Deepinder Goyal bets $20 mn on aviation startup LAT Aerospace, founded by ex-Zomato COO Surobhi Das

Goyal will take on a non-executive role at LAT Aerospace, while Das will oversee day-to-day operations, according to the report.

“Both Das and Goyal are founders of the startup, but Goyal’s involvement will focus on investment and mentoring the startup in a non-executive role,” ET quoted a person aware of the matter as saying.

The startup is reportedly in discussions to secure $50 million in seed funding and plans to recruit engineers specialising in aerodynamics, material sciences, and hybrid propulsion systems.

LAT Aerospace, currently operating in stealth mode, plans to develop low-cost short takeoff and landing (STOL) aircraft with a capacity of up to 24 passengers.

STOL aircraft, which require shorter runways than conventional planes, will operate from compact “air-stops” comparable in size to a parking lot.

The report suggests that LAT Aerospace is designing aircraft with a range of up to 1,500 kilometres and aims to compete with established manufacturers like France and Italy’s ATR and Canada’s Bombardier, whose planes are used by Indian carriers such as IndiGo and SpiceJet.

Das, an alumna of the Indian Institute of Management Ahmedabad, departed Zomato in November 2023 after over a decade with the company. She also worked with Zomato’s quick commerce arm, Blinkit, focusing on new market expansion and diversification. She joined Zomato in 2011 and previously served as Goyal’s chief of staff.