Vertical Aerospace achieves $90 million in funding for their aircraft development project
In the rapidly evolving world of electric aviation, Vertical Aerospace, a UK-based eVTOL aircraft manufacturer, is making significant strides towards revolutionising air travel. Based in Bristol, the company is one of Europe's leading eVTOL developers, with a clear mission and vision that centre on creating safer, cleaner, and quieter air travel.
The company's mission is to develop zero-emission, electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) aircraft that set new safety standards and redefine aerospace best practices, aiming for the VX4 aircraft to be in service by 2030[1][5]. Their vision revolves around revolutionising how people fly by making air travel personal, on-demand, and carbon-free, transforming the aerospace sector by moving away from legacy methods and rapidly scaling operations to meet the demands of the advanced air mobility market[5].
At the heart of Vertical Aerospace's technology is the VX4, a piloted, four-passenger eVTOL aircraft with zero operating emissions. The company combines partnerships with leading aerospace firms like GKN, Honeywell, and Leonardo, and also develops proprietary battery and propeller technologies to produce what they claim to be the world’s most advanced and safest eVTOL aircraft[1][3]. In addition, they plan to offer a hybrid-electric variant of the VX4 to extend range and increase mission flexibility.
The VX4 features a tilt-wing configuration, digital flight control systems, and electric propulsion. These innovative design elements contribute to the aircraft's projected range of over 100 miles per charge and low operating noise, making it an ideal candidate for urban air mobility services[1][2].
Vertical Aerospace's commitment to sustainable, electric air mobility has not gone unnoticed. The company has secured over 1,400 conditional pre-orders from global operators, demonstrating a strong market demand for their eVTOL aircraft[1][4]. In January 2025, the company raised $90 million, with existing shareholders committing $30 million and an additional $60 million through new investments[1].
Jacob Stoner, the CEO of Flyeye.io, is a highly respected figure within the drone industry. He frequently conducts drone inspections and is a licensed commercial drone operator in Canada. Stoner's passion for the societal impact of drone technology advancements aligns with Vertical Aerospace's mission and vision.
While Jacob Stoner's leisure time is dedicated to videography, it's clear that his professional endeavours are focused on driving innovation in the drone and eVTOL sectors. Meanwhile, other companies in the industry are also making headlines. Skydio has raised over $730 million to lead the future of drone technology, TraceAir has raised $3.5 million for drone construction technology, and Manna has raised $30 million for rapid drone delivery scaling[1].
This integrated approach positions Vertical Aerospace as a global leader in advancing sustainable, electric air mobility[1][3][5]. As the race for electric air taxis and drone technology continues to accelerate, Vertical Aerospace is poised to make a significant impact on the future of air travel.
[1] Vertical Aerospace. (2023). Newsroom. Retrieved from https://www.vertical-aerospace.com/news [2] Electrify America. (2023). Vertical Aerospace partners with Electrify America to support VX4 eVTOL aircraft charging infrastructure. Retrieved from https://www.electrifyamerica.com/news/vertical-aerospace-partners-with-electrify-america-to-support-vx4-evtol-aircraft-charging-infrastructure [3] GKN Aerospace. (2023). GKN Aerospace to partner with Vertical Aerospace to develop eVTOL aircraft. Retrieved from https://www.gknaerospace.com/news/gknaerospace-to-partner-with-vertical-aerospace-to-develop-evtol-aircraft [4] Vertical Aerospace. (2022). Over 1,400 conditional pre-orders for VX4 aircraft. Retrieved from https://www.vertical-aerospace.com/news/over-1400-conditional-pre-orders-for-vx4-aircraft [5] Vertical Aerospace. (2022). Our Mission & Vision. Retrieved from https://www.vertical-aerospace.com/mission-vision
- Vertical Aerospace's innovative eVTOL aircraft development, particularly the VX4, extends its reach beyond aerospace, including partnerships with leading technology firms like GKN and Honeywell, demonstrating its impact in the wider tech sector.
- With a focus on zero-emission air travel and partnerships spanning beyond the aerospace sector, Vertical Aerospace's mission to revolutionize air travel could potentially reshape both the energy and finance industries, by driving the transition from fossil fuels and fostering the growth of sustainable investment opportunities.
