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Sarla Aviation is redefining the future of mass transportation by prioritizing safety, purpose-driven performance, and accessibility with their flying taxi, Shunya.
Sarla Aviation has raised $10.0M across 1 funding round.
Sarla Aviation has raised $10.0M in total across 1 funding round.
Sarla Aviation has raised $10.0M across 1 funding round. Most recently, it raised $10.0M Series A in January 2025.
| Date | Round | Lead Investors | Other Investors | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jan 1, 2025 | $10M Series A | — | Hack VC, Polygon Labs | Announced |
Sarla Aviation is an aerospace technology startup developing eVTOL (electric vertical take-off and landing) aircraft, specifically the hybrid-electric Shunya flying taxi designed for urban air mobility.[1][3][5] The Shunya accommodates one pilot and six passengers, features seven electric motors for speeds up to 250 km/h, offers a 150 km fully electric range or 800 km with sustainable aviation fuel (SAF), and targets costs competitive with ground ride-hailing.[3][5] It serves urban commuters, airport transfers, and medical services in Indian cities like Bengaluru, Mumbai, and Delhi, solving congestion in high-traffic areas by slashing travel times—e.g., 2.5-hour drives to under 20 minutes—while prioritizing affordability, safety, and sustainability.[1][3][5] Founded in 2023 and based in Bengaluru, the company has raised $12.7M in Series A funding, with plans for electric air taxi services in major cities and a free air ambulance in four metros.[1][3]
Sarla Aviation was founded in 2023 by Rakesh Maruthi Gaonkar (CTO) and Adrian Samuel Schmidt, both with prior experience at Lilium in Germany, bringing expertise from EV and eVTOL sectors across California, the UK, and Europe.[2][3][5] The duo united in Bengaluru—India's Silicon Valley—to pioneer affordable eVTOL for mass adoption, driven by the belief that India will shape global civilization's future.[5] Early traction includes $10M raised four months ago (as of mid-2025), positioning them at Series A stage, with announcements for air taxi launches in Mumbai and Delhi by April 2025 and a giga-factory in Andhra Pradesh.[1][3]
Sarla Aviation rides the urban air mobility (UAM) wave, capitalizing on eVTOL's potential to alleviate India's megacity congestion amid rapid urbanization and EV adoption incentives.[1][3] Timing aligns with global shifts—like Uber's autonomous EV partnerships and long-range electric taxis—while India's aerospace push (e.g., defense tech, drones) and government EV support create tailwinds.[1] By localizing the full eVTOL stack in Bengaluru and Andhra Pradesh, Sarla reduces import reliance, fosters a domestic ecosystem, and positions India as an eVTOL exporter, influencing startups in composites, powertrains, and AV certification.[3] Competitors like Bluj Aero highlight a burgeoning Indian cluster, but Sarla's affordability and hybrid tech target mass-market ridesharing over premium niches.[2]
Sarla Aviation's trajectory points to commercial Shunya launches in 2026, starting with airport shuttles and free medical evacuations, scaling via the 2025 giga-factory to produce at volume for Mumbai-Delhi services.[1][3][5] Trends like SAF advancements, battery density gains, and UAM regulations will accelerate adoption, potentially expanding to suburban/rural routes and exports. Their influence could evolve from pioneer to ecosystem enabler, incubating suppliers and talent in India's "third dimension" mobility revolution—transforming gridlock into swift, green skies, true to their mission of accessible aviation from day one.[3][5]
Sarla Aviation has raised $10.0M in total across 1 funding round.
Sarla Aviation's investors include Hack VC, Polygon.
