Zomato's Deepinder Goyal Invests USD 20 Million in LAT Aerospace for Regional Aircraft Development
Aviation startup LAT Aerospace has received a USD 20 million investment from Deepinder Goyal, CEO of Zomato, to develop low-cost short takeoff and landing (STOL) aircraft with seating capacity for up to 24 passengers. According to a report by The Economic Times, The company aims to enhance regional air connectivity with aircraft capable of operating from short runways.
LAT Aerospace was co-founded by Surobhi Das, former Chief Operating Officer at Zomato, who will oversee the company's operations, while Goyal will serve in a non-executive role. According to reports, the company is seeking to raise an additional $50 million in seed funding and is recruiting engineers in aerodynamics, material sciences, and hybrid propulsion systems.
The aircraft being developed will have a range of up to 1,500 km and will operate from compact airstrips requiring minimal infrastructure. Unlike air taxis, which focus on short intra-city routes, LAT Aerospace's STOL aircraft are designed for intercity travel.
Das, who departed Zomato in November 2023, previously worked at Blinkit and Bain & Company before co-founding LAT Aerospace.