Vaeridion’s Series A funding round is led by Climate VC World Fund. Additional investors include Project A Ventures, Vsquared Ventures, Andreas Kupke, Schwarz Holding, and Innovation Quarter. The company will use the raised capital as well as additional research funding of €1.4 million from Bavarian and German authorities to fill additional leadership positions on the team and advance the commercial growth of the company. Founded in 2021, the startup is on a mission to make affordable and emission-free regional flights a daily reality. To this end, Vaeridion is developing an electric microliner to be able to offer such services in Europe by 2030.
Another significant milestone on this path: As the world’s first company in general aviation, Vaeridion has also concluded a Pre-Application Contract (PAC) with the European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA). Working closely with the regulatory authority, the startup is now pursuing a predefined certification roadmap ahead of applying for type certification.
Vaeridion plans first test flights in 2027
The company’s patented microliner prototype launches as a nine-seat aircraft. The microliner has a range of 400 km, has already passed initial functional and validation tests, and is expected to conduct its first test flights in 2027. The fixed-wing aircraft with advanced battery-wing integration and multi-engine single-propeller configuration is designed for maximum safety and efficiency. It is quieter than conventional aircraft, making it ideal for smaller airfields in underserved areas. The offering initially targets flights for business travelers, before expanding into general travel traffic.
Vaeridion has already won initial commercial partners in Denmark (Copenhagen AirTaxi and Copenhagen Helicopter), Benelux (ASL Group), and Germany (Aero-Dienst). In 2024, the startup also opened a battery research laboratory at the Bosch Collaboration Campus and established a Dutch subsidiary. This allows the company to leverage the innovation ecosystem around TU Delft and accelerate commercialization.
Ivor van Dartel, co-founder and CEO of Vaeridion, says:
“The new financing will significantly accelerate our development and pave the way for certification-compliant test flights starting in 2027, followed by a first commercial flight by 2030. With the microliner, we are addressing both the need for emission-free travel options and the demand for improved regional connectivity. Our partnerships and market-oriented strategy underscore our commitment not only to decarbonize short-haul flights in Europe, but also to set new standards for sustainable and energy-efficient aviation at a competitive price.”
Daria Saharova, general partner at World Fund, comments:
“Air traffic demand is expected to more than double by 2040 – which is why we need to urgently decarbonize this sector. Vaeridion has unique technology, a first-class team, and the support to drive the future of aviation. Ivor, Sebastian, and the entire team have already proven market interest in their leading product, and we are excited to support them in scaling to make emission-free flights a reality for customers across Europe.”
And finally, Herbert Mangesius, general partner at Vsquared Ventures, says:
“The fact that Vaeridion became the first Advanced Air Mobility company ever to win an EASA Pre-Application Contract clearly shows they are on the best possible path to commercialization. As partners from day one, we look forward to continuing to support them and watching how this world-class team will conquer the skies of electric aviation.”
