Evaluating only AquaSentinel’s profile at its peak — without knowing the outcome — the model ranked Competition as the #1 likely cause. Documented cause: External shock.
Key Events Timeline
FOUNDING
Founded in Bangalore by Arjun Mehta to build low-cost flood sensor networks for India's flood-prone states.
FUNDING
Raised ₹42 crore from Avaana Capital; signed NDMA pilot contract for 500-sensor deployment in Bihar.
PIVOT
COVID supply chain delays pushed sensor delivery 14 months past contractual deadlines; two monsoon seasons missed.
SHUTDOWN
Liquidated after NDMA contract expired and bridge round of $1.2M failed to close; assets sold for parts.
Full Analysis
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Documented cause
AquaSentinel raised ₹42 crore ($5.1M) from Avaana Capital in 2020 to deploy flood-warning sensor networks in Bihar and Odisha. Post-COVID supply chain issues delayed sensor shipment by 14 months, and two monsoon seasons passed without working product. The NDMA pilot contract expired unrenewed in March 2022. Co-founder Arjun Mehta left in January 2022 citing governance disputes. The startup was liquidated in September 2022 after failing to raise a bridge round.
Lesson
“Hardware startups in climate resilience need 18-month supply chain buffers before signing government pilots.”