The ePlane Company
Overview
The ePlane Company is an Indian startup specializing in electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) aircraft. It was founded in 2019 by Satya Chakravarthy, an aerospace engineering professor at the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Madras. The company is headquartered in Chennai, India, and focuses on developing sustainable urban transportation solutions, like electric air taxis. As of November 2024, The ePlane Company has raised significant funding, accumulating $14 million in a Series B round, which positions it as one of the leading eVTOL companies in India.
Recent Developments
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November 2024: The ePlane Company raised $14 million in a Series B funding round, led by Speciale Invest and Antares Ventures. The funding aims to support the development and certification of the company's eVTOL aircraft and improve its prototyping and testing facilities. This round follows a previous $5 million raised in pre-Series A funding in 2022.
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September 2024: The Ministry of Civil Aviation in India issued specific requirements for VTOL aircraft to obtain Type Certification. The ePlane Company is actively working towards securing these necessary certifications for its aircraft.
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April 2024: The company announced plans to develop a certifiable prototype of a flying electric taxi by March 2025. They also intend to commercialize drones with various payload capacities in the near future.
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2023: The company received Design Organisation Approval (DOA) from the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA), marking a critical step in its timeline towards obtaining full operational certification for its aircraft.
Company Information
| Attribute | Information |
|---|---|
| Founding Date | 2019 |
| Headquarters | Chennai, India |
| Founders | Satya Chakravarthy |
| Revenue | $400,000 (as of 2023) |
| Key Investors | Speciale Invest, Antares Ventures, Micelio Mobility, Naval Ravikant |
| Industry | eVTOL (Urban Mobility) |
| Number of Employees | 110 |
Early History
The ePlane Company was conceptualized by Satya Chakravarthy, a professor at IIT Madras, driven by a vision to revolutionize urban transportation. Initially incubated at IIT Madras, the company started its journey by exploring electric propulsion technologies. It aimed to address urban congestion through the development of compact, electrically powered air taxis intended to reshape urban mobility. The company envisioned crafting eVTOL aircraft capable of significantly reducing travel times within city environments, aligning with global moves towards sustainable, electric-powered transport.
Company Profile and Achievements
The ePlane Company operates with a mission to deliver a 10x faster urban commute through its eVTOL technology, primarily targeting consumer markets in densely populated regions like urban centers in India. The company’s flagship product, the e200x, is designed to minimize commuting times significantly while being eco-friendly and efficient. Among its notable achievements is securing a strategic Design Organisation Approval from the DGCA, which was a first for an Indian electric aircraft company. Besides, ePlane has been actively expanding its technological capabilities and intellectual property portfolio, ensuring alignment with global standards in eVTOL technology.
Current Operations and Market Position
As of November 2024, The ePlane Company is progressing with its eVTOL prototype development, with manned flight tests planned for mid-2025. It aims to commercialize these air taxis by 2026. The company holds a competitive edge in the Indian market with its focus on developing compact eVTOLs that can operate within densely populated urban areas. Leveraging collaborations with governmental bodies for regulatory compliance, ePlane is positioned to lead in the Indian eVTOL sector and has plans to explore markets beyond India, potentially targeting Southeast Asia and the Middle East.
ePlane Company Founder
Satya Chakravarthy, the founder of The ePlane Company, is a well-regarded figure in aerospace circles, particularly known for his work in sustainable aviation. His experience spans roles in academia, where he also serves as a professor at IIT Madras. He brings a wealth of knowledge in propulsion systems, a crucial element in the development of the company’s eVTOL technology.
The ePlane Company Careers
The ePlane Company offers a vibrant work environment with significant opportunities for growth in the burgeoning field of urban air mobility. The company seeks individuals passionate about aviation, sustainability, and technology. It is actively involved in expanding its team, focusing on engineering, regulatory compliance, and business development roles. Working at The ePlane Company provides employees a front-row seat in shaping the future of urban transportation.
Conclusion
The ePlane Company represents a pivotal innovation in urban mobility, directly addressing issues of congestion and environmental impact in cityscapes. As the company progresses through its development milestones, it positions itself as a significant player in the eVTOL market, with plans for operational air taxis by 2026. Its focus on safety and sustainability ensures it aligns well with global aviation trends, indicating a promising trajectory in the rapidly evolving landscape of urban air transport.