Skyports raises $23 million in first close of Series B funding round to help provide take-off and landing infrastructure
Skyports has raised $23 million in the first close of its Series B funding round from a combination of new and existing investors, which will enable it to consolidate its progress in the advanced air mobility infrastructure and drone operations markets.
All existing institutional shareholders participated in the round, including Deutsche Bahn Digital Ventures, Groupe ADP, Solar Ventus, Irelandia and Levitate Capital, with some materially increasing their stake.
These investors were joined by Japanese conglomerate Kanematsu Corporation, global industrial property group Goodman Group, Italian airport platform 2i Aeroporti, backed by Ardian’s Infrastructure Fund and F2i Italian Infrastructure Fund, and US based VC firm GreenPoint.
Kanematsu Corporation will take a seat on the Skyports board and Ken Allen, CEO of DHL eCommerce who joins the board as an independent non-executive director.
The new capital and the sizable balance sheets of the investors enables Skyports 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.
Skyports will also materially scale its Drone Services operations in new and existing markets, building on active operations in the UK, Europe and Asia.
Duncan Walker, CEO of 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.”
Earlier in March, Skyports was part of a consortium formed by Eve Air Mobility, which will develop a Concept of Operations for services between Miami International Airport (MIA) and the Miami Beach Convention Centre.
Eve and Skyports are also working together to support the development of a new Concept of Operations (CONOPS) for Advanced Air Mobility for the Japan Civil Aviation Bureau to enable AAM operation in Japan. Other partners include aerospace industry trading company Kanematsu Corporation and Japan Airlines (JAL).