Food Delivery Mogul Takes Flight: Zomato CEO’s $20M Bet on Revolutionary Aircraft Startup

Deepinder Goyal, the chief executive of Zomato, is soaring into new heights with a $20 million investment in LAT Aerospace, an innovative aviation startup. This venture, co-founded by Goyal and former Zomato COO Surobhi Das, aims to revolutionize regional air travel with cutting-edge aircraft technology.

LAT Aerospace is set to develop low-cost short takeoff and landing (STOL) aircraft, capable of seating up to 24 passengers. These planes are designed to enhance regional connectivity by utilizing compact “air-stops” no larger than a parking lot, eliminating the need for extensive airport infrastructure.

While Das will spearhead the company’s operations, Goyal will contribute in a non-executive capacity, offering investment and mentorship. The startup is currently seeking $50 million in seed funding and is actively recruiting engineers specializing in aerodynamics, material sciences, and hybrid propulsion systems.

Unlike air taxis designed for short intra-city trips, LAT Aerospace’s STOL aircraft will cater to longer intercity routes, with a range of up to 1,500 km. This ambitious project positions the company to compete with established aircraft manufacturers such as ATR and Bombardier, whose planes are currently used by Indian airlines like IndiGo and SpiceJet.

Das, who departed from Zomato in November 2023 after a decade-long tenure, brings valuable experience to the table. Her final role at Zomato involved expanding markets and introducing new categories for Blinkit, the company’s quick commerce platform. Prior to her time at Zomato, Das worked as a consultant at Bain & Company, which coincidentally was also Goyal’s former employer.

As LAT Aerospace takes off, the aviation industry watches with keen interest to see how this food delivery titan’s foray into aircraft manufacturing will shape the future of regional air travel.