Defence-Tech Startup Optimized Electrotech Raises $6 Million in Series A Funding
BENGALURU: Deeptech startup Optimized Electrotech has secured $6 million in Series A funding to accelerate the development of its artificial intelligence-powered imaging and surveillance solutions for the defence and space sectors. The funding round was led by Blume Ventures and Mela Ventures, with participation from 9Unicorns, existing investors such as Rajiv Dadlani Group and Venture Catalysts, and the company’s leadership.
The Ahmedabad-based firm, founded in 2017 by Sandeep Shah and Dharin Shah, specializes in electro-optic imaging systems designed for intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR) missions. Their products, used across defence, aerospace, and space operations, combine real-time data processing and onboard analytics to deliver high-speed visual intelligence in critical environments.
According to co-founder and managing director Sandeep Shah, the company had previously raised a total of Rs 39 crore (over $4.5 million at current exchange rates) in external funding. The fresh capital will be used to scale the development of next-generation imaging payloads, including solutions for autonomous ISR systems and high-speed space imaging.
Optimized Electrotech has secured four patents and won multiple innovation challenges under the Ministry of Defence’s Innovations for Defence Excellence (Idex) initiative, including the Acing Development of Innovative Technologies with Idex (Aditi) programme. Sandeep Shah emphasized the growing importance of machines and dynamic decision-making in modern warfare, stating, “A war that is prevented is as important as the one that has to be won. In both scenarios, the future of warfare is increasingly going to be determined by machines, more so, by knowledge and dynamic decision-making.”
Investors praised the company’s intellectual property-led approach and focus on indigenous technology, which aligns with India’s self-reliance push in defence. Arpit Agarwal, Partner at Blume Ventures, expressed excitement about backing Optimized Electrotech, saying, “We’re really excited to back Optimized Electrotech, a company that’s pushing boundaries in defence and deep-tech innovation.” Parthasarathy NS, managing partner at Mela Ventures, highlighted the startup’s “strong technical capabilities and consistent execution,” noting its significant contribution to India’s deep-tech ecosystem.
