The Untold Architect of Zomato: Surobhi Das’ Next Big Leap into Aerospace
Zomato’s rise to success since its founding in 2008 is well-known, with CEO Deepinder Goyal at the forefront of its growth.
Goyal, one of the wealthiest individuals in Gurugram, has expanded Zomato through strategic services and partnerships. However, the story behind this success includes key figures who have played vital roles but remain less visible.
One such figure is Surobhi Das, a former Zomato executive, now stepping into a new venture in the aerospace industry.
Deepinder Goyal Invests in LAT Aerospace
Recently, Deepinder Goyal invested $20 million (₹174 crore) in LAT Aerospace, a startup co-founded by Surobhi Das, Zomato’s former Chief Operating Officer (COO).
Das, who left Zomato in November 2023, is now working with Goyal to establish LAT Aerospace, which is focused on developing low-cost, 12 to 24-seater STOL (Short Takeoff and Landing) aircraft.
The startup is currently in stealth mode and in discussions to raise $50 million in seed funding, according to a report by The Times of India.
Surobhi Das’s Role at Zomato
Surobhi Das played a significant role in Zomato’s growth over her 12-year tenure. She joined the company in 2011 and held various leadership roles before becoming the COO.
Das resigned in November 2023 to take a full-time parenting break. Her contributions were instrumental in expanding Zomato’s operations and market presence.
Professional Background and Education
Before joining Zomato, Surobhi Das worked as a Senior Associate Consultant at Bain & Company, where Deepinder Goyal also worked before founding Zomato.
Das holds a bachelor’s degree in architecture from the School of Planning and Architecture, New Delhi, and an MBA from IIM Ahmedabad. Her strategic and operational expertise was key to Zomato’s scaling success.
The Vision Behind LAT Aerospace
Das and Goyal’s idea for LAT Aerospace emerged from their shared experiences while building Zomato and traveling extensively.
Das explained, “While building Zomato and traveling extensively, Deepinder Goyal and I often discussed how regional aviation should be effortless, affordable, and accessible. That’s what we’re now building at LAT.”
LAT Aerospace aims to design and manufacture low-cost STOL aircraft that can operate on shorter runways and compact airstrips.
Das added, “We’re based in Delhi NCR and assembling a world-class team of engineers, designers, and builders to take on the toughest challenges in aircraft design, aerodynamics, materials & composites, hybrid propulsion systems, and turbo-machinery.”
Goyal’s Role in LAT Aerospace
While both Das and Goyal are co-founders of LAT Aerospace, Goyal’s role will be focused on investment and mentoring rather than day-to-day operations.
A source familiar with the matter said, “Both Das and Goyal are founders of the startup, but Goyal’s involvement will focus on investment and mentoring the startup in a non-executive role.”
LAT Aerospace’s Market Focus
LAT Aerospace’s aircraft are designed for regional air connectivity, with a planned range of up to 1,500 km. Unlike air taxis designed for short urban commutes, STOL planes are intended for longer intercity travel.
A source explained, “These aircraft will take off and land in compact ‘air-stops’ that are no bigger than a parking lot, with no need for complex airport infrastructure.”
This positions LAT Aerospace to compete with established manufacturers like ATR and Bombardier, whose aircraft are currently used by Indian airlines such as IndiGo and SpiceJet.
The company is also looking to hire engineers specializing in aerodynamics, materials science, and hybrid propulsion systems.
Surobhi Das’s Career at Zomato
Das’s departure from Zomato marked the end of a significant chapter. After joining in 2011, she held key roles and was deeply involved in the company’s operational growth.
Toward the end of her tenure, she also worked at Blinkit, Zomato’s quick commerce platform, focusing on market expansion and introducing new product categories.
