Startup Originals Team
Career transitions are rarely easy-especially when shifting from the high-stakes world of the military to the unpredictable arena of entrepreneurship. Reyo Augustine, a veteran pilot from the Indian Air Force, has made this bold leap, turning his discipline and leadership into the foundation of a thriving ultra-sports events company. With the support of LaunchPilot School, Reyo is setting new benchmarks for India’s endurance sports landscape.
A Life of Precision: Reyo’s Air Force Journey
Reyo carved out an extraordinary career in the Indian Air Force, amassing over a decade of service and logging more than 750 flying hours. He led multi-aircraft missions, commanded India’s easternmost airbase, and was trusted to pilot India’s top leaders, including the President and Prime Minister. The military instilled in him an ability to lead under pressure, adapt quickly, and make mission-critical decisions—skills that would later form the backbone of his entrepreneurial efforts.
A New Mission: Bringing World-Class Endurance Sports to India
By May 2025, Reyo felt compelled to pursue a mission beyond the skies. Driven by his passion for fitness and sports, he dreamed of building a company that would bring world-class ultra-endurance races to India. His goal was to create a vibrant ecosystem for athletes, making India a recognized hub for global sporting events.
Facing Entrepreneurial Challenges:
Transitioning from military life to business presented fresh hurdles. While Reyo brought immense discipline and clarity, he lacked formal exposure to business planning, marketing, and networking. Recognizing these gaps, he sought out LaunchPilot School-a business school dedicated to startup creation rather than just corporate placements.
LaunchPilot School: Building Startups, Not Just Careers
LaunchPilot’s Global Startup MBA proved pivotal for Reyo. The program’s unique approach allowed him to:
- Build his venture as part of the coursework
- Receive real-world mentorship from experienced founders and investors
- Experience global startup ecosystems in Singapore, Boston, and India
- Access a “safety net,” ensuring career outcomes even if the business idea didn’t succeed
Within a few months of joining in January 2025, Reyo formed a passionate core team, generated early revenue, secured a venue for his inaugural sporting event (set for February 2026), and began forming key partnerships, including conversations with Kerala Tourism and engagement with the family office of cricket legend M.S. Dhoni.
LaunchPilot’s Broader Impact:
Reyo’s journey is part of LaunchPilot’s wider mission. Since its inception in 2023, the school has supported over 150 aspiring entrepreneurs across Singapore, Boston, and India. Around half have already built startups, while others have joined fast-growing companies. LaunchPilot’s results-focused curriculum emphasizes learning by doing and equips students with tools for the real world, not just theory.
Conclusion: Charting a New Flight Path:
For Reyo Augustine, the uniform may have changed, but his mission-driven approach remains the same. He now channels his Air Force-honed skills into uniting India’s endurance sports community and putting the country on the global ultra-sports map. Guided by clarity, resilience, and LaunchPilot School’s hands-on support, Reyo’s story proves that with the right mindset and mentorship, it’s possible to soar-no matter where you start.
