Skyports secures new investors, raking in US$23M for vertiport development

By eVTOL | March 24, 2022

Skyports has announced that it has raised US$23 million in its Series B funding round so far, collected from a combination of new and existing investors.

The U.K. company said the funds will be used to develop vertiports in key launch markets for eVTOL manufacturers and operators, such Los Angeles, Italy, Malaysia, and the U.K. Skyports said it also plans to scale its drone services operations in new and existing markets across the U.K., Europe, and Asia.

The news comes as the advanced air mobility infrastructure company, along with a consortium of aerospace companies, recently published a concept of operations (CONOPs) report exploring urban air mobility services in the U.K.

Skyports landed new investors during this funding round, including Japanese conglomerate Kanematsu Corporation, global industrial property company Goodman Group, Italian airport platform 2i Aeroporti, backed by Ardian’s Infrastructure Fund and F2i Italian Infrastructure Fund, and U.S. based venture capital firm GreenPoint.   

The company’s existing shareholders also participated in this investment round. This includes Deutsche Bahn Digital Ventures, Groupe ADP, Solar Ventus, Irelandia Aviation, and Levitate Capital.

The funds raised during this round are a significant jump from its Series A round when the company secured US$6.9 million in December 2019 — later increased to around US$8 million after Irelandia Aviation joined the round in March 2020.

Duncan Walker, CEO of Skyports, stated in a press release that the support from the company’s original supporters, along with the capital from new investors, will allow the company to target “initial operations within a couple of years.”

“Our growing drone services business puts us ahead of the curve with technology development, regulation, and operational experience whilst reducing carbon emissions by using drones for a broad range of customers,” Walker said. “This is another great milestone for Skyports as we continue our journey to be the leading vertiport owner and operator in the world.”

Skyports also announced that Kanematsu Corporation will be joining the company’s board, along with Ken Allen, CEO of DHL eCommerce, who is joining as an independent non-executive director.