Munich-based Vaeridion has raised a 14 million euro Series A funding round in equity financing led by World Fund, a climate VC, with participation from Project A Ventures, Vsquared Ventures, Andreas Kupke, Schwarz Holding and InnovationQuarter.

The founders will use their Series A capital, in addition to research funding of 1.4 million euros secured from Bavarian and German administrations, to make key hires and expand commercially. Current cost trajectories indicate that flights will be available for the price of a first-class high-speed rail ticket at commercial launch.

Aviation demand is expected to more than double to over eight billion passengers by 2040, growing at an annual average rate of 3.4 per cent and the world urgently needs to deliver solutions to decarbonise the sector. The regional aviation market represents a huge opportunity. Vaeridion is making huge advances in aerospace technology that will open up a regional air mobility market that can only expand as European countries look to reach sustainability targets, as development costs decrease and as roads become more congested. In fact, McKinsey predicts the global addressable market for regional flights could reach $115 billion by 2035, representing up to 700 million passengers annually.

Last month Vaeridion became the first general aviation company to complete its pre-application contract with EASA, an achievement that puts it ahead of competitors and on track to offer commercial flights by 2030. The company is now advancing along a predefined certification roadmap in close cooperation with the regulator, well in advance of applying for type certification.

Vaeridion’s patented prototype Microliner will start as a nine-seater aircraft. It has a nominal range of 400km plus IFR reserves; has already passed initial functional and validation tests; and has prototype flights set to take off in 2027. The company has plans in place to scale the technology to long-term offer pan-European flights.

The Microliner is a fixed-wing aircraft with advanced battery-wing integration and multi-engine single propeller configuration. It emits less noise than conventional aircraft, making it well-suited to smaller airfields and easy to roll out in underserved areas. Delivered at scale, it would help drive economic growth and accessibility. Europe is currently nowhere near reaching its sustainable aviation goals, and the Microliner presents a long-term solution.

Vaeridion has already signed its first commercial partners in Denmark with Copenhagen AirTaxi and Copenhagen Helicopter, Benelux with ASL Group and Germany with Aero-Dienst. The Microliner will initially serve business passengers before expanding into consumer travel.

The company already wields a world-class team made up of 38 aerospace, software and automotive experts, and partnerships with institutions including TU Munich and Bauhaus Luftfahrt. In 2024, Vaeridion also opened a battery development facility at the Bosch Collaboration Campus and launched a Dutch subsidiary, which will allow it to leverage the innovation ecosystem surrounding TU Delft and accelerate the journey to commercialisation.

Vaeridion is also exploring applications for the aircraft in air ambulance services in collaboration with Aero-Dienst, which operates a fleet on behalf of ADAC.

Co-founder and CEO Ivor van Dartel says: “Our new funding will significantly accelerate development efforts, paving the way for certification-conforming prototype flights to take off in 2027, followed by a first commercial flight by 2030. With the Microliner, we are addressing both the need for zero-emission travel alternatives and the demand for enhanced regional connectivity. 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.”

Daria Saharova, general partner at World Fund, adds: “Aviation demand is expected to more than double by 2040, so we urgently need to decarbonise this sector. Vaeridion has unique technology, a world-class team and the support to power the future of aviation. Ivor, Sebastian and their team have already proven market appetite for their market-leading product, and we are thrilled to be supporting them as they scale to deliver zero-emission flights for customers across Europe.”

Uwe Horstmann, general partner at Project A Ventures, comments: “Investing in electric aviation is not just a step toward sustainable transport; it is a strategic move to secure Europe’s technological independence and leadership in the next era of aerospace innovation. By fostering homegrown electric aviation capabilities, we ensure Europe remains at the forefront of green technology, reduce reliance on external powers and create 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.”