SwissDrones Secures Growth Funding from DiamondStream Partners
Zurich, Switzerland and Seattle, Washington – January 4, 2023 – SwissDrones, a global manufacturer of long-range uncrewed helicopter systems for inspection, surveillance and public safety applications, today announced that it has secured additional 7-figure funding in a round led by DiamondStream Partners, an aviation and aerospace venture capital firm, with participation from existing investors. SwissDrones plans to use the funding to accelerate product development and expand global go-to-market activities.
“We see SwissDrones as leaders in bringing next-generation aviation technology to critical use cases in infrastructure inspection, aerial surveillance and public safety,” said David Spurlock, Managing Director of DiamondStream Partners. “The combination of the payload/range of the aircraft, a focus on customer service needs, and a platform that will enable high levels of asset utilization are set to bring disruptive economics to catalyze growth in these market segments. We are excited to support the company as it grows as a leader in this space and brings tremendous value across the sector.”
Designed to replace crewed helicopters, SwissDrones provides a safe and cost-effective aerial intelligence solution for a wide range of applications, including infrastructure inspection, surveillance and public safety missions beyond visual line of sight (BVLOS). SwissDrones aircraft emit up to 95 percent fewer CO2 emissions than crewed helicopters at significantly reduced operating costs and without putting flight crews at risk. The systems allow for the integration of high-end sensor payloads of up to 40 kg (88 lbs) and enable long-range missions day and night with a flight endurance of multiple hours. SwissDrones’ aircraft are currently in operation across Asia, Europe, and North America.
“We are very happy to have DiamondStream Partners as a new investor,” said Ulrich Amberg, CEO of SwissDrones. “Our team looks forward to leveraging their vast entrepreneurial and operational experience in the aviation and aerospace industries as we strive to transform the way aerial intelligence is gathered in crucial applications worldwide.”
To expand its capabilities and meet customer demand, SwissDrones collaborates with civil aviation authorities worldwide to secure regulatory approvals and flight authorizations, allowing for enhanced mission-specific operations. The company is among the first organizations that have obtained a European drone operator license, the European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) Light UAS Operator Certificate (LUC). The certificate allows SwissDrones to self-authorize flight operations of its aircraft across EASA countries, including BVLOS operations, within the limits of the certificate. It is the highest authorization achievable under current European drone regulations. The SwissDrones SDO 50 uncrewed helicopter platform has also received a Special Airworthiness Certificate (SAC-EC) from the FAA in the US. Additional regulatory approvals will be announced in the coming months.
About SwissDrones
SwissDrones manufactures and operates long-range uncrewed helicopter systems for missions beyond visual line of sight (BVLOS). Its unique twin-rotor aircraft are designed to replace crewed helicopters at significantly reduced costs and lower carbon emissions. They can operate in challenging conditions, day and night, without exposing crews to risk.
SwissDrones was founded in 2013 and headquartered in Zurich, with manufacturing facilities in Buchs. The company has been named a Top 50 Global UAV Enterprise by the World UAV Federation and a Top 40 Civil Drone Platform Manufacturer by Drone Industry Insights. For more information, please visit www.swissdrones.com
About DiamondStream Partners
DiamondStream Partners focuses on mobility transformation with aerial mobility at the center. Its fund DiamondStream Partners Fund II invests in companies with the potential for accelerated, technology-driven growth; solid growth prospects in existing markets; and attractive valuations. Through this vertical thematic fund, DiamondStream Partners facilitates collaboration among entrepreneurs to accelerate their momentum, move the mobility ecosystem forward, and stimulate demand.
The team has worked together for over two decades. They were among the founders of Volaris (NYSE: VLRS), Mexico’s largest airline and the world’s most profitable publicly traded airline in 2021. They bring operational leadership experience at British Airways, Seabury Consulting, Bain and Company, and various technology companies.
