• UK-based airtaxi and drone logistics company Skyports has raised USD 23 million in the first close of its Series B funding, with participation from existing investors including Irelandia, Deutsche Bahn Digital Ventures, Groupe ADP, and new investors like Kanematsu Corporation, Goodman Group, and 2i Aeroporti. This brings the company’s total funds raised to date to just over USD 30 million.

• In relation to drone-based delivery operations, the company intends to use the funds to expand its drone services in both new and existing markets, adding to its operations in the UK and other European and Asian countries. In addition, Skyports also plans to use the funds to accelerate its work on take-off and landing infrastructure for airtaxi services in partnership with airtaxi manufacturers and operators.

• In conjunction with the funding, a member from Japanese trading company Kanematsu Corporation and Ken Allen, CEO of DHL eCommerce, will also join the Skyports’ Board of Directors.

<ul><li> Analyst QuickTake: Skyports has had strong ties with Kanematsu Corporation since 2020. The duo first partnered to develop vertiport infrastructure and conduct joint research. They expanded the partnership in April 2021 to launch commercial advanced air mobility (AMM) services in Japan by deploying both passenger and cargo transport solutions. Additionally, the company has an October 2021 partnership with its investor Irelandia to establish a joint venture to start drone-based medical delivery trials in Columbia, starting mid-2022. It plans to expand the service to wider Latin America in the future.</ul>