Tech Funding News ’s Post

Evtol was always more BS than facts, too many new OEM's +140 and no one could identify a real market some nuts claim 20,000+ or explain why VTOL (helicopters) have not worked in shuttle operations, or why a VTOL Bell 504 be reengined with an electri engine? and voila a major competitor without $1 billion investment. Textron, Airbus, Embraer were always going to be in the final 10! the rest in Chapter 7 bankruptcy ----------------------- Why is it proving so difficult to get finance for eVTOL companies? Sergio Cecutta, an analyst at SMG Consulting, says it's no coincidence, and there's a simple main answer: there's not enough money sloshing around Europe. "Raising capital in Europe, it's more difficult than raising capital in the US or China," he tells me. After all, American rivals Archer Aviation and Joby Aviation have no trouble raising funds — no wonder when both companies are soaring past test flight and certification milestones, appearing increasingly ready to launch commercial services imminently, though work remains. He points to Volocopter, which this summer failed to get necessary motors delivered to produce its aircraft and finish certification after Rolls-Royce pulled out of the market. That's just life in aerospace, Cecutta suggested, but it can be enough to derail a startup that doesn't have the deep pockets of more established companies. A mockup of the Lilium Jet, all electric vertical take off and landing aircraft was on display ... [+]Houston Chronicle via Getty Images And developing an eVTOL is an expensive prospect. Cecutta says it's likely $1.5bn to $2bn just to get fully certified, and there will be further costs to setting up an operational business. Regulators are often blamed for delays to future technologies, but Cecutta says that's not the case here. Instead, the European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) has done well to get regulations in place ahead of the industry requiring them, says Cecutta. "Now, what happens when the regulations are in place?" he asks. "There's no airplanes to certify." He adds: "The regulator did a great job, but the companies didn't follow through with that." In the meantime, the US continues to lead the eVTOL market, Cecutta says, with leader Joby Aviation already filing for certification in the UK. Plus, he added, China is making "progress at a pace that is unheard of in the West." If the European eVTOL manufacturers do fail to deliver, that could leave Europe as a key battleground for products: the US will be dominated by local firms, says Cecutta, while the lower prices of Chinese models will offer inroads in key markets in Asia and the Middle East, he predicts, saying it's similar to the electric vehicle market. But without a homegrown hero, Europe could be where US and Chinese models truly compete for market share.

Sora Aviation, a Bristol-based UK startup, is making waves in the Advanced Air Mobility (AAM) market with its innovative approach towards electric Vertical Takeoff and Landing (eVTOL) technology. Recently featured on FINN (Farnborough International News Network), wearefinn.com, Sora Aviation's Co-Founder and CEO, Furqan -., shared insights into their groundbreaking eVTOL bus project aimed at revolutionizing urban transportation. Furqan, with extensive experience as the Technical Authority on AAM at GKN Aerospace, leads Sora Aviation's visionary initiatives. He collaborates closely with the company's CTO, Malcolm Foster, a stalwart in aircraft design with accolades from renowned organizations like Piper Aircraft, Bell Flight, and AgustaWestland. The name "Sora," meaning "Sky" in Japanese, symbolizes the company's lofty ambitions and commitment to sustainable aviation solutions. The concept of an eVTOL bus emerged from a strategic analysis of urban transportation needs and market dynamics. Recognizing the potential of dense routes such as downtown-to-airport shuttles, Sora Aviation aims to address these demands efficiently, offering zero-emission travel, reduced noise levels, and affordable ticket prices. Sora Aviation's S-1 eVTOL bus, catering to larger passenger capacities compared to conventional eVTOLs, represents a significant leap towards scalable and cost-effective urban air mobility solutions. With a targeted entry into service around 2031, the company is poised to reshape the future of urban transportation. Addressing infrastructure challenges, Sora Aviation emphasizes proactive engagement with infrastructure developers to align vertiport designs with the evolving needs of larger eVTOL aircraft. The company's strategic approach contrasts with early industry trends focused on smaller eVTOLs, driven partly by misconceptions regarding battery capabilities and operational priorities. Sora Aviation's foresight in developing larger eVTOL solutions underscores its commitment to addressing market needs effectively. Navigating certification pathways in collaboration with established air taxi companies positions Sora Aviation advantageously, leveraging existing regulatory frameworks and industry expertise. As Sora Aviation propels towards its vision of sustainable and scalable eVTOL solutions, industry stakeholders and enthusiasts can delve deeper into this transformative journey by exploring the full article on our blog. #AvfoilNews #SoraAviation #AdvancedAirMobility #eVTOL #UrbanAirMobility #SustainableAviation #Furqan #MalcolmFoster #AviationInnovation #FutureOfFlight

The recent accomplishment of Vertaxi, securing over $28.3 million in a Pre-B funding round, represents more than just another milestone for a Chinese flying car startup. This achievement is emblematic of a larger movement toward reshaping urban mobility, with a surge of capital pouring into the eVTOL sector. The funding round, led by Zhongshan Investment Holdings, highlights that China no longer views flying cars as a distant futuristic concept, but as a critical component of the future of transportation, particularly in its densely populated urban centers. Vertaxi stands uniquely positioned to capitalize on this shift, even as major global players like Boeing, Airbus, Hyundai, and Toyota eye the market. According to Morgan Stanley, the eVTOL market could become a trillion-dollar industry by 2040, and Vertaxi finds itself at the heart of this potential revolution. Further cementing its strategic position, Vertaxi's recent partnership with Fcourier Aviation Technology focusing on drone rescue platforms underscores the multifaceted applications of eVTOL technology. Beyond the urban air taxi market, eVTOL aircraft could revolutionize industries such as disaster response and medical supply delivery, highlighting their versatility. However, the path to making flying cars a practical reality for everyday commuters is fraught with challenges. While the technological advancements are significant, regulatory, infrastructural, and cultural barriers must still be addressed. Although the influx of investor interest signals a strong belief in the sector's potential, turning air taxis into a daily urban fixture requires overcoming these hurdles. Vertaxi’s success is a powerful indicator that the dream of flying cars is not only alive but gaining momentum. Still, whether eVTOL aircraft will soon fill our skies or remain a long-term aspiration hinges on how quickly the industry can navigate these broader challenges. https://lnkd.in/fzpnPPW #urbanmobility #flyingcars #futureoftransport #innovativetech #techstartups #sustainabletransport #eVTOL #electricaircraft #futureofmobility #dronetechnology #sustainabletransport #flyingtaxi #electricaviation #advancedairmobility VERTAXI

