Every company begins somewhere, but only a few beginnings truly define the character of the organisation. The InsideFPV Journey From Startup to Global Defence Brand began during one of the most uncertain periods in modern history, the COVID-19 pandemic.
At a time when most businesses paused their ambitions and waited for stability to return, three founders decided to move in the opposite direction. Arth Chowdhary, Deyvant Bhardwaj and Oshi Kumari chose to build.
Their belief was simple but powerful: India needed reliable drone systems engineered specifically for demanding defence environments. Rather than assembling existing components or chasing quick market opportunities, they focused on creating systems that could perform under real operational pressure.
From those early days of three founders navigating lockdown restrictions and global supply shortages, insideFPV has grown into a 45-member engineering and operations team with a clear mission to become a globally respected drone manufacturing company built on Indian innovation.
The journey is not just about growth in numbers. It is about clarity of purpose, disciplined engineering, and the determination to build technology that truly matters.
The Origin Story: Building a Defence Drone Company During COVID
Launching a hardware-driven deep-tech startup during a global health crisis was far from ideal. Most industries were dealing with uncertainty, disrupted logistics, and restricted movement.
Yet, for insideFPV, this challenging environment became the starting point of innovation.
Why We Chose a Difficult Beginning
Many entrepreneurs wait for the perfect timing to launch a company. However, the founders of insideFPV believed that true innovation often begins in difficult circumstances.
Instead of waiting for normalcy, they decided to start building immediately.
The goal was not merely to create drones but to develop reliable aerial systems capable of operating in demanding defence scenarios. This meant focusing on engineering fundamentals rather than quick market launches.
Several principles shaped the early vision:
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Build systems designed for real operational environments
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Focus on engineering precision rather than rapid scaling
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Develop indigenous solutions rooted in Indian engineering
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Prioritise reliability and stability above aesthetics
These early decisions laid the groundwork for a company that would grow steadily while maintaining technical discipline.
The Vision Behind Creating Reliable Drone Systems for Defence
Defence applications require a completely different approach compared to consumer drone products.
Systems must operate in unpredictable terrain, extreme weather, and mission-critical situations where failure is not an option.
From the beginning, the insideFPV team focused on solving real challenges faced in field environments:
| Engineering Focus | Purpose |
|---|---|
| Flight Stability | Maintain precise control in difficult conditions |
| Communication Systems | Ensure reliable signal transmission |
| Structural Strength | Withstand harsh terrain and operations |
| Field Testing | Validate performance in real-world scenarios |
This engineering mindset became the backbone of the InsideFPV Journey From Startup to Global Defence Brand.
Early Challenges Faced While Launching During a Global Crisis
Building hardware technology during COVID created several obstacles. Supply chains were unstable, manufacturing partners were limited, and travel restrictions made testing difficult.
Yet, each challenge helped refine the company’s approach.
Supply Chain Disruptions and Hardware Development
Hardware startups depend heavily on components sourced from multiple suppliers. During the pandemic, global logistics slowed significantly.
Components took longer to arrive, testing cycles were delayed, and costs increased.
Instead of slowing progress, the team adapted by:
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Carefully managing component sourcing
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Redesigning systems to accommodate available parts
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Strengthening vendor relationships
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Maintaining strict engineering discipline
This period forced the team to become resourceful and resilient, qualities that continue to shape operations today.
Testing Restrictions and Operational Limitations
Drone systems must be tested extensively in open environments. Lockdowns and travel restrictions made field testing difficult.
To address this, insideFPV focused on:
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Controlled testing environments
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Simulation-based development
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Incremental validation methods
When field access became possible again, systems were ready for full validation.
Engineering Philosophy That Defined the Company
A strong engineering philosophy helped the team remain focused during uncertain times.
Rather than chasing trends, insideFPV concentrated on fundamental performance metrics.
Focus on Flight Stability and Precision Control
Flight stability is the backbone of any aerial system.
Engineers worked extensively on improving:
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Control algorithms
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Flight dynamics
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System responsiveness
Stable control ensures that drones can operate safely even in unpredictable environments.
Communication Reliability in Critical Environments
Reliable communication systems are essential for defence operations.
The company invested in designing communication architectures capable of maintaining stable connections even in challenging conditions.
Durability for Extreme Terrains
Drone systems used in defence operations must function across diverse environments, including:
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High altitudes
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Desert landscapes
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Dense terrain
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Coastal conditions
Durability became a major design priority from the beginning.
Growing From 3 Founders to a Forty-Five Member Organisation
Growth in deep-tech industries is rarely sudden. It requires careful hiring and cultural alignment.
InsideFPV’s expansion from three founders to a structured team of 45 professionals reflects this philosophy.
Hiring With Responsibility and Mission Alignment
Defence technology demands a high level of responsibility.
Every new team member was selected not only for technical skills but also for commitment to reliability and discipline.
The team now includes:
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Aerospace and drone engineers
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Systems integration specialists
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Field testing professionals
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Manufacturing and operations experts
Building a Culture of Accountability
One of the defining characteristics of insideFPV is its culture of shared accountability.
