Swiss Drone Startup Wingtra Secures €23 Million in Series B1 Funding

Wingtra AG, a Swiss drone manufacturer specializing in vertical take-off and landing (VTOL) solutions, has raised €23 million in a Series B1 funding round. The investment was led by RKKVC, a Polish-rooted family office, with participation from several other investors including SymbiaVC and Spectrum Moonshot Fund.

Wingtra’s VTOL Drone Technology

Wingtra, founded in 2016 as a spin-off from ETH Zurich’s Autonomous Systems Laboratory, has made a name for itself with its WingtraOne drone. This VTOL aircraft is designed for precise terrain mapping and is used across various industries such as construction, mining, and urban planning.

The company’s unique approach combines the benefits of fixed-wing drones with those of multirotor aircraft. As Maximilian Boosfeld, co-founder and CEO of Wingtra, explains:

“Our drones take off and land vertically like helicopters but fly like airplanes. This allows us to map much larger areas than traditional multicopters while maintaining the ability to operate from small spaces.”

Expanding Market Reach and Technological Capabilities

The fresh capital will enable Wingtra to push into new markets and commercial sectors. The funding is also earmarked for advancing the company’s cutting-edge technology, particularly in areas like sustainable forestry management.

Wingtra has already established a global presence, partnering with over 80 surveying equipment dealers worldwide. With a team of more than 100 employees, including 40 R&D professionals, the company is well-positioned to leverage this investment for further growth.

RKKVC’s Strategic Investment

RKKVC, the lead investor in this round, focuses on deep tech and B2B SaaS companies across Europe and the United States. Their involvement goes beyond providing capital, as they aim to establish long-term partnerships and support portfolio companies’ growth through their network.

DroneXL’s Take

The substantial investment in Wingtra underscores the growing importance of specialized Drone Technology in various industries. As we’ve seen in recent drone industry developments, VTOL technology is becoming increasingly crucial for applications requiring both the efficiency of fixed-wing flight and the flexibility of vertical takeoff and landing.

Wingtra’s success in securing this funding round highlights the potential for drones to revolutionize sectors like surveying, mapping, and environmental management. As the technology continues to advance, we can expect to see even more innovative applications emerge, further cementing the Drone Industry’s role in shaping our future.

What are your thoughts on Wingtra’s VTOL technology and its potential impact on the drone industry? Share your opinions in the comments section below.