Aircraft
Czech Startup Seeks Funding for Hybrid-electric VTOL
Zuri aims to raise an initial €15 million to accelerate work on its planned five-seat vehicle, which it says could support regional routes up to 380 nm.
Digital rendering of Zuri's five-seat hybrid electric VTOL aircraft taking off from helipad
Zuri is developing a five-seat hybrid electric VTOL aircraft to operate regional routes around 700 km. (Image: Zuri)

Czech startup Zuri this week launched a pre-Series A investment round in a bid to raise around €15 million ($16.5 million) in funds to support the development of a five-seat, hybrid-electric VTOL aircraft. Co-founder Michal Illich says the vehicle is expected to have a range of around 380 nm, with a 30-minute energy reserve, and a cruise speed of 160 to 190 knots.

Since September 2021, Zuri’s team of 18 engineers has conducted hover testing with a technology demonstrator aircraft with an 11-meter (36-foot) wingspan. The company said it also achieved vertical to horizontal transition flights with the subscale model.