Rather than working in isolated departments, teams collaborate closely to ensure system reliability.
This collaborative environment helps maintain quality standards across all stages of development.
Strengthening Technical Capabilities and Manufacturing Processes
As the organisation expanded, it also strengthened its internal capabilities.
In-House Engineering and System Integration
Developing systems internally provides several advantages:
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Greater control over quality
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Faster design improvements
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Stronger intellectual property
The engineering team focuses on complete system integration rather than isolated component development.
Structured Manufacturing and Quality Assurance
Reliable products require disciplined manufacturing processes.
The company implemented structured production practices including:
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Quality checkpoints
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Assembly standardisation
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Component testing protocols
These measures ensure that every system meets operational expectations.
Field Testing and Real-World Validation
Drone systems cannot be validated solely through simulations.
Field testing plays a critical role in ensuring reliability.
Why Practical Testing Matters in Defence Technology
Testing under real environmental conditions helps engineers understand how systems perform under stress.
Factors examined during testing include:
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Environmental resistance
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Flight endurance
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Communication stability
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Mission reliability
These insights continuously improve system performance.
Global Recognition at the TiE Global Summit 2022
A major milestone in the company’s growth came in 2022.
InsideFPV was selected among the Top 100 Global Emerging Startups at the TiE Global Summit, hosted by TiE Hyderabad.
Selection Among Top 100 Emerging Startups
This recognition placed the company alongside innovative startups from across the world.
It demonstrated that Indian drone companies can compete on global platforms through strong engineering and disciplined execution.
Recognition in Defence and Aerospace Category
The company was recognised specifically under the Defence and Aerospace category, highlighting its focus on mission-critical drone technology.
For a startup that began during COVID, this global recognition was a meaningful achievement.
More about the organisation behind this summit can be explored at
https://tie.org
The Role of Innovation Ecosystems in Startup Growth
No startup grows in isolation. Support from strong ecosystems often plays an important role in early development.
Support from VIT Technology Business Incubator
VIT Technology Business Incubator provided early infrastructure and mentorship.
This environment helped the company:
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Experiment with new ideas
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Refine strategic direction
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Access technical resources
Strategic Guidance from ISB I-Venture
ISB I-Venture contributed valuable mentorship and strategic guidance.
Conversations with experienced mentors helped shape long-term planning and market positioning.
Building an Indigenous Drone Manufacturing Vision
India’s defence technology ecosystem is evolving rapidly.
InsideFPV’s long-term vision is to contribute to this growth by building indigenous drone manufacturing capabilities.
Importance of Indian Engineering in Defence Technology
Domestic engineering offers several advantages:
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Greater technological independence
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Faster innovation cycles
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Stronger national capability
By focusing on local research and development, the company aims to create systems that are trusted both nationally and globally.
The Future Roadmap for insideFPV
The next phase of growth will require continued focus and investment.
Advancing Research and Engineering
Future priorities include:
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Improved flight technologies
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Advanced autonomy features
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Enhanced reliability systems
Strengthening Production Capabilities
Scaling manufacturing will involve:
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Expanding production infrastructure
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Strengthening supply chains
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Increasing quality assurance systems
These steps will help the company move closer to its goal of becoming a global drone manufacturing brand.
Lessons from the InsideFPV Growth Journey
Several key lessons emerge from the InsideFPV Journey From Startup to Global Defence Brand:
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Difficult beginnings can build strong companies.
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Engineering discipline matters more than rapid growth.
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Real-world testing is essential for defence technology.
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Building the right team is more important than scaling quickly.
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Strong ecosystems accelerate startup development.
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Long-term vision drives sustainable innovation.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What is insideFPV known for?
insideFPV focuses on designing and manufacturing drone systems built for demanding defence environments.
2. When was insideFPV founded?
The company began during the COVID-19 pandemic when founders Arth Chowdhary and Oshi Kumari and Deyvant Bhardwaj started building the organisation.
3. How large is the insideFPV team today?
The company has grown from 3 founders to a team of around 45 members.
4. What recognition has insideFPV received globally?
In 2022, the company was recognised among the Top 100 Global Emerging Startups at the TiE Global Summit.
5. Which organisations supported insideFPV during its early stage?
VIT Technology Business Incubator and ISB I-Venture provided mentorship and ecosystem support.
6. What is the long-term vision of insideFPV?
The company aims to become a globally respected drone manufacturing brand built on Indian engineering and research.
Conclusion: A Vision That Continues to Grow
From three founders working through the uncertainty of a global pandemic to a structured team of engineers and professionals, the journey of insideFPV reflects determination and clarity of purpose.
The company’s progress demonstrates that strong engineering, disciplined execution, and a long-term vision can help startups grow even in challenging circumstances.
As the organisation continues to expand its capabilities and strengthen its manufacturing ecosystem, the foundation remains unchanged: build with purpose, test rigorously, and deliver dependable technology.
The InsideFPV Journey From Startup to Global Defence Brand is still unfolding — driven by resilience, teamwork, and a commitment to innovation.
