# Sarla Aviation Private

Startup profile on Capital Atlas: https://capitalatlas.ai/startups/sarla-aviation-private

- Industry: Aerospace
- Headquarters: Bangalore, India
- Website: www.sarla-aviation.com/
- Total disclosed funding: $17M
- Latest round: Series A (Jan 31, 2026)
- Investors on record: 4

## About

Founded in 2023 by Rakesh Gaonkar, Shivam Chauhan, and Adrian Schmidt, and based in India, Sarla Aviation Private Limited offers urban air mobility with its flagship Shunya aircraft. In January 2026, Sarla Aviation Private Limited raised INR 100 million in series A funding led by new investor IndiGo Ventures. 

Sarla Aviation is engaged in developing and providing urban air mobility solutions, primarily through its flagship product, the Shunya eVTOL (Electric Vertical Takeoff and Landing) aircraft. This flying taxi is designed for mass transportation, focusing on safety, performance, and accessibility. The Shunya is powered by seven electric motors, supported by four double-isolated battery packs, allowing it to cover distances of up to 160 kilometers, although it is optimized for shorter trips of 20 to 30 kilometers. The aircraft accommodates one pilot and up to six passengers, with configurations that allow for both passenger and cargo transport, including a dedicated ambulance version for rapid medical response. Sarla’s services are particularly targeted at urban markets in India, aiming to transform high-traffic routes into aerial commuting options. 

Sarla Aviation's revenue model is primarily based on providing on-demand flying taxi services through its Shunya aircraft, targeting both individual consumers and businesses. Revenue transactions occur through direct-to-consumer bookings or corporate partnerships, facilitating airport transfers and other high-demand routes.

The company will use the January 2026 funding for the creation of electric aircraft intended for flying taxi services and to meet general operating and working-capital requirements, fund capital expenditure, and support business expansion.

## Funding rounds

- Series A, Jan 31, 2026, $1.1M — IndiGo Ventures
- Series A, Feb 17, 2025, $5.1M — Accel, Campus Fund, Theia Ventures
- Series A, Jan 15, 2025, $10M — Accel
- Seed, Sep 4, 2024, $1M — Accel

## Investors

- Accel (https://capitalatlas.ai/funds/accel) — Seed, Series A
- Campus Fund — Series A
- Theia Ventures (https://capitalatlas.ai/funds/theia-ventures) — Series A
- IndiGo Ventures (https://capitalatlas.ai/funds/indigo-ventures) — Series A