PunePune, India: Sagar Defence Engineering Limited (SDE), a Indian deep-tech company specialising in unmanned and autonomous defence systems, has raised ₹300 crore (approximately USD 33 million) from Indian institutional investors at a pre-money valuation of ₹20,000 crore (approximately USD 2.2 billion) as part of its pre-IPO fundraising.The investment marks a significant milestone in the company's decade-long journey, from a modest 150 sq. ft. workspace to a technology-driven defence enterprise. It also reflects growing institutional confidence in India's ability to develop indigenous, globally competitive deep-tech solutions in strategically important sectors.
From 150 Square Feet to a Deep-Tech Defence Enterprise
Founded in 2015 by Capt. Nikunj Parashar, alongside his co-founders, Sagar Defence Engineering began with a vision to address complex operational challenges at sea through indigenous technology. Drawing from his experience in the maritime sector, Capt. Parashar recognised the potential of unmanned and autonomous systems to enhance operational efficiency, improve maritime safety and reduce human exposure to high-risk environments. Starting from a 150 sq. ft. workspace with limited resources, the company navigated technological challenges, financial constraints and the complexities of developing advanced defence technologies. Over the years, SDE has evolved into a vertically integrated deep-tech enterprise, combining indigenous research, engineering, design and manufacturing capabilities. Today, the company is expanding its manufacturing and research infrastructure in Pune, Maharashtra, alongside the development of its Autonomous Systems Shipyard and Maritime Systems Research Centre in Andhra Pradesh.
A Journey Highlighted at Swavlamban 2026
SDE's entrepreneurial journey was highlighted at Swavlamban 2026, the Indian Navy's fifth Naval Innovation and Indigenisation Seminar, held in New Delhi on 26–27 October 2026. Speaking at the event, Capt. Nikunj Parashar reflected on the challenges, setbacks and perseverance involved in building an indigenous defence technology enterprise from the ground up. The seminar, centred on the theme Strength & Power through Innovation and Indigenisation, brought together the Armed Forces, startups, MSMEs, researchers and industry stakeholders to strengthen India's defence innovation ecosystem. SDE's evolution from a small startup into an enterprise attracting substantial domestic institutional investment reflects the growing role of India's private sector in advancing indigenous defence capabilities.
Growing Confidence in India's Deep-Tech Ecosystem
The ₹300 crore pre-IPO funding round at a ₹20,000 crore pre-money valuation underscores the growing interest of Indian institutional capital in strategically important deep-tech enterprises. Unlike conventional technology ventures, defence technology companies require sustained investment in research, engineering, testing, manufacturing and operational validation. SDE's growth illustrates the potential for Indian enterprises to develop complex technologies while building commercially scalable and strategically relevant businesses. The investment is expected to support the company's continued expansion in research and development, autonomous systems, advanced manufacturing and indigenous technology capabilities.
“We have received SEBI's final observations and have successfully concluded our pre-IPO fundraising round, raised ₹300 crore. At this stage, I am not in a position to comment further.”
— Capt. Nikunj Parashar
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