VÆRIDION

📂 Hardware & Deep Tech📂 Mobility & Logistics📂 Climate Tech📍 Munich🗓️ Founded: 2021

Munich aircraft maker developing the Microliner, an electric plane for passenger and cargo regional routes.

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Podcast Episode

🎙️ Deep Dive

VÆRIDION, EuroCDP, Kabilio — €30M for electric aviation, €525M for chips and €10M for AI accounting — Daily News November 5, 2026

Listen to the episode

About VÆRIDION

Founded in Munich in 2021 by former Airbus managers Ivor van Dartel (CEO) and Sebastian Seemann, VÆRIDION is developing the Microliner: a fully electric aircraft carrying nine passengers or up to 10 m³ of cargo, designed to EASA CS-23 requirements, with patented modular batteries integrated into the wing and a 400 km range. It has engineering teams in Munich and Delft and, since March 2026, a test and production facility at Oberpfaffenhofen airport. It reports commitments for more than 130 aircraft worth over €730 million, with ASL Group as launch customer. On 5 November 2026 it closed a €30 million Series A2 led by SHIFT Invest and Invest-NL, with World Fund, Project A and Vsquared Ventures, to build the first conforming prototype. Its CAROLUS project was also selected for a €94.5 million EU Innovation Fund grant for the final assembly line: the selection becomes final only once the agreement is signed, expected in 2027. Commercial service is targeted for 2030.

The Story

Founded in Munich in 2021 by former Airbus managers Ivor van Dartel and Sebastian Seemann.

How VÆRIDION works

Business Model

Sales of aircraft and battery technology to operators, airlines and lessors.

Revenue Model

Aircraft orders and deliveries, starting with commercial service targeted for 2030.

Products & Services

Key Products

  • Microliner
  • Airborne battery systems

Core Use Cases

  • Regional passenger transport
  • Regional cargo transport
  • Connections from small airports

Market & Clients

Key Customers

Regional airlines, charter and cargo operators and lessors; ASL Group is the launch customer.

Geographic Presence

DENLBE

How VÆRIDION competes

Competitors

Heart AerospaceAura Aero

Competitive Advantages

  • Design aimed at EASA CS-23 certification
  • Modular batteries integrated into the wing
  • Test and production facility at Oberpfaffenhofen

How VÆRIDION grows

Growth Strategy

Build the conforming prototype, complete testing, obtain certification and start final assembly at Oberpfaffenhofen.

Distribution Model

Direct sales and commercial agreements with operators and lessors.

Regulatory Context

EASA CS-23 certification, aviation battery safety and EU Innovation Fund conditions.

Key Risks

  • Certification delays
  • Battery performance and safety
  • Industrialisation costs
  • Grant not yet finalised
  • Commercial commitments not yet converted into firm orders

Strategic Insights

  • Certification is the main bridge between a prototype and the market.
  • Private equity and an industrial grant fund different stages of the same programme.

Funding & Investors

Funding Rounds

  • 2026 - Series A2: €30M
    Lead: SHIFT Invest, Invest-NL

Key Investors

SHIFT InvestInvest-NLWorld FundProject AVsquared Ventures

Founding Team

Founders

Ivor van DartelFounder & CEO
Sebastian SeemannCo-founder

Key Metrics

Impegni per aereioltre 130, per più di €730 milioni (2026)
Capitale raccolto dichiaratocirca €60 milioni (2026)

Lessons from VÆRIDION

  • In regulated hardware, prototype, certification and factory need separate capital and milestones.

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Sources

🎙️ Scalable Podcast — European startup stories · 🇮🇹 in Italian
Spotify 🎧 Apple