Lashit Sanghvi, Jungle Ventures, Gemba Capital, Singularity Ventures, Shastra VC
• Headquarters: Bengaluru, India
• Focus: RF systems, embedded electronics, power modules, AI for defence

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