Ex-Zomato COO Partners Deepinder Goyal To Launch New Startup LAT Aerospace

SUMMARY

Zomato CEO Deepinder Goyal is a non-executive cofounder of the aerospace startup and will be involved as an investor

Goyal has invested $20 Mn in the startup founded by Surobhi Das. LAT Aerospace is in talks to raise $50 Mn in its seed funding round

The startup is operating in stealth mode and plans to build low-cost short takeoff and landing aircraft focussed on regional air connectivity

Foodtech major Zomato’s former chief operating officer (COO) Surobhi Das has reportedly founded an aerospace startup LAT Aerospace, and roped in Zomato CEO Deepinder Goyal as a non-executive cofounder and investor for the venture.

Goyal has invested $20 Mn (around INR 174 Cr) in the startup, Economic Times reported, citing sources.

“Both Das and Goyal are founders of the startup, but Goyal’s involvement will be one of making investments and mentoring the startup in a non-executive role,” a source was quoted as saying.

Inc42 has reached out to Das and Goyal for comments on the development. The story will be updated on receiving their responses.

Currently, the startup is operating in stealth mode and plans to build low-cost short takeoff and landing (STOL) aircraft focussed on regional air connectivity. The startup is looking to make aircraft with a range of up to 1,500 km and up to 24 seats.

LAT Aerospace is looking to raise $50 Mn (around INR 436 Cr) in seed funding, the report added.

The startup’s LinkedIn page says, “Imagine a world where flying is as easy as taking a bus. A world where air travel isn’t just for the major cities, but for everyone, everywhere. No more congested hubs, no more wasted hours in security lines—just seamless, affordable, on-demand flights connecting thousands of destinations that the world has ignored for too long.”

LAT Aerospace’s aircraft will take off and land in compact “air-stops” no bigger than a parking lot, aiming to eliminate extensive airport infrastructure. The startup is also looking to hire engineers to boost its operations.

Meanwhile, as per Das’ LinkedIn profile, she completed her MBA from IIM Ahmedabad and left Zomato in November 2023 after an over 12-year stint.

This comes months after it was reported in October last year that Goyal has incubated a personal venture ‘Continue’, which is focused on longevity through health tracking and mental wellness. However, Goyal clarified that Continue, as of then, was his personal health and wellness team which tracks and researches how to keep him running at his peak performance.