Bengaluru Startup Develops Ultra-Light Autonomous Drones to Cut Logistics Costs by 20x
Bengaluru-based autonomous logistics startup Airbound has secured $8.65 million in seed funding to transform the drone delivery landscape. The round was led by Lachy Groom, co-founder of Physical Intelligence, and included Humba Ventures, Lightspeed Venture Partners, as well as senior executives from Tesla, Anduril, and Ather Energy. With this latest investment, Airbound’s total funding now exceeds $10 million, positioning the company for rapid expansion.
Founded in 2023 by 20-year-old Naman Pushp, Airbound is developing next-generation blended-wing-body drones that promise to redefine delivery economics. Its ultra-light aircraft achieves a 1.5 kg-to-1 kg payload ratio, enabling delivery costs up to 20 times lower than traditional logistics. The drones’ carbon-fibre frame and unique design combine vertical takeoff and landing with fixed-wing efficiency, creating a scalable and environmentally friendly logistics solution.
Pushp explained why healthcare was Airbound’s first focus: “Traditional logistics move 150 kg of mass to deliver just 1 kg of payload. Our aircraft moves only 2.5 kg per kg of payload. This design makes drone delivery scalable and affordable.” Airbound has already launched a three-month pilot program with Narayana Health, handling up to 10 medical deliveries per day, including blood samples, test kits, and essential supplies.
Looking ahead, Airbound aims to make delivery costs so low that distance becomes irrelevant, ensuring access to goods and services even in remote areas. The startup joins a growing roster of Indian drone logistics innovators, such as Skye Air Mobility, TechEagle, Garuda Aerospace, and ideaForge.
