Deepinder Goyal and Surobhi Das' LAT Aerospace aims to develop a low-cost, 24-seater short takeoff and landing (STOL) aircraft with a range of up to 1,500 km, focusing on regional air connectivity
Deepinder Goyal has reportedly invested $20 million in LAT Aeropace, a start-up founded by Surobhi Das and Zomato CEO himself, according to a report published by The Economic Times. It is pertinent to note that Das had previously worked as Zomato’s chief operating officer (COO). She had left the food delivery platform in 2023.
As per ET report, Goyal will be the non-executive cofounder of the venture. He will be involved in making investments and providing mentorship for the start-up.
With Das, he aims to build a low-cost short takeoff and landing (STOL) aircraft with only 24 seats and a range of up to 1,500 km. The start-up will primarily focus on regional air connectivity. STOL aircraft are fixed-wing aircraft capable of operating on runways shorter than those used by conventional airplanes.
Currently, LAT Aerospace has started discussions about raising $50 million in seed funding, the report added. Additionally, they are also looking to hire engineers across various fields like material sciences, hybrid propulsion systems, and aerodynamics.
LAT Aerospace aims to compete with industry giants like French-Italian aircraft manufacturer ATR and Canada’s Bombardier, whose jets are used by Indian airlines like IndiGo and SpiceJet for regional flights, the report said.
Das holds a bachelor’s degree in architecture from the School of Planning and Architecture in Delhi. After this, she pursued MBA from IIM Ahmedabad. Before Zomato, she worked with Bain Consulting. At Zomato, Das spent 12 years and was responsible for various roles like COO, Chief of Staff to the founder/CEO, and leadership team at Blinkit.
Recently,Zomato has changed its name to ‘Eternal’ after the company’s board gave its approval for the same. The app will not be renamed; the new name will only be reflected on the stock ticker.
The company’s corporate website will transition from zomato.com to eternal.com. Eternal will comprise four major businesses ---- Zomato, Blinkit, District, and Hyperpure.