Nathan Poon

Nathan Poon, PhD is a co-founder of Avol, an innovative aerospace startup dedicated to transforming logistics with autonomous, electric blended-wing aircraft. Avol's mission is to revolutionize urgent medical deliveries—such as blood, organs, and lab samples—by dramatically reducing delivery times and operating at a fraction of the cost of traditional air transport. As a key driver of the company's technological vision, Poon focuses on customer development, manufacturing, and controls engineering, working alongside his co-founder, Dr. Matthew Sargeant, to design and build aircraft that combine elements of rocketry and aerodynamics for unmatched efficiency.

Raised in Oakland, California, Poon's academic journey took him to UC Berkeley, where he earned both a BS in Bioengineering and a PhD in Mechanical Engineering. His passion for robotics and aerospace technology led him to help launch two startups, with a particular focus on applying AI and robotics in logistics and transportation. This experience, along with his work deploying exoskeletons for logistics companies in Brazil, inspired him to tackle one of the most persistent problems in the logistics industry: improving the efficiency of aircraft used for high-value cargo. The result was the creation of Avol's blended-wing design, which aims to address the inefficiencies of traditional aircraft by enabling up to 60% higher load factors and 50% lower operating costs.

At Avol, Poon and his team have made significant strides in a short time, building four aircraft, expanding operations across multiple regions in the U.S., and securing key partnerships in healthcare and logistics. Their groundbreaking approach, which includes 3D-printing aircraft for greater cost savings and customization, sets Avol apart in a competitive field. Looking ahead, Poon's goal is to make Avol the largest zero-emissions airline in the world by revenue per ton-kilometer, starting with the delivery of life-saving organs like kidneys—an achievement he believes will showcase the true potential of Avol's technology.

Outside of his aerospace pursuits, Poon's journey as a founder has been shaped by his mentors and his relentless drive to push boundaries. With a deep commitment to solving real-world problems, Poon balances his intense work ethic with a clear focus on sustainable growth and innovation. His current vision is clear: to build a company that not only solves critical logistical challenges but also makes a positive environmental and social impact.