Jeh Aerospace Raises $11M to Boost India’s Aircraft Supply Chain
▼ Summary
– Jeh Aerospace, founded by former Tata Group executives Vishal Sanghavi and Venkatesh Mudragalla, aims to address global aerospace supply chain bottlenecks by scaling production of metallic components for aero engines and aerostructures.
– The startup, backed by $11 million in Series A funding, targets Tier 1 and Tier 2 suppliers in the U.S. rather than directly working with OEMs like Boeing and Airbus.
– Jeh Aerospace uses a software-defined manufacturing approach to reduce lead times from 15 weeks to 15 days while maintaining quality, with a facility in Hyderabad and headquarters in Atlanta.
– The company has achieved $6 million in annualized recurring revenue (ARR), profitability, and a $100 million order book, with plans to triple or quadruple ARR this year.
– Jeh Aerospace aims to strengthen India’s role in aerospace manufacturing, similar to its emergence in iPhone production, as global players like Airbus and Boeing increase sourcing from the country.
Jeh Aerospace, an emerging player in India’s aerospace manufacturing sector, has secured $11 million in Series A funding to address critical supply chain challenges in the global aircraft industry. Founded by former Tata Group executives Vishal Sanghavi and Venkatesh Mudragalla, the startup aims to streamline production of high-precision metallic components for aero engines and aerostructures, catering primarily to U.S.-based Tier 1 suppliers.
With decades of combined experience working with industry giants like Boeing and Airbus, the founders recognized an opportunity to position India as a key hub for aerospace manufacturing. Their Hyderabad-based facility leverages advanced robotics, IoT, and software-driven processes to reduce production lead times from 15 weeks to just 15 days, a game-changer for an industry grappling with record backlogs.
The funding round, led by Elevation Capital with participation from General Catalyst, brings Jeh Aerospace’s total institutional funding to $15 million. The startup also recently attracted strategic investment from IndiGo Ventures, signaling confidence in its potential to disrupt the sector.
Scaling with Precision Jeh Aerospace’s focus on high-value, long-term partnerships sets it apart. Instead of chasing numerous clients, the company works with a select group of Tier 1 and Tier 2 manufacturers, including U.S. firms like GS Precision and RH Aero. This strategy has already yielded $6 million in annual recurring revenue and a $100 million order pipeline.
The startup’s advisory board includes heavyweights like former Boeing India President Pratyush Kumar and ex-Airbus India CEO Dwaraka Srinivasan, reinforcing its industry credibility. With plans to invest in next-gen digital production technologies, Jeh Aerospace aims to triple its revenue this year while expanding its 60,000-square-foot Hyderabad facility.
India’s Aerospace Ambitions The funding arrives as global aerospace demand surges, with airlines ordering nearly 15,700 new aircraft amid supply chain constraints. India, already a growing supplier for Airbus and Boeing, sees startups like Jeh Aerospace as critical to capturing a larger share of the $1.4 billion component market.
While competitors like JJG Aero operate in the same space, Jeh Aerospace views U.S.-based Tier 2 suppliers as its primary rivals. By combining cutting-edge technology with India’s cost advantages, the startup is poised to play a pivotal role in reshaping the aerospace supply chain, mirroring the country’s success in electronics manufacturing.
With profitability achieved and ambitious expansion plans underway, Jeh Aerospace exemplifies how innovation and strategic partnerships can unlock new opportunities in high-stakes industries. Its progress underscores India’s potential to become a global aerospace manufacturing powerhouse.
(Source: TechCrunch)
