Reyo Augustine, a former Indian Air Force pilot, is making a bold shift from flying aircraft to building India’s ultra-sports events scene. After serving over ten years with the Indian Air Force and flying some of the nation’s top leaders, Reyo embraced a new challenge in entrepreneurship. His goal is to create world-class endurance sports events in India, putting the country on the global map for these exciting competitions.
A Journey from the Skies to the Sports Ground
Reyo’s Air Force career was marked by discipline and leadership. He logged 750+ flying hours, commanded an important airbase, and led large teams under pressure. But by May 2025, he felt ready for a new mission — one where he could impact the growing sports community in India.
This desire led him to envision a company dedicated to ultra-endurance sports. These are tough races that test strength and stamina over long distances, similar to marathons or Ironman events seen worldwide. Reyo’s dream is to attract athletes and enthusiasts, creating opportunities for sports lovers and boosting India’s presence in this global arena.
Finding the Right Support with LaunchPilot
Starting a business is never easy, especially for first-time entrepreneurs. Reyo found the challenge tricky because he needed skills like business planning, marketing, and networking — areas very different from his Air Force training.
That’s when he discovered LaunchPilot, a business school focused on startups rather than traditional jobs. Unlike other programs, LaunchPilot encourages students to build their companies while learning key business skills, backed by real mentors who are successful founders and investors.
Reyo joined LaunchPilot in January 2025. The program helped him sharpen his business plan, assemble a strong team, and start generating revenue quickly. It also gave him exposure to global startup ecosystems with experiences in places like Singapore, Boston, and IIT Bombay.
Building India’s Ultra-Sports Future
Within months, Reyo secured a venue for his first major ultra-sports event, planned for February 2026. He also started talks with Kerala Tourism and even connected with M.S. Dhoni’s family office for potential partnerships. This rapid progress shows how discipline and the right guidance can turn a vision into reality.
Reyo reflects on his journey: “From the cockpit to the starting line, I’m channeling years of military precision into building ultra-sporting events. LaunchPilot gave me the roadmap and the confidence to make it happen.”
LaunchPilot’s Impact on India’s Startup Scene
Since 2023, LaunchPilot has helped over 150 students across India and abroad. Many have launched their own startups, while others join fast-growing companies. The school prides itself on practical learning, mentorship, and career support.
Sarvesh Tusnial, LaunchPilot’s co-founder, says, “If an Air Force officer can trust us with his transition into entrepreneurship, it shows the credibility of our program. We ensure every student achieves a meaningful outcome — be it starting a company or a valuable role in startups.”
A New Mission for Reyo and India
Reyo’s story is proof that core qualities like focus, resilience, and clarity help succeed in any field. Now, instead of leading teams in the sky, he leads India’s endurance sports movement on the ground.
With his ultra-sports events company, Reyo aims to inspire athletes and create a vibrant community in India, attracting global attention and promoting fitness and adventure. This fresh venture shows how new dreams can take flight — sometimes in entirely new directions.