Success is built on hard work and passion, as exemplified by the Indian space tech startup, Digantara. Founded in 2018 by three friends, Anirudh Sharma, Rahul Rawat, and Tanveer Ahmed, this ambitious venture was born from their willingness to risk their college savings in pursuit of their dream. 

Today, Digantara is not just another startup; it is a beacon of innovation and resilience in India's burgeoning space tech landscape. With a mission to make space activities safer for all, the company is dedicated to tackling the challenge of space debris, a problem that threatens the very future of space exploration.

Let's explore the story of how these three visionaries transformed a simple idea into a thriving enterprise, overcoming obstacles and pushing boundaries to carve out their place in the cosmos. Their journey is a testament to the power of friendship, determination, and the relentless pursuit of a dream.

Launching the startup

In 2018, the space industry was faced with the urgent challenge of rising space debris, prompting three young friends to establish Digantara. However, their path was anything but smooth; the company faced significant financial constraints from the outset, with their first major obstacle being the procurement of essential components for their project. Undeterred, the friends made a decision by investing their college savings to buy the necessary rocket parts. Their dedication and hard work paid off when a client showed genuine enthusiasm for their innovative product, marking a pivotal milestone for Digantara.

Tackling space debris

Digantara's primary focus is monitoring space debris, a growing concern as the number of satellites and other equipment in orbit continues to rise. To tackle this issue, Digantara has developed small satellites capable of detecting objects as small as one centimetre. Equipped with advanced sensors, these satellites gather crucial information about space activities, contributing to enhanced safety in orbit. By providing real-time data on debris and potential collision risks, Digantara plays a vital role in ensuring safer space operations.

Funding support

Digantara began its journey with a significant investment of $2.5 million from Kalaari Capital, which helped bolster the company's research and development efforts. Over the years, Digantara has attracted funding from several prominent investors, including a notable $10 million Series A1 investment from Peak XV Partners. Furthermore, in February 2023, the company received an additional $2 million from Aditya Birla Ventures and SIDBI, further enhancing its technological capabilities and strengthening its position in the space tech sector. These strategic investments have been instrumental in driving Digantara’s growth and innovation.

Digantara's achievements

One of Digantara's most significant achievements is STARS (Space Threat Assessment & Response Suite), a comprehensive system designed to assess space debris and other potential threats while recommending mitigation measures. This innovative suite leverages small satellites and advanced sensors to monitor space activities closely. Not only does it detect the current location of debris, but it also predicts potential future hazards. In 2023, TheKredible startup intelligence platform recognized Digantara's impressive growth and innovation, valuing the company at approximately $70 million. 

Also read: A small idea with big impact: Success story of Dayashankar Gupta and his LED light business

From IIT to launching India's largest airline: The remarkable journey of Rakesh Gangwal