Zomato’s Deepinder Goyal invests $20M on aviation startup

New Delhi: Zomato’s chief executive, Deepinder Goyal, has invested $20 million in LAT Aerospace, a newly established startup he co-founded with Surobhi Das, the former Chief Operating Officer (COO) of Zomato. 

According to The Economic Times, Das will lead the company’s operations, while Goyal will assume a non-executive role. Sources indicate that while both Goyal and Das are co-founders, Goyal’s involvement will be limited to investment and mentorship rather than day-to-day management.

LAT Aerospace aims to develop cost-effective short takeoff and landing (STOL) aircraft, designed to carry up to 24 passengers and improve regional air connectivity.

The company is reportedly in discussions to raise $50 million in seed funding and is actively hiring engineers specializing in aerodynamics, materials science, and hybrid propulsion systems.

A source highlighted that LAT Aerospace distinguishes itself from air-taxi services by focusing on aircraft with a range of up to 1,500 kilometers. Unlike traditional planes that require large airport infrastructure, these STOL aircraft will operate from compact “air-stops,” no larger than a parking lot.

While air taxis cater to short city commutes, LAT Aerospace’s aircraft will be designed for longer intercity routes, positioning the company as a competitor to established manufacturers like ATR and Bombardier, whose planes are used by Indian airlines such as IndiGo and SpiceJet.

Das stepped down from Zomato in November 2023, having played a pivotal role at Blinkit, the company’s quick-commerce platform, where she focused on market expansion and category growth. She had been with Zomato since 2011 and also served as Goyal’s chief of staff.

Prior to Zomato, Das worked as a consultant at Bain & Company, where Goyal was also previously employed.