Zuri, a Czech developer of hybrid VTOL aircraft, has achieved €3 million of new investment in its recent pre-Series A funding round. Initially aiming for around €1.5 million, the round was oversubscribed nearly threefold, ultimately raising €4.4 million.

“This remarkable level of support from our investors reinforces Zuri’s mission and momentum,” says founder Michal Illich. “With the funds raised, we can now confidently accelerate the next stage of our development; building our next-generation technology demonstrator, TD 2.0.”

Zuri’s new demonstrator builds on its initial 11m model which has undergone successful flight tests. TD 2.0 aims to improve several areas: a hybrid powertrain that merges electric and internal combustion technologies; full flight mode capability that includes VTOL; and a refined design promoting better aerodynamic efficiency.

To support its next phase, Zuri plans to attract high-level talent to expand its team across disciplines including aerospace design and software development.