I just read an article in The Daily Upside about Flying Cars and eVTOLs. Hundreds of startups are investing billions into these low-emission vehicles for short regional trips. Companies like XPENG AEROHT, Archer Aviation and Joby Aviation are leading with innovative designs: Xpeng Aeroht is developing a supercar with hidden propellers, while Archer and Joby use tilting propellers for both lift and horizontal push. ZEVA AERO shifted from a flying saucer to a traditional plane design. Lilium is creating electric jets for regional transport, Alef Aeronautics is designing a car that transforms into a biplane, and UrbanLink Solutions plans to use Lilium jets to connect cities in South Florida. It's not the flying cars from the Jetsons, but transformation is coming. https://lnkd.in/gVqbwEPS #mobilty #eVTOLs #startups #inovation

I have read many posts and opinion recently regarding the eVTOL/AAM market. Mostly expressing huge cynicism, with an almost, 'I told you it wouldn't work!' attitude towards the many start-ups, that are daring to forge a way towards a more sustainable future in aviation. There are many challenges to overcome, I acknowledge that, but I prefer to stay curious and ask questions, rather than to wait for businesses to fail and be written off as a gimmick. The recent clip of Volocopter flying high over the grounds of the palace of Versailles was an incredible moment and a real statement of intent. I'm excited to see them achieve their next major milestone. Volocopter and so many others embody the entrepreneurial spirt that has brought aviation so far, in a relatively short window of time. On a personal level, it is very cool to see two industries that I love, automotive and aviation, come together, to support future progress. I watch with interest, curiosity and I am proud to support the sector in it's journey in a small way, through Cirium data and analytics. #AAM #eVTOL #Archer #Stellantis #OEM #Aviation

I am so sick of hearing helicopters going over my house! I live in North Jersey just outside NYC, and let me tell you, it’s nonstop. But there’s a solution, and it could be here as soon as next year. Electronic Vertical Takeoff and Landing craft (eVTOLs) from Joby Aviation could be in NYC as soon as 2025. In a fascinating talk at the All-In Summit, the founders of Joby and fellow eVTOL startups Archer and Wisk explain how flying cars are closer than we think. As I write this on a Wednesday afternoon, Google is telling me that it will take about 45 minutes to get from downtown Manhattan to Kennedy airport. That’s actually really good — it’s often twice that or more! Joby plans to get that down to just 7 minutes. The cost could be lower than a helicopter since eVTOLs have a much simpler design. And already, helicopter trips on Blade often cost about the same as an Uber to/from JFK. Joby aircraft run at just 45 db, about as loud as a refrigerator. To me, it just sounds like wind. Incredible! I think a lot of us can relate to Joby founder JoeBen Bevirt when he says, “I’ve been dreaming about it since I was a kid.” How Wisk is building autonomous eVTOLs and more at the link below... #startups #venturecapital https://lnkd.in/ew7iC_PH

CHALLENGE ME ON THIS - eVTOL Aircraft are little more than a wireless extended-range cable car. Electric aircraft in General are not much different. They have a similar dependency on established ground infrastructure to support a specific A-B route. Once you understand this, you can start to effectively plan a realistic business use case for 2-6 seat electric air travel. Some hyper inflated electric aviation startups don't understand this, and they are burning millions in investor money to find it out the hard way. The global market for cable cars and ropeways was estimated to be worth US\$5 billion in 2023, and is projected to grow to US\$9.4 billion by 2030. Imaging 10x ing the range without the cost of erecting the cables. This is big business. But the ground hardware requirements to activate a route are substantial. Few know this as well as Fly On E Sustainable Aviation, who operates both electric and non electric passenger aircraft and charter operations in Australia. Let the debate begin... (AI image obvs)

New on The Financial Engineer: "Flying Cars and Flying Too Close to the Sun" The eVTOL industry promises a revolution in transportation, but success requires more than just cool technology. In our latest analysis, we explore: The $1.5 trillion market opportunity Why some eVTOL startups are struggling The delicate balance between ambition and practicality Read now: https://lnkd.in/gXn2Tmsv

With more than 100 eVTOL startups burning billions in R&D over the past decade it is inevitable that only a few will survive in the long run, if not being consumed by a major OEM. The numerous announcements of LOIs being signed with major airlines / helicopter operators for orders shows a great interest to integrate eVTOL’s into their networks, if not an element of FOMO, but the LOIs don’t pay the bills. The ability for these startups to be able to fulfill such orders remains questionable when the various design, manufacturing, mainatenance, operation and vertiport licenses are yet to be issued and part supply chains are unproven. Ultimately, for good reason aviation certification remains extremely conservative and risk averse and the ambitions of the eVTOL startups, many of whom had no prior aviation industry knowledge, have been muted and some are now disappearing. Best advice for any aviation startup - get an aviation safety expert involved from inception. NW Advisory Services Craig Martin #aviationsafety #eVTOL