Business Remedies | Rajshree Upadhyaya | July 24,2025 | Inside FPV began in the year 2020 when three engineering students from VIT Vellore-Arth Chowdhary, Oshi Kumari, and Deyvant Bhardwaj-decided to make drone technology in India accessible, affordable, and user-friendly. With just Rs. 5,000 and a deep commitment, they started building plug-and-fly FPV drones. These did not require any technical knowledge to fly-the user simply had to insert the battery and take off. These early drones ranged from Rs. 2,800 to Rs. 25,000, with premium models including FPV goggles capable of live-streaming footage across several kilometers. Although many components were imported, the drones were assembled in India. Priority was given to durability, crash resistance, and ease of use. The startup also offered crash warranties and free pilot consultations, which helped it quickly establish its presence in the Indian drone market.
Their big break came when they appeared on Shark Tank India Season 2 and asked for Rs. 75 lakh in exchange for 4% equity. The pitch was so well-received by the panel that in a rare collaborative investment, four sharks-Namita Thapar, Peyush Bansal, Aman Gupta, and Amit Jain-joined hands to offer Rs. 75 lakh for 15% equity. The founders accepted the offer, and its impact was immediately visible. Within just a few hours of the episode’s telecast, Inside FPV’s website received over 27,000 visitors. Inventory started selling rapidly and daily inquiries surged. This exposure gave the brand national recognition and drew the attention of key investors.
Inside FPV Sets National Record with 141 Minutes of Continuous Drone Flight
Soon after the show, the company raised Rs. 2.75 crore in seed funding led by Inflection Point Ventures. This was followed by an additional Rs. 3.5 crore from Mumbai Angels, Soonicorn Ventures, D-Labs at ISB, Fossbytes, and others. With this funding, the company expanded into new domains like agricultural drones, defense-grade tactical systems, and immersive STEM education platforms. Their Drone Labs initiative, implemented in over 30 educational institutions including IITs and VIT, introduced students to real-world applications of drones through simulators, flight training, and code-based modules. These efforts transformed Inside FPV from just a hardware brand into a complete ecosystem builder nurturing future drone talent.
Innovation remained the company’s hallmark. Inside FPV set a national record with 141 minutes of continuous drone flight and successfully demonstrated remote piloting across 7,000 kilometers-between India, Oman, and the Netherlands. In July 2024, they signed a 10-year agreement with Israel-based UAV Dynamix for the supply of 10,000 drones, highlighting their growing defense and international presence. Their models-Elevate V1, BIR V2, and Elevate Z1-meet diverse requirements, from filmmaking to thermal imaging in freezing regions.
Maintained Their Customer Base Through Products
As the company’s influence grew, public scrutiny intensified. Some users on Reddit accused Inside FPV of selling Chinese components at high prices and questioned the authenticity of their “Make in India” claims. One post labeled the startup as an “overvalued reseller,” while others defended it, calling Inside FPV India’s only practical option in the sub-Rs. 10,000 segment. Despite these divided opinions, the brand maintained its customer base through strong after-sales support, localized services, and beginner-friendly products.
Evolving Into a Multi-Sector Drone Powerhouse
Today, Inside FPV is evolving into a multi-sector drone powerhouse. Its presence spans consumer markets, defense, agriculture, and education. Their vision of making drone technology accessible has now become a national mission, backed by patents, recognitions, and strategic partnerships. From college dorms to defense corridors, the journey of this startup proves that an idea nurtured with purpose and determination can take flight and redefine the country’s technological future.
Written & Edited By:
Rajshree Upadhyaya
