Vaeridion's Series A financing round is led by Climate VC World Fund. Other investors include Project A Ventures, Vsquared Ventures, Andreas Kupke, Schwarz Holding, and Innovation Quarter. The company intends to use the capital raised, along with additional research funding of €1.4 million from Bavarian and German authorities, to Pursue to fill additional leadership positions within the team and further drive the company's commercial growth. Founded in 2021, the startup pursues the mission of making affordable and emission-free regional flights a daily reality. To this end, Vaeridion is developing an electric microliner to offer such a service in Europe by 2030.
Another significant milestone on this path: Vaeridion is the world's first general aviation company to have signed a Pre-Application Contract (PAC) with the European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA). Working closely with the regulatory authority, the startup is now pursuing a predefined certification plan in advance of applying for type certification.
Vaeridion plans first test flights in 2027
The company's patented Microliner prototype will launch as a nine-seat aircraft. Microliner It has a range of 400 km, has already passed initial functional and validation tests, and is scheduled to take off for its first test flights in 2027. The fixed-wing aircraft, with advanced battery-wing integration and a multi-engine, single-propeller configuration, is designed for maximum safety and efficiency. It is quieter than conventional aircraft, making it well-suited for smaller airfields in underserved areas. Initially, the offering will target business travelers, with the plan to expand into general travel later.
Vaeridion has already secured its first commercial partners in Denmark (Copenhagen AirTaxi and Copenhagen Helicopter), the Benelux countries (ASL Group), and Germany (Aero-Dienst). In 2024, the startup also opened a battery research laboratory at the Bosch Collaboration Campus and founded a Dutch subsidiary. This allows the company to leverage the innovation ecosystem around TU Delft and thus accelerate commercialization.
Ivor van Dartel, Co-Founder and CEO of Vaeridion, says:
"The new funding will significantly accelerate our development and pave the way for certification-compliant test flights, scheduled to begin in 2027, followed by the first commercial flight by 2030. With the Microliner, we are addressing both the need for zero-emission travel options and the demand for improved regional connectivity. Our partnerships and market-driven strategy underscore our commitment to not only decarbonizing short-haul flights in Europe but also setting new standards for sustainable and energy-efficient aviation – at a competitive price."
Daria Saharova, General Partner at World Fund, commented:
"Air travel demand is expected to more than double by 2040—therefore, we urgently need to decarbonize this sector. Vaeridion has unique technology, a world-class team, and the support to drive the future of aviation. Ivor, Sebastian, and the entire team have already demonstrated market interest in their leading product, and we are excited to support them in scaling to realize zero-emission flights for customers across Europe."
And finally, Herbert Mangesius, General Partner at Vsquared Ventures:
"The fact that Vaeridion was the first Advanced Air Mobility company ever to win an EASA Pre-Application Contract clearly demonstrates that they are on the best possible path to commercialization. As an early partner, we look forward to continuing to be involved and watching this world-class team conquer the skies of e-aviation."
