Lachy Groom backs Indian startup aiming to keep aircraft aloft for a year

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Published: 2026-09-01T06:55:17.115Z • Permanent link

Lachy Groom, a prominent venture capitalist, has backed an Indian startup that claims to have developed a technology to keep aircraft aloft for a year. The startup, named Aerostar, is based in Bengaluru, India, and has reportedly secured funding from several investors, including Groom's venture capital firm, Velocity Capital. According to sources, Aerostar's technology uses advanced materials and a novel propulsion system to extend the lifespan of aircraft, which could significantly reduce maintenance costs and increase efficiency. The startup's claims have been met with skepticism by some in the industry, who argue that such a feat is unlikely without major breakthroughs in materials science and engineering.

Aerostar's technology is said to be based on a proprietary material that is both lightweight and incredibly strong, allowing it to support the weight of the aircraft without degrading over time. The startup has reportedly demonstrated its technology on a small scale, with successful tests conducted on a scale model of a commercial airliner. However, the technology is still in its early stages, and many experts are questioning its feasibility and scalability. Despite these concerns, Aerostar remains optimistic about its chances of success, with the company's CEO stating that they are on track to demonstrate their technology on a full-scale aircraft within the next 12 months.

Groom's backing of Aerostar is seen as a significant endorsement of the startup's technology, and is likely to provide a boost to the company's profile and credibility. The venture capitalist is known for his investment in emerging technologies, including AI and renewable energy, and his involvement with Aerostar is likely to be closely watched by industry observers.

The potential implications of Aerostar's technology are far-reaching, with significant impacts on the aviation industry and beyond. If successful, the technology could revolutionize the way aircraft are designed, maintained, and operated, leading to cost savings and increased efficiency for airlines and other users. However, the technology is also likely to have a major impact on the jobs market, with many maintenance and repair jobs potentially being automated out of existence.

Aerostar's technology is also likely to have implications for the wider aviation industry, with many companies already investing in similar research and development. For example, Boeing has been investing heavily in the development of advanced materials and propulsion systems, and Airbus has also announced plans to develop a new generation of aircraft that will be capable of flying for longer periods without maintenance. The competition between these companies is likely to drive innovation and improve the efficiency of the aviation industry as a whole.

The development of advanced materials and propulsion systems is not a new concept in the aviation industry, with companies such as NASA and the European Space Agency already investing heavily in research and development. However, the challenges of developing materials that are both strong and lightweight have proven to be significant, with many attempts at creating such materials resulting in failures or limited success. The development of Aerostar's technology is likely to be influenced by a range of factors, including advances in materials science, the need for more efficient propulsion systems, and the pressure to reduce costs and increase efficiency in the aviation industry.