Sanlayan: 10 Key Things You Must Know

Overview

Sanlayan is a Bengaluru-based startup specializing in advanced electronic systems for aerospace, defense, and space sectors. Established in 2023 by former executives of Zetwerk, including Rohan Gala, Abhijit Kothawale, and Rahul Vamsidhar, the company aims to revolutionize national defense through indigenous technology. Its latest Series A funding round raised ₹186 crore, reflecting substantial investor confidence in its strategic objectives. This article details ten key aspects of Sanlayan that highlight its potential and strategic direction in the defense technology sector.

1. Meaning and Origin

Sanlayan in English: The term "Sanlayan" is derived from the Sanskrit word for "fusion," encapsulating the company's mission to integrate innovative ideas to produce exponential outcomes. This fusion represents a non-linear combination of concepts and execution to achieve significant technological advancements.

2. Company Foundation and Mission

Sanlayan Company: Founded in 2023 by Rohan Gala, Abhijit Kothawale, and Rahul Vamsidhar, Sanlayan was established with the vision to foster indigenous technology development for defense applications. The company operates with the strategic intent to enhance India's defense electronics landscape, reflecting a commitment to the Atmanirbhar Bharat initiative.

3. Strategic Acquisitions

Sanlayan Dexcel: In 2025, Sanlayan acquired Dexcel Electronics, a 20-year-old expert in embedded systems. This acquisition enhanced Sanlayan's R&D capabilities, allowing it to contribute significantly to major defense projects like the Jaguar and Sukhoi upgrades, as well as space missions such as Chandrayaan-3.

4. Innovative Technologies

Advanced Technologies: Sanlayan is developing AESA radar systems designed for unmanned underwater vehicles, showcasing its dedication to cutting-edge R&D. It also focuses on other sophisticated electronics systems encompassing radar, electronic warfare, and mission-critical avionics.

5. Funding and Financial Growth

Sanlayan Funding: Sanlayan has successfully secured significant funding from prominent investors, including Ashish Kacholia, Lashit Sanghvi, and Jungle Ventures. The Series A round raised ₹186 crore, which will support further expansion in R&D efforts and increase the engineering workforce.

6. Expansion and Workforce Development

Growing Workforce: With capital increase, the company plans to expand its engineering team fivefold within six months, actively recruiting domain experts, R&D scientists, and veterans from the armed forces, which aligns with its strategy to advance indigenous capabilities.

7. Leadership and Management

Sanlayan Rohan Gala: Co-founder and CEO Rohan Gala brings extensive experience from previous roles in major firms such as Zetwerk and Ola. His leadership is instrumental in driving the company’s vision towards enhancing India's defense technology sector.

8. Market Position and Competition

Sanlayan Tracxn: According to Tracxn, Sanlayan ranks among the emerging leaders in the defense sector, with a growing reputation for delivering reliable and strategic electronic systems. The company continues to expand its footprint amidst robust competition from established players.

9. Partnerships and Alliances

Global Collaborations: The company has formed strategic alliances with five Indian startups and multiple international original equipment manufacturers (OEMs), bolstering its capacity to develop and deploy state-of-the-art technologies collaboratively.

10. Future Prospects

Strategic Vision: Sanlayan aims to continue setting benchmarks in the defense electronics sphere, guided by a hybrid strategy that integrates acquiring defense MSMEs and developing in-house technologies. The future looks promising as Sanlayan capitalizes on its strategic alliances and innovations.

Conclusion

Sanlayan is rapidly positioning itself as a significant player in the Indian defense and aerospace sectors. With strategic acquisitions like Dexcel, robust funding rounds, and a clear mission to enhance national security through indigenous technologies, the company is set to play a pivotal role in defense innovation. Sanlayan’s journey reflects a broader narrative of India's push towards self-reliance in critical technology sectors, suggesting a future rich with possibilities. The strategic outlook for Sanlayan is both ambitious and promising, potentially setting new standards in defense electronics.