Japan’s eVTOL pioneer accelerates certification and development with new capital and expanded railway alliances
TOKYO: SkyDrive Inc., a leading Japanese manufacturer of electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) aircraft, announced Friday it has raised ¥8.3 billion in Pre-Series D funding through a third-party allotment.
The round was led by MUFG Bank, Ltd., with participation from Suzuki Motor Corporation, East Japan Railway Company (JR East), Kyushu Railway Company (JR Kyushu), and seven other investors. The latest infusion brings SkyDrive’s total funding to over ¥43 billion.
The capital will support SkyDrive’s efforts to obtain type certification for its flagship SD-05 aircraft, expand its development team, and enhance testing and operational infrastructure. The SD-05, a lightweight three-seater eVTOL, received its G-1 certification basis from Japan’s Civil Aviation Bureau (JCAB) in February 2025.
New investors in this round include JR East, JR Kyushu, and Univance Corporation. Returning backers include Suzuki, MUFG Bank, Itochu Technology Ventures, Obayashi Corporation, Kansai Electric Power, Toyoda Iron Works, NHK Spring, and SuMi Trust Innovation Investment.
SkyDrive’s partnerships with JR East and JR Kyushu mark a strategic expansion of its mobility ecosystem, which already includes Osaka Metro and Kintetsu Group Holdings. The company now maintains capital and business alliances with four major railway operators.
“These collaborations will help integrate eVTOL services into existing transportation networks, enabling seamless connections between ground and air travel,” said SkyDrive CEO Tomohiro Fukuzawa. “We’re also working together on air route planning, vertiport development, and public engagement to build support for next-generation mobility.”
JR East President Yoichi Kise emphasized the historical significance of the partnership: “By integrating railway services with eVTOL technology, we aim to help build a more comfortable and sustainable society.”
JR Kyushu President Yoji Furumiya highlighted the regional impact: “eVTOL will offer both memorable travel experiences and practical daily transport options, aligning with our vision for sustainable mobility and regional revitalization.”
Univance Corporation President Norihiko Takao added, “We are excited to contribute our expertise in drive systems to help build the infrastructure for a new era of transportation.”
SkyDrive has received over 380 pre-orders for its eVTOL aircraft across seven countries. In April 2025, the company successfully conducted a demonstration flight at the Osaka-Kansai Expo site. With certification plans progressing and international interest growing, SkyDrive is positioning itself as a global leader in urban air mobility.
“We remain committed to advancing our development efforts as a united team,” said Fukuzawa. “This funding and these partnerships bring us closer to realizing a future where eVTOLs are part of everyday life.”