What is Uru Instruments?
Uru Instruments is a pioneering music company dedicated to blending tradition with modernity by crafting custom-made musical instruments.
The company was founded by Tharun Sekar, an instrument designer with a background in architecture, who is widely recognized for revitalizing traditional South Indian instruments such as the Yazh and Kudamuzha.
His expertise in architectural design allows him to approach instrument-making with a unique perspective, ensuring that each piece retains its historical authenticity while being optimized for contemporary musical use.
At Uru Instruments, the primary mission is to preserve, research, and redesign historical instruments, breathing new life into them for modern audiences.
Their approach extends beyond just manufacturing musical instruments—it is also about celebrating cultural heritage, educating musicians, and fostering a deeper appreciation for traditional music.
Through their work, they aim to create a sustainable ecosystem for musicians, educators, and enthusiasts, ensuring that the lost sounds of ancient instruments are not only remembered but actively used in today’s music landscape.
Who Runs Uru Instruments?
- Tharun Sekar (Founder & Head Luthier): A skilled instrument designer with a passion for reviving traditional music, Tharun leads design, development, and innovation at Uru Instruments.
- Varshi (Administrator): With a background in architecture and a deep love for music, Varshi plays a key role in managing operations, strategic planning, and administration at the company.
Together, they have built a brand that is both innovative and deeply rooted in history, ensuring that traditional instruments continue to inspire musicians worldwide.
What Products Does Uru Instruments Offer?
Uru Instruments specializes in custom-made musical instruments, focusing on the revival and modernization of ancient South Indian instruments. Their core product line includes:
| Instrument Name | Description |
| Sengoti Yazh | A traditional stringed instrument redesigned for modern musicians while preserving its historical significance. |
| Paeri Yazh | A variation of the Yazh, offering a distinct tonal quality inspired by South Indian classical music traditions. |
| Sagoda Yazh | A lesser-known Yazh variant, meticulously crafted to maintain its cultural authenticity while adapting to contemporary needs. |
| Kaivizhi Yazh | A beautifully handcrafted instrument that celebrates the legacy of ancient Tamil music with innovative modifications. |
Each of these instruments is crafted with precision and attention to detail, ensuring that they not only retain their historical significance but also meet the demands of today’s musicians.
What Makes Uru Instruments Unique?
Uru Instruments differentiates itself through its commitment to cultural preservation, craftsmanship, and education. The company follows a multi-pronged approach:
- Research & Documentation: Uru Instruments conducts extensive historical and ethnomusicological research to accurately document traditional sounds and their evolution over time.
- Instrument Redesign: The company takes great care in modernizing instruments without altering their core sound and cultural integrity, ensuring that they remain true to their historical roots.
- Educational Initiatives: Uru Instruments offers workshops, training programs, and lectures to educate musicians and enthusiasts about traditional instruments, creating a new generation of artists who appreciate and use these instruments.
- Collaborations with Artists: The company works closely with musicians, composers, and artisans to ensure that their instruments meet the needs of professional performers while maintaining traditional authenticity.
By integrating these aspects into their business, Uru Instruments is not just a manufacturer but a cultural institution that ensures ancient sounds continue to thrive in modern musical landscapes.
How Did Uru Instruments Secure Investment on Startup Singam?
On February 2, 2025, Uru Instruments was featured on Startup Singam, a popular entrepreneurial reality show where innovative businesses pitch their ideas to investors in hopes of securing funding. The company aimed to raise ₹1 crore in investment, presenting their business with a valuation of ₹5 crores.
During their pitch, the Uru Instruments team, led by Tharun Sekar, showcased the uniqueness of their business model. They explained their commitment to reviving ancient musical traditions through modern design and innovation, demonstrating how they have successfully reintroduced traditional South Indian instruments like the Yazh and Kudamuzha to contemporary musicians.
Their pitch emphasized several key aspects that made their business a strong investment opportunity:
- Market Differentiation: Uru Instruments is the only known company in India focused exclusively on redesigning and modernizing historical musical instruments, positioning itself as a niche yet impactful player in the music industry.
- Cultural Impact: By reviving traditional instruments, Uru Instruments is not just a business but a cultural movement, ensuring that ancient sounds are not lost to history. This strong storytelling approach resonated well with the investors.
- Revenue Model: The team outlined their multiple revenue streams, which include direct sales of handcrafted instruments, educational workshops, collaborations with musicians, and potential licensing opportunities.
- Scalability Potential: With increasing interest in folk, classical, and fusion music, the company has the potential to scale operations by expanding into international markets, targeting museums, music institutions, and professional musicians worldwide.
- Innovation & R&D: Uru Instruments invests significantly in research and development, ensuring that their instruments maintain historical accuracy while incorporating modern advancements for better durability and playability.
After their pitch, the investors deliberated on the company’s valuation and potential for growth. They recognized the b among musicians, collectors, and educators. While Uru Instruments initially sought ₹1 crore, they received two investment offers:
- Native Leads invested ₹50 lakhs, recognizing the brand’s potential in the niche market of custom-made instruments.
- Rajarajan (Angel Investor) contributed ₹10 lakhs, showing confidence in the company’s mission and future expansion plans.
Ultimately, Uru Instruments successfully secured a total of ₹60 lakhs, which will be instrumental in scaling their operations, increasing production capabilities, and expanding their reach to global markets. The funds will also be used to enhance their research and development efforts, ensuring that they continue to innovate while preserving the authenticity of traditional instruments.
The investment from Startup Singam is a significant milestone for Uru Instruments, providing them with the necessary financial backing to achieve their long-term vision of making historic musical instruments accessible and relevant in today’s world.
How Can You Contact Uru Instruments?
For inquiries regarding custom instruments, collaborations, or workshops, you can reach Uru Instruments through:
Phone:
- +91 90251 24368
- +91 90803 75543
Email: uru.in.official@gmail.com
Website: www.uruinstruments.com
Why Choose Uru Instruments?
Uru Instruments is redefining the art of instrument-making by bridging the past with the future. Their dedication to cultural heritage, craftsmanship, and education makes them a standout brand in the music industry.
With their recent investment from Startup Singam, they are poised for further growth and global expansion, ensuring that traditional South Indian instruments continue to inspire musicians for generations to come.
Whether you are a musician, historian, educator, or music enthusiast, Uru Instruments offers an unparalleled opportunity to explore and appreciate the richness of ancient musical traditions through their meticulously crafted instruments.
