Vaeridion secures 124.5 million euros for E-Microliner
Vaeridion has raised 30 million euros in new equity and was also selected for an EU grant of over 94.5 million euros. The Munich-based startup plans to use this funding to get its electric Microliner approved for use and to prepare for mass production in Oberpfaffenhofen.
The Microliner is designed to transport up to nine passengers over distances of up to 400 kilometers using electricity.
Image: Vaeridion
The new funds are intended primarily for the first certification-compliant prototypes of the Microliner, as well as for integrated battery and propulsion tests. Meanwhile, the European Commission has selected the CAROLUS project for funding from the EU Innovation Fund. The 94.5 million euros are meant to support the establishment of an assembly plant at Oberpfaffenhofen Airport and the ramp-up of production.
The new Series-A2 round, amounting to 30 million euros, is led by SHIFT Invest and Invest-NL. Other participants include previous investors such as World Fund, Project A, and Vsquared Ventures, as well as deep-tech investor Alexander Rittweger. According to Vaeridion, combined with previous public funding, the company has raised around 60 million euros to date.
The funding has not yet been officially approved. Vaeridion was selected from 358 applications as one of twelve major projects. The funding agreement is expected to be signed in 2027.
Microliner to fly up to 400 kilometers on electricity
The Microliner is designed as a fully electric regional aircraft for up to nine passengers. Under instrument flight rules, Vaeridion aims for a range of 400 kilometers, while with four passengers under visual flight conditions, it can reach up to 550 kilometers. In addition to the passenger version, a cargo variant is also planned. The aircraft is being developed in accordance with EASA’s CS-23 category requirements.
Technically, Vaeridion relies on a wing inspired by glider design, an integrated modular battery system, and several electric motors that drive a single propeller. Since March 2026, the company has been operating a production and testing facility in Oberpfaffenhofen. There, the electric motor was tested for the first time. Next, battery packs and the propulsion system are set to be integrated in a ground test rig known as the “Copper Bird.”
Vaeridion has also made progress in the certification process. According to the company, a Preliminary Design Review and a second Pre-Application Contract with EASA were completed over the past twelve months.
In Oberpfaffenhofen, the startup acquired a specialized facility previously used by Lilium for battery development and manufacturing as early as 2025. The planned CAROLUS funding is intended to further industrialize this site and add final assembly of the Microliner there.
Vaeridion also cites purchase commitments for over 130 aircraft with a total value of more than 730 million euros. The company names ASL Group as its first customer. In addition, entities such as KLM, BayernLB, and TrueNoord support the company through a Market Advisory Committee.
The Microliner is set to be developed in Munich and Delft, with manufacturing taking place in Bavaria. Vaeridion aims to expand its team in Europe and focus on industrialization and certification in the coming years.