Zuri, a Czech developer of hybrid VTOL aircraft, has announced the successful closing of an EUR 3 million investment in its recently concluded pre-Series A funding round. Initially targeted at EUR1.5 million, the round was oversubscribed nearly threefold, ultimately raising EUR4.4 million.
According to Michal Illich, Founder of Zuri. “With the funds raised, we can now confidently accelerate the next stage of our development – building our next-generation technology demonstrator, TD 2.0. Building on the first-generation design – an 11-meter demonstrator, which has already completed flight testing -TD 2.0 will deliver advancements in three main areas:
- Hybrid Powertrain: Integrating a hybrid propulsion system combining electric and internal combustion technologies to deliver extended range, operational flexibility, and reduced environmental impact.
- Full Flight Mode Capability: Zuri’s large-scale demonstrator will operate in all flight modes — vertical take-off and landing (VTOL), transition, and cruise — thanks to the incorporation of tiltrotors.
- Refined Zuri 2.0 Design: The new Zuri 2.0 aircraft design, introduces advanced tiltrotors and a reengineered tail section, significantly improving aerodynamic efficiency, stability, and overall performance.
“With TD 2.0, we’re not just making incremental improvements — we’re redefining what’s possible in VTOL mobility,” added Illich. “This phase of development will demonstrate the potential of our hybrid concept, bringing us one step closer to safe, efficient, sustainable, and on-demand mid-range travel.”
This investment round was led by Jan Barta, General Partner of Pale Fire Capital (PFC), a leading PE firm with a diverse portfolio spanning technology, energy, and global markets.
To support this next phase, Zuri is expanding its team to accelerate progress toward delivering hybrid VTOL solutions. The company is hiring across multiple disciplines, including aerospace design, project management, electrical engineering, and software development.
For more information
https://zuri.com/