Digital Striker, a Bengaluru-based startup making tools for optical fibre installation and maintenance, has raised $1 million (about ₹8.5 crore) in a funding round led by Foxhog Ventures. The capital will help the company scale operations, build domestic manufacturing capacity and strengthen its role in India’s expanding telecom infrastructure supply chain.
Plans to build local manufacturing
Founded in 2021, Digital Striker focuses on specialised equipment—fiber strippers, cleavers, splicing machines, power meters and visual fault locators—items that have largely been imported into India. The startup intends to deploy roughly ₹5–6 crore of the new funds to establish an in-country manufacturing facility, recruit skilled staff and open offices in key cities.
Remaining proceeds will sustain import-led operations during the transition so customer demand is met while domestic production ramps up. The company says a phased approach—balancing imports with local manufacture—will ensure continuity and control costs as capacity comes online.
Addressing a supply-chain gap in telecom rollout
India’s broadband expansion and aggressive fibreisation programmes have sharply increased demand for optical-fibre deployment tools. Despite rapid network rollout across urban and rural areas, many critical instruments are sourced from overseas suppliers, creating lead-time, cost and after-sales support challenges for operators and contractors.
By producing tools locally and providing on-ground service, Digital Striker aims to reduce procurement delays, lower overall costs and offer quicker after-sales support to telecom operators, system integrators and installation contractors. The move aligns with national priorities on manufacturing self-reliance and strengthening domestic supply chains for critical infrastructure.
Early traction and product roadmap
Since inception, Digital Striker has built a nationwide distribution network of more than 450 resellers and channel partners. The company reports a cumulative turnover of ₹8.85 crore over 40 months, signalling growing market acceptance.
In its initial manufacturing phase, Digital Striker plans to produce five to seven core tools locally, expanding the portfolio gradually based on demand and field feedback. This staged rollout is designed to optimise costs while maintaining quality control.
Investor backing and outlook
Foxhog Ventures’ investment underscores investor interest in hardware-focused and deep-tech firms that address India’s infrastructure needs. With global supply-chain volatility prompting a search for reliable local alternatives, startups capable of domestic production are drawing increased capital.
Digital Striker intends to broaden its product range, scale manufacturing capabilities and deepen its presence across telecom and broadband projects nationwide. With fresh funding and a localisation focus, the company aims to become a prominent Indian supplier in the optical-fibre tools segment, supporting the country’s larger digital connectivity goals.
