News Summary

Sarla Aviation, an electric air taxi startup based in Bengaluru, India, has secured $10 million in a Series A1 funding round led by Accel. The startup, founded by Adrian Schmidt, Rakesh Gaonkar, and Shivam Chauhan in January 2024, aims to address India’s congested transportation system with higher payload air taxis. The funding will be used to establish an R&D center, expand the team, and develop new prototypes. Unlike typical flying taxis, Sarla’s design will accommodate six passengers and a pilot, though with a reduced range of 160 kilometers per charge. The company plans to start testing prototypes this year and anticipates launching commercial operations by 2028, initially focusing on airport transfers in Bengaluru. Sarla Aviation also intends to offer a free air ambulance service. The startup is striving for an 80% indigenous supply chain by the time it commences commercial operations.