From Food to Flight: Why Zomato Founder is Betting Big on Aviation?

Deepinder Goyal, known for his role in revolutionizing food delivery in India through Zomato, is now setting his sights on a completely different industry—aviation. In a significant move, Goyal has invested $20 million in LAT Aerospace, a startup focused on developing low-cost, short takeoff and landing (STOL) aircraft. The company has been co-founded by Surobhi Das, former Chief Operating Officer (COO) at Zomato, who will lead its operations, while Goyal will take on a non-executive role as an investor and mentor. TICE brings key details of this new venture.

A New Approach to Regional Air Travel

LAT Aerospace aims to improve regional air connectivity by designing aircraft that can operate with minimal infrastructure. The company plans to build 24-seater planes with a range of up to 1,500 km. Unlike traditional aircraft that require full-fledged airport facilities, LAT Aerospace’s STOL planes will be capable of landing and taking off from small "air-stops," requiring significantly less space and infrastructure.

According to industry reports, the company is in discussions to raise an additional $50 million in seed funding and is currently hiring engineers specializing in aerodynamics, materials science, and hybrid propulsion systems.

Potential Impact on Indian Aviation

India's aviation sector has been expanding, but regional connectivity remains a challenge. While airlines like IndiGo and SpiceJet operate short-haul flights using aircraft from global manufacturers such as ATR and Bombardier, LAT Aerospace is looking to create a more cost-effective and infrastructure-friendly alternative.

The introduction of STOL aircraft could open up air travel for tier-2 and tier-3 cities, where full-scale airports are not always feasible. This aligns with the Indian government’s ongoing efforts under the UDAN scheme to enhance air connectivity in under-served regions.

The Team Behind LAT Aerospace

Surobhi Das, who leads LAT Aerospace, has extensive experience in business operations. She was with Zomato for over a decade, playing a key role in its expansion and later working on Blinkit’s growth strategies. Before Zomato, both Das and Goyal had worked at Bain & Company.

While Goyal will not be involved in the company’s daily operations, his expertise in scaling businesses and navigating regulatory landscapes is expected to provide strategic direction to LAT Aerospace.

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Challenges and the Road Ahead

The aviation industry presents significant challenges, including high capital investment requirements, regulatory approvals, and technical complexities. However, LAT Aerospace’s focus on STOL aircraft positions it in a niche segment with potential demand in the Indian market.

If successful, the startup could provide a viable alternative to conventional short-haul flights, reducing travel time and increasing accessibility for smaller cities. Whether LAT Aerospace can execute its vision remains to be seen, but the venture marks an ambitious attempt to address a long-standing gap in regional air connectivity.