Sarla Aviation Company Profile

Background

Overview

Sarla Aviation is a Bengaluru-based aerospace startup specializing in the development of electric vertical take-off and landing (eVTOL) aircraft, aiming to revolutionize urban mobility in India. Founded in October 2023 by Adrian Schmidt, Rakesh Gaonkar, and Shivam Chauhan, the company is named after Sarla Thakral, India's first female pilot, symbolizing its commitment to innovation and empowerment in the aviation sector.

Mission and Vision

Sarla Aviation's mission is to redefine urban transportation by introducing affordable, efficient, and sustainable air mobility solutions. The company's vision is to alleviate urban congestion and pollution through the deployment of electric flying taxis, thereby unlocking India's economic potential and paving the way for a cleaner, more connected future.

Primary Area of Focus

The company's primary focus is on the design, development, and deployment of eVTOL aircraft tailored for urban air mobility, with an emphasis on short to medium-range intra-city commutes. By addressing the unique challenges of Indian urban transportation, Sarla Aviation aims to provide a viable alternative to traditional ground-based travel.

Industry Significance

Sarla Aviation is at the forefront of India's emerging eVTOL industry, contributing to the global shift towards sustainable urban mobility solutions. Its innovative approach positions the company as a key player in transforming transportation infrastructure, aligning with national initiatives like "Atma Nirbhar Bharat" (Self-Reliant India) by developing indigenous aviation technologies.

Key Strategic Focus

Core Objectives

• Urban Air Mobility: Develop and deploy electric flying taxis to provide efficient and sustainable transportation solutions in urban areas.

• Affordability and Accessibility: Offer services at competitive prices to ensure widespread adoption and integration into daily commuting routines.

• Sustainability: Utilize electric propulsion to minimize carbon emissions and contribute to environmental conservation efforts.

Specific Areas of Specialization

• eVTOL Aircraft Design: Focus on creating aircraft optimized for short to medium-range urban commutes, capable of vertical take-off and landing to operate in congested urban environments.

• Urban Infrastructure Integration: Collaborate with urban planners and infrastructure developers to establish vertiports and integrate air mobility solutions into existing cityscapes.

Key Technologies Utilized

• Electric Propulsion Systems: Employ advanced electric motors and battery technologies to power aircraft, ensuring efficiency and reducing operational costs.

• Autonomous Flight Systems: Integrate cutting-edge avionics and flight control systems to enable safe and reliable autonomous operations.

• Modular Cabin Designs: Develop versatile cabin configurations to accommodate various passenger and cargo needs, enhancing service flexibility.

Primary Markets or Conditions Targeted

• Urban Centers: Focus on densely populated cities like Bengaluru, Mumbai, Delhi, and Pune, where traffic congestion and pollution are significant challenges.

• Airport Transfers: Provide rapid and efficient transportation between city centers and airports, reducing travel times and enhancing connectivity.

• Medical Emergencies: Offer free air ambulance services to address urgent medical needs in urban areas, demonstrating a commitment to public health.

Financials and Funding

Funding History

• Seed Funding: In March 2024, Sarla Aviation raised $1.7 million in a seed funding round led by Accel, with participation from angel investors.

• Series A1 Funding: In January 2025, the company secured $10 million in a Series A1 funding round led by Accel, with participation from notable angel investors including Flipkart co-founder Binny Bansal, Zerodha co-founder Nikhil Kamath, and Swiggy co-founder Sriharsha Majety.

Intended Utilization of Capital

• Research and Development: Establish a state-of-the-art R&D center in Bengaluru to accelerate aircraft development and innovation.

• Team Expansion: Increase the workforce to scale operations and meet development milestones.

• Prototype Development: Advance the design and testing of aircraft prototypes to refine performance and safety features.

Pipeline Development

Key Pipeline Candidates

• Shunya: The flagship eVTOL aircraft prototype, designed to accommodate six passengers and a pilot, with a payload capacity of 680 kilograms. Shunya is optimized for urban commutes, capable of speeds up to 250 km/h and ranges up to 160 kilometers per charge.

Stages of Development

• Prototype Unveiling: Shunya was unveiled at the Bharat Mobility Global Expo in January 2025, marking a significant milestone in the company's development timeline.

• Testing and Validation: Ongoing testing phases to validate performance, safety, and regulatory compliance.

• Regulatory Approvals: Engaging with aviation authorities to obtain necessary certifications and approvals for commercial operations.

Target Conditions

• Urban Air Mobility: Addressing the need for efficient and sustainable transportation solutions in congested urban environments.

• Rapid Medical Response: Providing swift air ambulance services to enhance emergency medical care in cities.

Anticipated Milestones

• 2025: Completion of prototype testing and initiation of regulatory approval processes.

• 2028: Launch of commercial air taxi services in Bengaluru, with plans to expand to other major cities.

Technological Platform and Innovation

Proprietary Technologies

• Electric Propulsion System: Developed in-house to ensure efficiency, reliability, and cost-effectiveness in urban air mobility applications.

• Modular Cabin Design: Innovative cabin configurations that can be adapted for various passenger and cargo needs, enhancing service versatility.

Significant Scientific Methods

• Aerodynamic Optimization: Utilizing advanced computational fluid dynamics (CFD) simulations to design aerodynamically efficient aircraft structures.

• Battery Management Systems: Implementing sophisticated algorithms to monitor and manage battery health, ensuring safety and longevity.

AI-Driven Capabilities

• Autonomous Flight Control: Integrating artificial intelligence to enable autonomous navigation and decision-making, enhancing safety and operational efficiency.

Leadership Team

Adrian Schmidt – Co-founder and CEO

Adrian brings extensive experience from his tenure at Lilium GmbH in Germany, where he contributed to the development of eVTOL aircraft. His leadership is instrumental in steering Sarla Aviation towards its mission of transforming urban mobility in India.

Rakesh Gaonkar – Co-founder

Rakesh co-founded Sarla Aviation, leveraging his expertise in aerospace engineering to drive the company's technological advancements and strategic direction.

Shivam Chauhan – Co-founder

Shivam brings a background in software engineering and experience from Joby Aviation, contributing to the development of autonomous flight systems and software infrastructure at Sarla Aviation.

Rajiv Bansal – Strategic Advisor

Former Civil Aviation Secretary and ex-Managing Director of Air India, Rajiv Bansal joined Sarla Aviation in a strategic advisory role in August 2025. His extensive experience in aviation policy and operations is expected to support the company in shaping its certification processes and engaging with key stakeholders.

Competitor Profile

Market Insights and Dynamics

The urban air mobility market in India is emerging, with increasing interest in eVTOL aircraft as solutions to urban congestion and pollution. The market is characterized by rapid technological advancements, regulatory developments, and growing investment in infrastructure.

Competitor Analysis

• Archer Aviation: Partnered with InterGlobe Enterprises, Archer plans to launch flying taxis in India, focusing on urban air mobility solutions.

• ePlane: Secured $14 million in funding, aiming to develop eVTOL aircraft for urban transportation, with a focus on affordability and efficiency.

Strategic Collaborations and Partnerships

Sarla Aviation has engaged in strategic collaborations to strengthen its market position:

• Makmor Collaboration: In [Text ends here, no further competitor collaborations provided]