Deep-tech startup Velmenni has raised ₹30 crore (around USD 3.3 million) in a Pre-Series A funding round led by pi Ventures, with participation from MountTech Growth Fund Kavachh and Apekso.
The fresh funding will be used to accelerate the commercialisation of Velmenni’s light-based wireless technologies, including Free Space Optics (FSO) and Light Fidelity (Li-Fi), aimed at solving connectivity challenges across telecom, defence, and enterprise sectors.
Bridging the Connectivity Gap
Founded by Deepak Solanki, Velmenni is working on high-capacity backhaul and last-mile connectivity solutions for networks such as 4G-LTE, 5G, and FTTx broadband.
As demand for data continues to rise, traditional communication methods like fibre cables and radio frequency (RF) spectrum are becoming expensive, slow to deploy, and prone to interference. Velmenni’s approach uses light and laser-based communication, offering a faster, more secure, and cost-effective alternative.
According to the company, its solutions can deliver 10 Gbps+ connectivity over distances ranging from 1 to 25 km, while reducing the need for spectrum licensing and physical infrastructure.
Real-World Deployments and Traction
Velmenni has already demonstrated strong early traction with:
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50+ live deployments across India, Southeast Asia, and the US
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Successful pilot projects with Tier-1 telecom operators
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CE certification, with FCC approval expected soon
In India, the company has deployed carrier-grade FSO backhaul links to support a private 5G network at a GMR thermal power plant in Odisha, maintaining 99.999% uptime for over 18 months, even in challenging weather conditions.
It has also secured a multi-million-dollar defence contract to deploy its specialised solutions across Indian submarines, addressing connectivity issues in harbour environments.
Focus on Innovation and Defence Applications
Velmenni has built a strong intellectual property portfolio, with multiple international patents. It has also received support from government initiatives such as the Department of Telecommunications (DCIS, TTDF) and the Ministry of Defence’s iDEX programme, where it has secured three grants for strategic applications.
Deepak Solanki highlighted that the company is targeting areas where fiber is difficult to deploy, RF is unreliable, and licensed communication is costly, positioning Velmenni as a practical alternative in such scenarios.
Investor Perspective
Shubham Sandeep, Partner at pi Ventures, noted that Velmenni is solving a complex problem at the intersection of communication and infrastructure. He added that the company has shown the ability to convert advanced technology into real-world deployments and is well-placed to scale globally.
Looking Ahead
With this funding, Velmenni plans to expand its presence in international markets, while continuing to build customised solutions for defence and enterprise use cases.
As global demand for secure, high-capacity connectivity grows, Velmenni is positioning itself at the forefront of the next wave of wireless communication, powered not by radio waves, but by light.
-By Shivani Solanki
