Advanced Air Mobility News

Korean eVTOL Startup Plana Aero Completes Pre-Series A Round Fundraising

Korean eVTOL Startup Plana Aero Completes Pre-Series A Round Fundraising

Korean startup Plana Aero has successfully raised some 11.8 billion Korean won, about US$8.3 million, in a pre-series A investment round to build a seven-seat hybrid-electric VTOL air taxi.

The amount has brought the company’s investment total close to US$10 million in developing a hybrid-electric aircraft that it intends to build in 2023.

The aircraft features a long body with a cabin that resembles those of business jets and can fly 350 miles (500 km) at speeds up to 217 mph (350 km/h). It also has a full vectored thrust design with six five-blade electric props.

The company hopes to have a demonstration aircraft ready in 2024, with the mass production of its hybrid VTOL scheduled to start in 2028.

The list of inventors willing to support Plana’s vision includes Schmidt, DSC Investment, Shinhan Asset Management, FuturePlay, Industrial Bank of Korea, Dt& Investment, Xeno Holdings Asia, and Kibo Technology Fund.

INDUSTRY REPORTS