Summary:
Sarla Aviation, a Bengaluru-based aerospace startup inspired by India’s first woman pilot Sarla Thukral, has raised $10 million in a funding round led by Accel, with participation from prominent angel investors. Founded in 2024, the company aims to revolutionize urban mobility with electric air taxis, addressing traffic congestion and pollution in Indian cities. Its first prototype, Shunya, designed for six passengers and a pilot, will debut at the Bharat Mobility Global Expo. With plans to begin commercial operations by 2028, Sarla Aviation also intends to offer free air ambulance services, showcasing its commitment to sustainable innovation and social responsibility.
Bengaluru, January 16, 2025 — Sarla Aviation, an aerospace startup inspired by Sarla Thukral, India’s first woman pilot, has raised $10 million in funding to advance its vision for electric air taxis. The funding round, led by Accel, included investments from prominent angel investors such as Flipkart co-founder Binny Bansal, Zerodha co-founder Nikhil Kamath, and Swiggy co-founder Sriharsha Majety.
Charting a New Course in Urban Mobility
Established in 2024 by Adrian Schmidt, Rakesh Gaonkar, and Shivam Chauhan, Sarla Aviation seeks to tackle the persistent issue of traffic congestion in Indian cities by pioneering electric air taxis. These vehicles promise to transform urban mobility, providing faster, eco-friendly transportation alternatives.
The company plans to channel the newly secured funds into establishing a research and development center in Bengaluru, expanding its team beyond its current 30 employees, and developing advanced prototypes to refine its technology.
Unveiling Shunya: The First Prototype
On January 17, Sarla Aviation will debut its first prototype, Shunya (meaning “zero” in Hindi), at the Bharat Mobility Global Expo in New Delhi. Designed to carry a total payload of 680 kilograms—including six passengers and a pilot—Shunya sets itself apart from typical air taxi concepts, which generally accommodate only two to four passengers.
With a focus on affordability and practicality, Shunya is optimized for shorter routes of around 160 kilometers, aiming to offer competitive pricing compared to ground transportation.
Founders’ Expertise and Vision
Adrian Schmidt, a German aerospace expert and Sarla Aviation co-founder, brings extensive experience from his work with Munich-based air taxi company Lilium and automotive giants Mercedes-Benz and Volkswagen. In 2023, Schmidt relocated to Bengaluru, drawn by India’s burgeoning market for electric air mobility and its potential to shape the future of urban transportation.
Co-founders Rakesh Gaonkar and Shivam Chauhan, both Indian engineers, contribute deep expertise in aerospace and sustainable transportation technologies, making Sarla Aviation a globally-informed yet locally-grounded enterprise.
Looking Ahead: A Roadmap to Commercial Operations
The company envisions launching commercial operations by 2028, beginning with airport shuttle services in Bengaluru and later expanding to other metropolitan hubs, including Mumbai, Delhi, and Pune. Beyond commercial services, Sarla Aviation plans to provide free air ambulance services, underscoring its commitment to social responsibility and public welfare.
Industry Trends and Competition
The electric air taxi industry is gaining momentum worldwide, with India emerging as a promising market. Sarla Aviation’s partnership with Bengaluru International Airport last year laid the groundwork for the rollout of its services, demonstrating a proactive approach to infrastructure collaboration.
Meanwhile, competitors like The ePlane Company and international players such as Archer Aviation are also vying for market share. In November 2024, The ePlane Company secured $14 million to develop electric vertical take-off and landing (eVTOL) aircraft for urban commutes and cargo transport, highlighting the competitive and fast-evolving nature of the sector.
Expert Perspectives
Pratik Agarwal, Principal at Accel, emphasized the broader implications of Sarla Aviation’s innovation, stating, “Sarla Aviation’s vision of affordable flying taxis addresses critical urban challenges such as traffic congestion, pollution, and the need for rapid medical response.”
Conclusion: Shaping the Future of Urban Mobility
Sarla Aviation’s ambitious plans for electric air taxis reflect a bold step forward in reimagining urban transportation in India. With strong financial backing, a skilled leadership team, and a commitment to sustainability, the company is well-positioned to lead the country’s transition toward efficient and environmentally conscious mobility solutions.
As the aerospace sector in India gains traction, Sarla Aviation stands out as a potential game-changer, poised to redefine how cities connect and commute in the years to come.
Edited by : Sai Jyothi
