- SkyDrive raises ¥8.3 billion in pre-Series D funding led by MUFG Bank with participation from Suzuki, JR East, JR Kyushu, and others.
- Total cumulative investment in SkyDrive now exceeds ¥43 billion since 2018.
- New partnerships with Japanese railway companies aim to integrate eVTOL aircraft into public transit infrastructure.
- Over 380 pre-orders from 7 countries signal growing global interest in electric air mobility.
- SkyDrive’s 3-seater SD-05 aircraft continues certification and testing with Japan’s Civil Aviation Bureau.
🚀 SkyDrive’s Latest Funding Pushes Japan Closer to Air-Rail Mobility Integration
SkyDrive Inc., the Toyota-based electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) aircraft developer, has secured ¥8.3 billion (approx. $51.5 million) in Pre-Series D funding, the company announced on July 4. This major round includes investments from automotive giant Suzuki, East Japan Railway Company (JR East), Kyushu Railway Company (JR Kyushu), and MUFG Bank, among others.
The funding, which pushes SkyDrive’s total capital raised to over ¥43 billion, will be used to strengthen its aircraft development, expand testing infrastructure, and speed up certification activities with Japan’s Civil Aviation Bureau (JCAB).
🚄 Strategic Rail Partnerships to Enable Seamless Air-Ground Travel
With new capital and business alliances now secured with four major railway companies—including Osaka Metro and Kintetsu Group—SkyDrive aims to build a mobility network that merges its eVTOL aircraft into Japan’s robust rail systems. Planned outcomes include dedicated air routes, vertiport infrastructure, and public outreach to promote eVTOL adoption in both rural and urban areas.
Initial projects have already begun in Iwate and Oita Prefectures, supported by government subsidies under Japan’s “Advanced Air Mobility Commercial Services” initiative for fiscal year 2025.
🌏 Global Momentum with 380+ Pre-Orders Across 7 Countries
CEO Tomohiro Fukuzawa confirmed that the company has received over 380 pre-orders for the SD-05, a lightweight three-seater eVTOL designed for daily public transport. The aircraft recently completed successful flight demonstrations at the Osaka-Kansai Expo site and is now in the final stages of certification planning with JCAB.
🔧 Industry Backing from Automotive and Tech Giants
Among SkyDrive’s continuing investors are ITOCHU Technology Ventures, Kansai Electric Power, Obayashi Corporation, NHK Spring, and Toyoda Iron Works—companies bringing technical, financial, and infrastructure expertise to accelerate Japan’s leap into next-gen mobility.
Univance Corporation, a newcomer to the investment round, emphasized the synergy between eVTOL development and automotive powertrain technologies. “We believe our experience in advanced drive systems will help support the air mobility transition,” said Univance President Norihiko Takao.
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