Zomato's Chief Executive, Deepinder Goyal, has invested $20 million in LAT Aerospace, a newly launched startup that he co-founded with Surobhi Das, the former Chief Operating Officer (COO) of Zomato.

While Das will oversee the company's operations, Goyal will take on a non-executive role, primarily as an investor and mentor, according to sources cited by The Economic Times.

"Both Das and Goyal are co-founders of LAT Aerospace, but Goyal's role will be limited to investment and guidance in a non-executive capacity," a source revealed to The Economic Times.

LAT Aerospace is focused on developing low-cost, short takeoff and landing (STOL) aircraft with a seating capacity of up to 24 passengers. These aircraft are designed to enhance regional air connectivity by utilizing compact "air-stops" rather than traditional airport infrastructure.

The startup is reportedly in discussions to secure $50 million in seed funding and is actively recruiting engineers specializing in aerodynamics, material sciences, and hybrid propulsion systems.

Unlike air taxis, which are meant for short intra-city commutes, LAT Aerospace aims to develop aircraft capable of covering distances of up to 1,500 km, positioning itself as a competitor to established aircraft manufacturers like ATR and Bombardier, whose planes are widely used by Indian airlines such as IndiGo and SpiceJet.

Surobhi Das departed Zomato in November 2023, following a tenure of over a decade. Towards the end of her time at the company, she played a key role in expanding Blinkit, Zomato's quick-commerce division. Prior to Zomato, Das worked as a consultant at Bain & Company, which was also Goyal's former employer.