.png)
German aircraft manufacturer VÆRIDION has raised €14 million in Series A funding, increasing its total funding to €17.2 million. Founded in 2021 by former Airbus managers Ivor van Dartel and Dr. Sebastian Seemann, the company is pioneering zero-emission regional air travel with its Microliner aircraft.
The Microliner, VÆRIDION's patented fixed-wing aircraft, is designed as a nine-seater prototype with scalable technology to connect regions across Europe. By integrating advanced battery-wing technology and a multi-engine single-propeller configuration, the Microliner ensures both safety and efficiency. It is quieter than traditional aircraft and ideal for smaller airfields and underserved areas.
This innovation aims to democratize air travel while driving economic growth and improving accessibility. Europe lags in meeting sustainable aviation goals, but VÆRIDION’s technology offers a long-term solution to bridge the gap.
The Microliner boasts a nominal range of 400 km plus IFR reserves and has already passed initial functional and validation tests. Certification-compliant prototype flights are planned for 2027, with full-scale commercial operations targeted by 2030.
In a significant breakthrough, VÆRIDION became the first General Aviation manufacturer to complete a Pre-Application Contract with the European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA). This partnership creates a seamless certification process, significantly enhancing regulatory compliance and operational efficiency.
The company has already signed agreements with its first customers, including Copenhagen AirTaxi and Copenhagen Helicopter in Denmark, ASL Group in the Benelux region, and Aero-Dienst in Germany. Initially catering to business passengers, VÆRIDION plans to expand into consumer markets, offering flights at costs comparable to first-class high-speed rail tickets.
The Microliner team, composed of 38 aerospace, software, and automotive experts, collaborates with leading institutions such as TU Munich and Bauhaus Luftfahrt e.V. In 2024, VÆRIDION opened a state-of-the-art battery development facility at the Bosch Collaboration Campus and launched a Dutch subsidiary, leveraging the innovation ecosystem at TU Delft to fast-track commercialization.
Beyond passenger travel, VÆRIDION is exploring using its aircraft for air ambulance services in collaboration with Aero-Dienst and ADAC. This aligns with its mission to improve accessibility and support critical services in underserved regions.
CEO Ivor van Dartel said the new funding will accelerate VÆRIDION's roadmap, enabling key hires, advanced R&D, and commercial expansion. The Series A investment and Bavarian and German government research funding solidify VÆRIDION’s position as a leader in zero-emission aviation.
Our partnerships and market-focused strategy reflect our commitment to not only decarbonising short-haul flights across Europe but also to setting a new standard for sustainable and energy-efficient aviation at a competitive price point.”
World Fund led the funding with participation from Project A Ventures, Vsquared Ventures, Andreas Kupke, Schwarz Holding, and InnovationQuarter.
Daria Saharova, General Partner at World Fund, said:
“Aviation demand is expected to more than double by 2040, so we urgently need to decarbonise this sector. VÆRIDION has unique technology, a world-class team, and the support to power the future of aviation.”
Uwe Horstmann, General Partner at Project A Ventures, commented:
"By fostering homegrown electric aviation capabilities, we ensure Europe remains at the forefront of green technology, reduces reliance on external powers, and creates a competitive edge in the global aviation market.
This is not merely an investment in a company but in the future of Europe's strategic autonomy."
With its first commercial flights slated for 2030, VÆRIDION is well on its way to reshaping the future of regional air travel, ensuring affordability, sustainability, and efficiency on every journey.
コメント