US Venture Capitalist Tim Draper Launches BonV Aero’s Air Orca, India’s First Fully Autonomous Logistics Drone

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Ravindra Kirti Founder GGF
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  • Marking a significant development in logistic drone technology

  • Poised to revolutionise both civilian and defence applications across territories

  • Eminent VC Tim Draper flies to Bhubaneswar to unveil the advanced drone

BonV Aero, an Odisha-based deep tech startup, has officially launched Air Orca, India’s first fully autonomous logistics drone. This milestone in India’s drone and logistics technology gained further significance through the presence of renowned venture capitalist Tim Draper, known for his early investments in companies like Tesla and Hotmail, along with Inflection Point Ventures, Headstart Investment Circle, Beyond Ventures, Indus Bridge Venture, IIT Mandi Catalyst, Sri Sri University and other industry veterans.

American Investor,Tim Draper launches BonV Aero’s Air Orca eVTOL

Drapers backing highlights international interest in BonV Aero, positioning Odisha as an emerging hub for advanced technological innovation. “Today’s launch of Air Orca marks an important advancement for India’s logistics sector and for us as an Odisha-based company,” said Satyabrata Sathapathy, CEO of BonV Aero. “Developing and manufacturing this drone indigenously has allowed us to tailor it for India’s needs. Tim Draper’s support strengthens the impact of this launch, and we’re grateful for his involvement as we aim to extend Air Orca’s benefits to both civilian and defence applications across India.”

Tim Draper expressed his enthusiasm at the event, stating, “It’s exciting to witness the launch of Air Orca here in Odisha. Autonomous drones like Air Orca provide practical solutions for modern logistics by expanding reach, flexibility and reliability with myriad use cases from disaster response to high-altitude operations for the defence forces. With the recent hurricanes in the US fresh in my mind, I anticipate that BonV Aero’s innovation can be an effective tool for disaster response in India and globally.”

The Air Orca is fully designed, developed and manufactured by BonV Aero in India. With advanced autonomous capabilities, Air Orca is engineered to tackle diverse logistical challenges, particularly in regions where traditional transportation methods are impractical. The drone is designed to serve as a first responder in post-disaster scenarios, delivering relief supplies and providing critical support during emergencies. Its high-altitude capabilities make it suitable for military logistics operations in challenging terrains, including the Himalayan region, at elevations of nearly 20,000 feet. BonV Aero is the first Indian company to set a world record by lifting a 30 kg payload at Umling La, Ladakh, the highest motorable road pass at 19,024 feet. This performance outshines other modes of aerial transport such as helicopters, that face greater challenges when transporting similar cargo at such high altitudes.

With Air Orca, BonV Aero aims to address a variety of logistics needs across sectors like healthcare, e-commerce, military logistics and disaster management on a global scale. This launch underlines the growing role of Odisha-based companies in India’s technology ecosystem and demonstrates how localised innovation is gaining national and international recognition.

For more info please visit: www.bonvaero.com.

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Ravindra Kirti Founder GGF
Ravindra Kirti is a well-rounded Marketing professional with an impressive academic and professional portfolio. He is IIM Calcutta alumnus & holds a PhD in Commerce, having written an insightful thesis on consumer behavior and psychology, which informs his deep understanding of market dynamics and client engagement strategies. His academic journey includes an MBA in Marketing, where he specialized in strategic management, international marketing, and luxury retail management, equipping him with a global perspective and a strategic edge in high-end market segments. In addition to his business expertise, Ravindra is also academically trained in law, holding a Master’s in Law with specializations in law of patents, IT & IPR, police law and administration, white-collar crime, and corporate crime. This legal knowledge complements his role as the Chief at Jurislaw Partners, where he applies a blend of legal acumen and strategic marketing. With such a rich educational background, Ravindra excels across a range of fields, from legal marketing to luxury retail, and event design. His ability to interlace disciplines—commerce, marketing, and law—enables him to drive successful outcomes in every venture he undertakes, whether as Chief at Jurislaw Partners, Editor at Mojo Patrakar and Global Growth Forum, Founder of CircusINC, or Chief Designer at Byaah by CircusINC. On a personal note, Ravindra Kirti is not only a devoted pawrent to his pet, Kattappa, but also an enthusiast of Mixed Martial Arts (MMA) and holds a Taekwondo Dan 1. This active lifestyle complements his multifaceted career, reflecting his discipline, resilience, and commitment—qualities he brings into his professional relationships. His bond with Kattappa adds a warm, grounded side to his profile, showcasing his nurturing and compassionate nature, which shines through in his connections with clients and colleagues. Ravindra’s career exemplifies versatility, intellectual depth, and excellence. Whether through his contributions to media, law, events, or design, he remains a dynamic and influential presence, continually innovating and leaving a lasting impact across industries. His ability to balance these diverse roles is a testament to his strategic vision and dedication to making a difference in every field he enters.
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