Volocopter and DB Schenker have announced an investment by the global logistics service provider into the Urban Air Mobility (UAM) start-up, as Volocopter extends its new round of funding to a total of €87 million.
The funding will go towards the certification of the VoloCity, hiring more industry experts, and a second generation VoloDrone to ensure commercialization of the heavy-lift cargo drone product.
To date Volocopter has raised total funding of €122 million.
Jochen Thewes, CEO of DB Schenker, says: “We are convinced that the Volocopter technology has the potential to bring transport logistics to the next dimension for our customers. DB Schenker has already tested autonomous and electrical vehicles in several innovation projects and in actual operations. By integrating the VoloDrone into our supply chain of the future we will be able to serve our clients’ demand for fast, remote, emission-neutral deliveries. We are thrilled to now be part of this drive for innovation in a fantastic team.”
Florian Reuter, CEO of Volocopter, adds: “The new shareholder structure strengthens our global network of strategic and financial partners significantly. Bringing urban air mobility to life for passengers and goods is a great ambition and with our new partners we bring the expertise and necessary long-term funds on board to make this innovative form of mobility a reality.”
Volocopter says it’s is also bringing on two new board members: the former CEO of Daimler AG. Dr. Dieter Zetsche, as well as the founder of CAS Software AG, Martin Hubschneider.
Volocopter’s Chairman, Stefan Klocke, comments: “We very much welcome the new members to our Advisory Board, in particular Dieter Zetsche and Martin Hubschneider. The board will support the management in the further strategic development of the company towards the global market leader in urban air mobility and in the preparations for a potential future IPO!”
The German start-up has recently conducted several public flights at Helsinki airport, in Stuttgart, and over Singapore’s Marina Bay.
