Sarla Aviation Secures $10 Million to Revolutionize Urban Air Mobility
Bengaluru, January 16, 2025 — Sarla Aviation, an innovative aerospace startup named in tribute to Sarla Thukral, India’s first woman pilot, has successfully raised $10 million in a funding round led by venture capital firm Accel. The funding round also featured contributions from prominent angel investors, including Flipkart co-founder Binny Bansal, Zerodha co-founder Nikhil Kamath, and Swiggy co-founder Sriharsha Majety.
Pioneering Urban Mobility Solutions
Established in 2024 by Adrian Schmidt, Rakesh Gaonkar, and Shivam Chauhan, Sarla Aviation is addressing the pressing urban mobility challenges faced by India’s rapidly growing cities. The company is focused on developing electric air taxis designed to reduce traffic congestion while promoting sustainable, eco-friendly transportation solutions.
The recently secured funding will be utilized to set up an advanced research and development center in Bengaluru, expand the team beyond its current strength of 30 employees, and accelerate the development of state-of-the-art prototypes.
Unveiling the Prototype: Shunya
On January 17, Sarla Aviation will unveil its first prototype, Shunya—a name symbolizing zero in Hindi—at the Bharat Mobility Global Expo in New Delhi. With a payload capacity of up to 680 kilograms, Shunya can accommodate six passengers along with a pilot. This stands out from typical eVTOL (electric vertical takeoff and landing) designs, which often cater to smaller payloads and shorter distances. Sarla Aviation’s focus on affordability and mid-range distances of up to 160 kilometers highlights its commitment to practicality and user accessibility.
Leadership Backed by Expertise
The founding team brings a wealth of experience to the venture. Adrian Schmidt, a German national, has an impressive background that includes roles at Lilium, a Munich-based air taxi pioneer, as well as leading automotive firms Mercedes-Benz and Volkswagen. His decision to move to Bengaluru in 2023 reflects a strong belief in India’s potential for innovative transportation solutions and the viability of urban air mobility in the region.
Visionary Roadmap and Social Commitment
Sarla Aviation has an ambitious plan to launch commercial operations by 2028, starting with airport transfer services in Bengaluru before expanding to major cities such as Mumbai, Delhi, and Pune. In addition to its commercial goals, the company plans to launch a free air ambulance service, underscoring its dedication to leveraging technology for public benefit.
A Thriving Industry Landscape
The Indian market for urban air mobility is gaining momentum, with both domestic and international players showing significant interest. Sarla Aviation’s advancements coincide with the progress of companies like The ePlane Company and Archer Aviation, both of which are making strides in eVTOL technologies. Notably, The ePlane Company raised $14 million last year to develop aircraft suited for intra-city travel and cargo services.
Pratik Agarwal, Principal at Accel, emphasized the broader impact of Sarla Aviation’s work, 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.”
Challenges Ahead
Despite its promise, the electric air taxi industry faces significant challenges, including regulatory hurdles, infrastructure development, and fostering public trust in new technology. Sarla Aviation’s early collaboration with Bengaluru International Airport to prepare for operational readiness exemplifies its forward-thinking approach to overcoming these challenges.
Conclusion
With substantial financial backing, experienced leadership, and a clear mission, Sarla Aviation is well-positioned to lead the transformation of urban transportation in India. As the concept of electric air taxis edges closer to becoming a reality, Sarla Aviation’s innovative solutions and commitment to sustainability place it at the forefront of a new era in aerospace technology.