Sarla Aviation Secures $10 Million to Pioneer Electric Air Taxis in India
Bengaluru, January 16, 2025 — In a groundbreaking development for urban mobility, Sarla Aviation, an aerospace startup named after Sarla Thukral, India’s first woman pilot, has successfully raised $10 million in a funding round led by Accel. Notable angel investors, including Flipkart co-founder Binny Bansal, Zerodha co-founder Nikhil Kamath, and Swiggy co-founder Sriharsha Majety, also participated in the round.
Revolutionizing Urban Mobility with Electric Air Taxis
Sarla Aviation, founded in 2024 by Adrian Schmidt, Rakesh Gaonkar, and Shivam Chauhan, aims to transform urban transportation by introducing electric air taxis designed to alleviate congestion in India’s bustling cities. With the fresh infusion of capital, the Bengaluru-based company plans to:
- Establish a cutting-edge research and development center in Bengaluru.
- Expand its workforce, currently at 30 employees.
- Accelerate the development of advanced prototypes to refine its technology.
Introducing ‘Shunya’: A Game-Changing Prototype
The company is set to unveil its first prototype, named Shunya (meaning “zero” in Hindi), on January 17 at the Bharat Mobility Global Expo in New Delhi. Designed with a capacity to carry up to 680 kilograms, Shunya can accommodate six passengers and a pilot, a notable distinction from the two-to-four-passenger capacity typical of most air taxi models. The design focuses on transporting heavier payloads over short distances at competitive prices, targeting routes of approximately 160 kilometers.
Insights into the Founders’ Vision
Adrian Schmidt, a German entrepreneur with prior experience at the Munich-based air taxi venture Lilium and automotive giants Mercedes-Benz and Volkswagen, relocated to Bengaluru in 2023. “India’s dynamic market and the opportunity to develop an all-electric flying taxi service drew me here,” said Schmidt.
His co-founders, Rakesh Gaonkar and Shivam Chauhan, bring deep expertise in aviation engineering and urban planning, ensuring a well-rounded approach to the company’s ambitious goals.
A Roadmap to 2028 and Beyond
Sarla Aviation plans to commence commercial operations by 2028, initially focusing on airport transfers in Bengaluru before expanding to major cities like Mumbai, Delhi, and Pune. Demonstrating a commitment to societal benefit, the company also intends to introduce a free air ambulance service.
A Growing Ecosystem for Electric Air Mobility
Sarla Aviation’s efforts align with a broader movement in the aerospace industry to explore sustainable urban transportation solutions. In 2024, the company partnered with Bengaluru International Airport to prepare for its electric air taxi rollout. Competitors such as The ePlane Company and Archer Aviation are also vying for a share of the Indian market. The ePlane Company recently secured $14 million to develop electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) aircraft for intra-city commutes and cargo transport.
Pratik Agarwal, Principal at Accel, remarked, “Sarla Aviation’s vision of affordable flying taxis addresses critical urban challenges such as traffic congestion, pollution, and the need for rapid medical response.”
Challenges and Opportunities
While Sarla Aviation’s vision is ambitious, it faces challenges such as regulatory approvals, infrastructure readiness, and public acceptance of air taxis. However, with robust financial backing and a strategic approach, the company is well-positioned to overcome these hurdles.
Conclusion: A New Era in Urban Transportation
Sarla Aviation’s innovative approach to urban air mobility marks a significant step toward a sustainable and efficient transportation future in India. By combining cutting-edge technology with a commitment to affordability and social responsibility, the startup is poised to become a key player in the global aerospace sector.
