InsideFPV, founded in 2020 by Arth Chowdhary, Oshi Kumari, and Devyant Bhardwaj, is a pioneering startup based in Surat, that is reshaping India’s drone landscape.
The company, which emerged as India’s first Plug-and-Fly FPV (First Person View) drone maker, is tackling key challenges in industries like consumer electronics, agriculture, and defense by making drones more accessible, affordable, and reliable for various applications.
Revolutionizing Drone Accessibility in India
The drone industry has seen a surge in growth globally, but India faced significant gaps in affordable, high-quality, and easy-to-use drones that could cater to diverse needs.
InsideFPV’s mission was clear: to make drones accessible to everyone, from hobbyists to professionals, and to advance drone technology for critical sectors like agriculture, defense, and media.
One of the most prominent challenges was creating drones that could be effectively used in India’s unique environments, with applications ranging from precision farming to defense intelligence and surveillance.
Additionally, the company sought to overcome the technological barrier for enthusiasts, education, and STEM learners.
With limited resources available to individuals and businesses, InsideFPV aimed to introduce user-friendly drones that people could easily fly, repair, and understand, thus sparking curiosity and innovation.
From Idea to Industry Leadership
In July 2020, InsideFPV was born out of a shared vision to bring cutting-edge drone technology to the Indian market.
The company was among the first to introduce the concept of Plug-and-Fly drones, enabling users to start flying right out of the box without the need for intricate setup processes.
By October 2021, the company had already gained recognition as a startup under the Robotics Industry by Startup India, an official endorsement that gave it the momentum to scale its operations.
In March 2022, InsideFPV raised 25 lakhs in funding from Dlabs at ISB Hyderabad, along with a grant of 10 lakhs from Nidhi Prayas, enabling further product development and market penetration.
InsideFPV’s commitment to innovation was evident as it launched India’s first 3D interactive Defence Website in December 2022, allowing users to experience cutting-edge drone technology virtually.
In 2023, the startup received widespread attention, becoming the first drone company to appear on Shark Tank India and securing interest from four sharks.
This breakthrough not only validated InsideFPV’s innovative approach but also helped it raise ₹3.5 crore in seed funding from prestigious investors such as Mumbai Angels, IPV, Soonicorn Ventures, and angels like Fasal and Fossbytes.
InsideFPV continued to push the boundaries of what drones could do with the launch of its flagship products in January 2024—‘Elevate V1,’ designed for cinematographers, and ‘BIR V2,’ an experience drone for STEM education.
The company also introduced an advanced technology enabling long-range drone control with no video lag.
Breaking Barriers in Technology and Education
InsideFPV’s innovation extends beyond consumer drones, with the introduction of its drones for agricultural use.
The Krishi Drone, designed for farmers, offers autonomous obstacle avoidance, a 10L spray tank, and a flight time of up to 20 minutes, making it an invaluable tool for large-scale farming operations.
It is part of the company’s broader mission to revolutionize agriculture by reducing manual labor and enhancing productivity.
Further, InsideFPV is deeply invested in the future of drone technology through education.
Its BIR V2 drone, which was granted a design patent in May 2024, has become a favorite among children, schools, and STEM educators.
The company has also created dedicated drone arenas to promote hands-on learning experiences, sparking curiosity and giving students a chance to experience the future of technology firsthand.
Transforming the Future of Defense
InsideFPV has also made a name for itself in the defense sector.
Their drones are equipped with advanced features like 30X zoom, thermal imaging, and AI tracking to aid in surveillance, reconnaissance, border patrol, and disaster response.
These drones are helping to transform modern warfare with real-time intel, superior zoom capabilities, and exceptional night vision.
InsideFPV is committed to building drones that can withstand the harshest conditions while providing critical intelligence in a compact, portable design.
Awards, Recognition, and Future Goals
InsideFPV’s dedication to innovation has not gone unnoticed. In May 2024, the company was featured in Forbes 30 Under 30 Asia for its remarkable achievements in the drone industry.
Furthermore, in June 2024, the company earned Design Rights for its innovative detachable battery frame for drones, showcasing its commitment to developing user-friendly and practical solutions for drone enthusiasts.
Looking ahead, InsideFPV’s vision is clear: to become the number one global drone manufacturing company.
With over 30,000 drone enthusiasts, 40+ employees, and 4500+ shipments delivered, InsideFPV is well on its way to dominating the market.
The startup is constantly pushing the envelope with new product launches, strategic partnerships, and cutting-edge advancements that will shape the future of drones in India and beyond.