Skyports raises $23 million in Series B funding; strengthens position as global leader
Skyports, a provider of electric air taxi infrastructure and drone services, has secured USD 23 million in its Series B fundraising round's first close. Skyports will be able to reinforce its position as a worldwide leader in the advanced air transportation infrastructure and drone operations industries with the cash from a combination of new and existing investors.
Kanematsu Corporation will join the Skyports board, along with Ken Allen, CEO of DHL eCommerce, who will serve as an independent non-executive director.
All current institutional shareholders, including Deutsche Bahn Digital Ventures, Groupe ADP, Solar Ventus, Irelandia, and Levitate Capital, participated in the round, with a number of them significantly expanding their position. Japanese conglomerate Kanematsu Corporation, global industrial property company Goodman Group, Italian airport platform 2i Aeroporti, supported by Ardian's Infrastructure Fund and F2i Italian Infrastructure Fund, and US-based venture capital firm GreenPoint joined these investors.
Duncan Walker, CEO, Skyports said, "This is another great milestone for Skyports as we continue our journey to be the leading vertiport owner and operator in the world. The support of our original investors who have deep experience in aviation and infrastructure and the addition of new capital from world class companies with a global footprint enables us to build the air taxi eco-system alongside our best-in-class vehicle partners for 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."
Skyports is able to accelerate its work with the world's leading electric air taxi manufacturers and operators, providing take-off and landing infrastructure in key launch markets, thanks to the new capital and sizeable balance sheets of the investors. Skyports will also significantly expand its Drone Services activities in new and existing regions, expanding on its existing operations in the United Kingdom, Europe, and Asia.
