Voliro, a Zurich-based company specializing in aerial mobile robotics, has raised €10.8 million ($12 million) in a Series A funding round led by Cherry Ventures, with participation from business angels, family offices, and a debt facility. This brings the startup’s total funding to €20 million, allowing it to expand its product offerings and enter new markets.
Founded in 2019 by Timo Müller and Dr. Marius Fehr, the swiss startup develops advanced flying robots designed to perform contact-based inspections and maintenance tasks at height. The company’s flagship product, launched in November 2022, features a drone with a tiltable rotor system that can interact with surfaces at any angle. This innovation enhances safety and efficiency in industrial operations, eliminating the need for scaffolding or rope access.
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Global Impact Across Key Industries
The startup’s technology is used by major industry players like Chevron, Holcim, and Acuren for inspecting flare stacks, wind turbines, and other hard-to-reach infrastructure. The drones perform non-destructive testing (NDT) and other precision-based tasks, significantly reducing time, costs, and safety risks associated with traditional methods.
Scalable Business Model
The company operates on a B2B subscription model that includes hardware, software, updates, training, and support, offering customers a comprehensive solution for industrial inspections. CEO Florian Gutzwiller noted that the company’s recurring revenue model allows for continuous investment in R&D, ensuring ongoing innovation in aerial robotics.
Investor Confidence
Christian Meermann, Partner at Cherry Ventures, praised Voliro for setting a new standard in industrial inspections, addressing key safety and efficiency challenges. He emphasized the firm’s support for Voliro’s global expansion and the impact of its innovative solutions on work at height.
