VÆRIDION Secures €14 Million to Propel Development of Electric Aircraft for Regional Travel
VÆRIDION, an aviation startup based in Munich, has successfully raised €14 million in a Series A funding round to advance its electric aircraft, the Microliner, targeting the decarbonisation of short-haul flights. The round was led by World Fund, a venture capital firm focused on climate innovation, and included participation from Project A Ventures, Vsquared Ventures, Andreas Kupke, Schwarz Holding, and InnovationQuarter.

VÆRIDION, an aviation startup based in Munich, has successfully raised €14 million in a Series A funding round to advance its electric aircraft, the Microliner, targeting the decarbonisation of short-haul flights. The round was led by World Fund, a venture capital firm focused on climate innovation, and included participation from Project A Ventures, Vsquared Ventures, Andreas Kupke, Schwarz Holding, and InnovationQuarter.
Ivor van Dartel, Co-founder and CEO of VÆRIDION, highlighted the significance of this investment, stating, “Our new funding will significantly accelerate development efforts, paving the way for certification-conforming prototype flights to take off in 2027, followed by a first commercial flight by 2030.” He further explained that the Microliner addresses both the demand for zero-emission travel and the need for enhanced regional connectivity.
Founded in 2021 by former Airbus managers Ivor van Dartel and Dr. Sebastian Seemann, VÆRIDION is focused on revolutionising short-haul aviation by introducing sustainable, zero-emission solutions. The Microliner is an electric Conventional Take-Off and Landing (eCTOL) aircraft, designed for up to nine passengers with a nominal range of 400 km. Its advanced battery-wing integration and multi-engine single-propeller design emphasise safety and efficiency, setting it apart in the emerging market for electric regional flights.
Pioneering the Regional Air Mobility Market
With the global aviation industry under pressure to reduce emissions, regional air mobility is gaining traction as a solution to address sustainability goals while maintaining connectivity. Demand for aviation is expected to more than double by 2040, with passenger numbers reaching over 8 billion annually. VÆRIDION aims to capture a share of this growing market, which is projected to reach €109 billion by 2035, representing up to 700 million passengers yearly.
The Microliner is strategically positioned to meet this demand, especially in Europe, where countries are pursuing ambitious sustainability targets. Its innovative design allows for operations at smaller airfields, which could ease road congestion and enhance accessibility to underserved regions.
Achievements and Future Plans
In a significant milestone, VÆRIDION became the first General Aviation manufacturer to secure a Pre-Application Contract (PAC) with the European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA). This agreement validates the Microliner’s compliance with commercial passenger aircraft certification standards, placing the company ahead in the race to decarbonise regional aviation.
The fresh funding, bolstered by research grants from Bavarian and German authorities, will be used to expand the company’s workforce, accelerate the aircraft’s development, and solidify its commercial presence. Early customers have already been secured in Denmark, the Benelux region, and Germany, indicating strong market interest in connecting decentralised areas with sustainable flight options.
The Microliner is initially intended to cater to business passengers, with plans to expand into consumer markets as the technology matures. Additional use cases, such as air ambulance services, are also being explored in collaboration with Aero-Dienst.
Daria Saharova, General Partner at World Fund, stressed the urgency of decarbonising the aviation sector: “Aviation demand is expected to more than double by 2040, so we urgently need to decarbonise this sector. VÆRIDION has unique technology, a world-class team, and the support to power the future of aviation.”
As the global aviation industry strives to balance increasing demand with sustainability goals, VÆRIDION’s innovative approach could play a pivotal role in shaping the future of regional travel. The company’s focus on operational efficiency and zero-emission technology positions it as a key player in the evolving market for green aviation solutions.