Deeptech startup Velmenni has raised ₹30 Cr (about $3.3 Mn) in its Series A funding round led by pi Ventures, with participation from MountTech Growth Fund – Kavachh and Apekso.
The startup provides light-based wireless communication solutions for last-mile data connectivity from users or devices to the internet through high-speed backhaul routes for 4G-LTE, 5G, and FTTx broadband networks. It claims its solutions reduce the total cost of ownership while enabling faster rollouts when compared to fibre, licensed spectrum, and millimetre-wave solutions.
Velmenni has patented free space optics (FSO) and light fidelity (Li-Fi) solutions that use light beams or LEDs instead of fibre optics or radio waves to transmit internet data. This bridges the connectivity gap for service providers where radio or fibre isn’t feasible.
The startup plans to use the fresh funds for commercialising these solutions. It will also focus on building solutions catered to defence and enterprise clients while scaling in international markets.
Velmenni said its laser-based optical links will aid clients in cutting costs involved with spectrum licensing or cable trenching, which is required for fibre optic cable installation underground. Li-Fi spectrum is also thousands of times broader than radio frequency spectrum, offering higher data density, speed and security from inference.
“With an all-weather tested, 100% Made in India design, we offer 10Gbps+ seamless connectivity across ranges of 1-25 km. Whether for a tactical defence setup or a dense urban telecom network, we are providing a reliable, secure, and scalable alternative,” said Deepak Solanki, founder and CEO of Velmenni.
Founded in 2012 by Solanki, Velmenni has deployed its Li-Fi solutions across domestic and global markets. It has also secured a “multi-million-dollar deal” from the Indian defence sector to deploy FSO across all Indian submarines to address connectivity challenges in harbour environments.
Additionally, the telecom startup has installed a private 5G network at GMR’s thermal power plant in Odisha, claiming to have maintained “99.999% availability for over 18 months in tropical weather conditions”.
This is part of over 50 deployments by Velmenni in India, South East Asia and tier I mobile network operators in the US. The startup has secured Europe’s safety licence called Conformité Européenne and is awaiting clearance from the US’ FCC. The startup also boasts an international patent portfolio along with grants from the department of telecommunications and the defence ministry.
Since its launch in 2022, India has developed the world’s second largest 5G user base, with 40 Cr subscribers as of early 2026. The country has 4.69 Lakh base stations and relies heavily on the technology for connectivity.
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