Munich-based VÆRIDION, a manufacturer of a pioneering e-aircraft for short-haul flights, has secured €14 million in Series A equity financing. The World Fund led the round, which included participation from Project A Ventures, Vsquared Ventures, Andreas Kupke, Schwarz Holding, and InnovationQuarter.
The company will use the capital to expand its team and extend operations beyond Germany. “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,” said Ivor van Dartel, co-founder and CEO of VÆRIDION.
VÆRIDION — pioneering clean, affordable, and efficient air travel
Founded in 2021 by former Airbus managers Ivor van Dartel and Dr Sebastian Seemann, VÆRIDION aims to make zero-emission regional flights an everyday reality. The company focuses on regions lacking efficient transportation options, working to enhance connectivity through its innovative electric microliner aircraft.
With aviation demand projected to more than double to over 8 billion passengers by 2040, growing at an annual average of 3.4%, the need for urgent solutions to decarbonise the sector has never been more pressing. In this context, VÆRIDION’s focus on regional aviation presents a significant opportunity.
VÆRIDION is advancing aerospace technology by opening up a regional air mobility (RAM) market that will expand as European countries pursue sustainability targets, development costs decrease, and road congestion increases. McKinsey projects that the global addressable market for regional flights could reach $115 billion by 2035, serving up to 700
million passengers annually.
Recently, VÆRIDION achieved a milestone by becoming the first General Aviation manufacturer to complete its Pre-Application Contract with EASA. This accomplishment positions it ahead of competitors and on track for commercial flights by 2030. The company is progressing along a predefined certification roadmap with the regulator before seeking Type Certification (TC).
Behind VÆRIDION’s Microliner
The Microliner, a unique combination of fixed-wing design, advanced battery-wing integration, and multi-engine single-propeller configuration, is optimised for safety and efficiency. Its reduced noise output makes it ideal for smaller airfields and underserved areas. At scale, it promises to boost economic growth and accessibility. As Europe works toward its sustainable aviation goals, the Microliner offers a viable long-term solution.
A key innovation is its wing-integrated modular battery system. This design enhances energy efficiency by distributing battery weight across the wings instead of concentrating it in the fuselage.
The Microliner’s electric powerplant features a unique multi-engine single propeller architecture. The battery modules are structurally isolated from wing-bending loads, protecting them from aerodynamic and structural stresses. Each module is designed for maximum safety, containing thermal runaway without compromising other modules or overall safety, ensuring a secure and reliable flight experience.
The patented prototype will debut as a nine-seater aircraft, with plans to expand technology for pan-European flights. It offers a 400 km nominal range plus IFR reserves, has completed initial functional and validation tests, and is scheduled for prototype flights in 2027.
VÆRIDION has secured initial customers in Denmark (Copenhagen AirTaxi and Copenhagen Helicopter), Benelux (ASL Group), and Germany (Aero-Dienst). The Microliner will first serve business passengers before expanding to consumer travel.
Investor’s view: the future of mobility is behind electric wings
“Aviation demand is expected to double by 2040, so we urgently need to decarbonise this sector,” said Daria Saharova, General Partner at World Fund. “VÆRIDION has a 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 support them as they scale to deliver zero-emission flights across Europe.”
Uwe Horstmann, General Partner at Project A Ventures, underscored the strategic importance of investing in electric aviation. He commented: “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, reduces reliance on external powers, and creates 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.”
Dr. Herbert Mangesius, General Partner at Vsquared Ventures, said: “With Vaeridion being the first advanced air mobility company ever to win an EASA pre-application contract, they are on the best possible path towards commercialisation. We are excited to have been supporting Vaeridion from day one and are looking forward to seeing this world-class team conquer the E-Aviation skies.”
