DesignX Raises $1 Million in Pre-Series A Funding from Piper Serica Angel Fund
- ByStartupStory | November 12, 2024
DesignX, an innovative startup driving digital transformation in manufacturing, has announced the close of a $1 million pre-Series A funding round led by Piper Serica Angel Fund. This new investment marks a significant milestone in the company’s journey to modernize and enhance productivity across manufacturing shop floors with its flagship product, the DF-OS platform.
The company previously raised $300,000 in equity funding in 2021 from Modular Capital, Accel, and seasoned veterans from the manufacturing industry. Founded by engineering graduates and manufacturing industry experts Rajat Srivastava and Nishant Srivastava, DesignX focuses on hyper-automation for manufacturing shop floors. Its DF-OS platform enables Lighthouse factories to optimize productivity, sustainability, and efficiency through real-time data analytics. The platform targets sectors like automotive, FMCG, and consumer electronics, aiming to reduce waste and lower carbon footprints, making digital transformation accessible with minimal infrastructure investment—an approach compared to the sweeping impact of technologies like UPI and 4G.
With the new funds, DesignX plans to expand its DF-OS platform across key international markets, including APAC, Japan, and Europe, helping factories achieve Lighthouse status through AI-driven analytics and a focus on sustainability. This initiative aligns with DesignX’s broader mission to “Disrupt without Disruption.”
“We started with an idea that has now taken shape as a powerful product that will redefine global manufacturing. This funding will help ensure the world knows about our innovative solutions,” said Rajat Srivastava, CEO and Co-Founder of DesignX.
Nishant Srivastava, CTO and Co-Founder, added, “DesignX is committed to building advanced technology for the manufacturing industry. The new investment will enhance our DF-OS application, ensuring improved performance and faster adoption.”
With over a decade of expertise in Industry 4.0, DesignX has formed partnerships with major industry players such as Unilever, Hero Moto, and Dabur. Commenting on the market opportunity, Ajay Modi, Investment Director at Piper Serica, remarked, “India is at the cusp of a manufacturing revolution. DesignX’s DF-OS offers a flexible, cost-efficient solution that understands manufacturing processes better than ever. We are excited about the potential of this tool and the strong demand we foresee in the manufacturing ecosystem.”
The factory process application market currently stands at an estimated $34 billion annually, with DesignX aiming to capture a substantial share of 50% over the next seven to ten years. The DF-OS platform addresses key challenges faced by manufacturers, including outdated processes and insufficient infrastructure, by significantly reducing the time and cost required for digital transformation. This streamlined approach allows manufacturers to swiftly adapt to modern demands.
In just three years, DesignX has digitized over 10,000 processes across 500+ factories, connected more than 1,400 machines in real time, and secured a robust customer base of over 405 clients. Looking forward, the company aims to double its customer base, expand into new markets, and achieve significant annual reductions in CO2 emissions through optimized manufacturing processes.