Accel Invests in Sarla Aviation to Boost Electric Air Taxi Development in India
Sarla Aviation, named in honor of India’s pioneering female pilot Sarla Thukral, has set out to address the challenges of India's crowded urban landscapes. Focused on creating electric air taxis capable of heavier payloads, the company is not concerned with long-distance range, prioritizing cost-effectiveness instead.
“In India, a shorter range is fine, as long as you can offer it at an attractive price point. And that's what we're trying to achieve with this higher payload,” said Adrian Schmidt, co-founder and CEO.
Strategic Investment and Growth Plans
On Tuesday, Sarla Aviation announced a successful $10 million investment round spearheaded by Accel, joined by notable angel investors like Binny Bansal from Flipkart and Nikhil Kamath of Zerodha. This Series A1 funding follows an earlier seed round of $1.7 million.
The funds will be used to establish a research and development center in Bengaluru, increasing the team size from the current 30 employees and advancing prototype development to secure better data validation.
Innovative Air Taxi Design
Unlike common air taxi models accommodating only two to four passengers, Sarla Aviation is developing aircraft designed to carry six passengers plus a pilot. With a payload capacity of up to 680 kilograms, these taxis target a range of 160 kilometers per battery charge. This focus contrasts with the more extended ranges typically between 120 and 160 miles seen in other concepts.
Leadership and Strategic Moves
Adrian Schmidt, formerly involved with Munich-based Lilium, co-founded the firm with Rakesh Gaonkar and software engineer Shivam Chauhan. After Lilium ceased operations, the trio saw potential in the Indian market, registering Sarla Aviation in January 2024.
Schmidt highlighted India's strategic geopolitical position as a key reason for choosing it as the base for their operations.
Future Prospects and Industry Impact
Set to unveil its prototype "Shunya" at an upcoming event in New Delhi on January 17, Sarla plans extensive testing throughout the year, aiming for a commercial launch by 2028. Initial operations will cover airport transfers in Bengaluru, extending to other major cities like Mumbai, Delhi, and Pune, with plans also for a free air ambulance service.
"Our pricing strategy aligns with premium cab services, but we expect it to become more economical over time," Schmidt mentioned.
Competitive Landscape
Relying initially on a diverse supply chain, Sarla Aviation aims for a predominantly local supply base by the start of commercial operations. The company will compete with players like Archer Aviation, preparing for an India launch in 2026, and ePlane, with significant financial backing.
As plans unfold, Sarla Aviation looks to redefine urban mobility in India's bustling cities, leveraging technological advancements and strategic investor support.