Proud Winners of Meet The Drapers Season 6
The Journey to Victory
The road to success in Meet the Drapers the largest pitch competition in the world, was marked by intense competition and numerous challenges. It all began with a call for applications, where each applicant applied to Brand Capital, India . In February 2023 Tim Draper , the legendary venture capitalist, visited India, holding events in Bangalore and Sri Sri University, Bhubaneswar. Two teams were selected from India, including us. In October, 36 teams travelled to Silicon Valley, but only 3 reached the finals. Participation in TechCrunch events during the competition led to interviews and features on various platforms, further elevating our profile. The guidance provided by Gurudev Sri Sri Ravi Shankar after the 1st round was crucial in preparing us for the later stages of the competition. We will be forever grateful for his enlightened insights, help and support.
Standout Moments and Challenges
A standout moment in the competition was the Challenge Activity, where participants were given $10 to trade for higher-value items on the streets. Gaurav Achha , one of our co-founders, made an exceptional trade, showcasing his resourcefulness and strategic thinking, by exchanging his $10 for a bottle of Yamazaki, a prized $1000 Japanese whiskey, after successfully convincing a liquor store owner that being featured on a TV show would significantly boost his potential revenues.
The competition required meticulous preparation, including completing questionnaires and crafting a compelling pitch followed by gruelling Q&A sessions. This format demanded clear, concise communication and the ability to address tough questions effectively. Our team, comprising Gaurav & Satyabrata Satapathy showcased their advanced drone technologies and market readiness, impressing the judges with their innovative approach. Handling tough questions from the judges regarding market potential, regulatory challenges and financial projections was a constant challenge.
Exploring New Horizons
During their time in the United States, the team visited prestigious institutions like Stanford University, Santa Clara University and the Boeing Everett Factory in Seattle. These visits provided valuable insights and inspiration.
Our success is driven by our cutting-edge drone technologies, particularly the high-altitude, logistics-focused eVTOL vehicle RM001, with a heavy paylod capability. With its carbon neutrality, this eco-friendly aircraft stands out and positions us at the forefront of sustainable drone solutions. Unique use cases, some tailored specifically for the Indian Armed forces, such as life-saving rescue operations in Mahanadi River, firefighting support and high-altitude operations in challenging environments like Leh and Tawang in the Indian Himalayas, highlighted the robustness, heavy payload and reliability of our drones. This set us apart from the competition in the show (such as AirFlight).
Global Recognition and Impact
Winning “Meet the Drapers” is a significant milestone not just for BonV Aero but also for the Indian start-up ecosystem. Competing against top global start-ups, BonV Aero emerged victorious among competitors from 11 countries, raising $1.6 million. An interesting fact is that the winners were to get $1 million but looking at the potential of our product, raised an additional $600,000. This victory validates our commitment to safety and innovation in drone technology, reassuring investors, partners and customers of BonV Aero’s leadership in manufacturing reliable drones.
A Visionary Investor
“Meet the Drapers” is hosted by Tim Draper, a legendary venture capitalist known for funding Baidu, Tesla, Skype, SpaceX, Hotmail and 25 other unicorns at the seed stage. His involvement and investment in BonV Aero is a vote of confidence in the company’s vision and potential, something we deeply cherish and are grateful for. Access to valuable resources and mentorship from the Draper family and their network can significantly accelerate our development and market entry.
Impact of the Win on the Indian Start-Up Ecosystem
Winning “Meet the Drapers” Season 6 is an inspirational event for the Indian startup ecosystem. It inspires entrepreneurs, boosts investor confidence and highlights India’s potential in cutting-edge technologies. This victory will attract more investments, foster global networking and encourage innovation across the board. It also paves the way for better government support and showcases Indian talent on a global stage. It demonstrates that Indian startups are not only capable of developing cutting-edge technology but also of securing significant achievements in competitive environments.
Looking Ahead
We plan to expand our product line, enhance technological capabilities and explore new markets. Upcoming events and product launches will push the boundaries of our drone technology. The company is in advanced discussions with various partners, both governmental and non-governmental, across multiple geographies, aiming to revolutionise aerial logistics and transportation while solving real-world problems responsibly.