How are aviation startups navigating the funding landscape, and what are investors prioritizing when backing eVTOLs, drones, and electric aircraft ?

In the fast-evolving world of aviation technology, startups focusing on electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) aircraft, drones, and electric planes face a complex funding environment. While the promise of advanced air mobility (AAM) remains captivating, the road to securing the necessary capital is fraught with challenges. Investors are increasingly selective, prioritizing tangible progress, strategic partnerships, and sustainable innovation. 

The rise and fall of venture capital in aviation tech

The funding landscape for advanced air mobility (AAM) has seen dramatic swings in recent years. A peak was reached in 2021 when venture capital (VC) investors poured $7.7 billion into the sector across 121 deals. However, by 2023, this figure had plummeted to just $1.3 billion, representing an 83% drop in capital and a 62% reduction in deals​.

This stark decline can be attributed to a broader shift in global financial conditions. In 2021, central banks introduced “cheap money” to combat economic slowdowns caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. This influx of capital led to a surge in high-risk investments, including AAM. Excitement around sustainability and autonomous technologies, as well as the rise of special purpose acquisition companies (SPACs), further fueled the boom.

However, as inflation and rising interest rates took hold, investor appetite for risky ventures began to wane. Today, VC firms are more cautious, focusing on startups that can demonstrate concrete, near-term progress​.

What investors are focusing on now

In this more selective environment, investors are keen to back startups that showcase measurable advancements. Here’s what they are prioritizing:

• Technological milestones: Investors want to see progress in key technological areas, such as improved flight range and energy efficiency. For example, advancements in battery density and propulsion systems are critical for making eVTOLs viable for urban air mobility services. The ability to extend flight range not only improves the business case for air taxis but also opens up new markets​. Startups that can deliver on these promises are more likely to secure funding.

• Regulatory approvals: Securing certifications from regulatory bodies like the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) or the European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) is a significant milestone. Achieving these certifications not only signals a company’s technological maturity but also helps de-risk the investment. Investors are acutely aware that without these approvals, even the most innovative technologies will struggle to reach commercial scale​.

• Strategic partnerships: Partnerships with established players in aerospace, automotive, or even telecom sectors are a key indicator of a startup’s potential for success. These alliances provide access to supply chains, manufacturing capabilities, and industry expertise that can accelerate product development and market entry. Joby Aviation, for instance, has partnered with Toyota to leverage its manufacturing know-how​.

• Sustainability and climate tech: The aviation sector is under immense pressure to decarbonize. As a result, startups that align with global sustainability goals are more attractive to investors. Electric planes, zero-emission eVTOLs, and drones that reduce carbon footprints are seen as essential components of the future of aviation. Investors are particularly interested in companies that can contribute to reducing emissions in the aviation sector, as climate-conscious investing continues to rise​.

The challenges of navigating the funding environment

While there’s no shortage of interest in AAM, the sector remains capital-intensive. Developing, certifying, and scaling new aircraft technologies can cost billions of dollars. For example, Bombardier’s C-Series development required an estimated $6 billion, while Embraer’s E-Jet E2 family, which is an upgrade of an existing design, still cost $1.7 billion to develop. These figures put into perspective the financial demands placed on startups trying to bring new electric aircraft to market.

Many startups in the AAM space are still in the prototype or pre-certification phase. This means they must continually raise funds to keep their projects moving forward, often over extended timelines. Investors are becoming increasingly wary of over-promised timelines and unmet milestones, leading to cautious funding rounds. Startups that can demonstrate consistent progress are more likely to attract capital​.

What’s next for aviation startups?

For aviation startups in the eVTOL, drone, and electric plane sectors, the path forward is as daunting as it is exciting. To secure the funding necessary for development, these startups need to:

1. Achieve measurable technological milestones: Innovations in flight range, battery efficiency, and propulsion systems will be key differentiators in securing capital.
2. Build strategic partnerships: Collaborations with established players in aerospace and other industries provide credibility and access to vital resources.
3. Focus on regulatory milestones: Securing certification is a major step toward commercialization and de-risks the investment.
4. Align with sustainability goals: As the world looks to decarbonize aviation, startups that offer green solutions will continue to capture investor interest​.

While the funding landscape is more challenging than in recent years, those startups that can deliver real progress in these areas will stand a better chance of securing the capital they need to bring their technologies to market. The dream of advanced air mobility is still alive, but it’s now clear that it will take more than ambition—it will require tangible, demonstrable results to win over investors.

Source: mckinsey.com