German aviation startup Vaeridion has raised €30 million in a new equity funding round and been selected for a potential €94.5 million grant from the European Union to advance development and production preparations for its Microliner electric regional aircraft.
The Series A2 round was led by SHIFT Invest and Invest-NL, with participation from existing investors World Fund, Project A and Vsquared Ventures, alongside deep-tech investor Alexander Rittweger. Including previous public funding, Vaeridion says it has secured approximately €60 million to date.
The new equity will primarily support the development of certification-compliant prototypes, alongside integrated battery and powertrain testing.
EU Funding to Support Production in Bavaria
The European Commission selected Vaeridion’s CAROLUS project for support under the EU Innovation Fund. The proposed €94.5 million grant would help establish a final assembly line at Oberpfaffenhofen Airport and prepare the facility for production ramp-up.
The funding has not yet been formally approved. Vaeridion was selected as one of 12 major projects from 358 applications, with the funding agreement expected to be signed in 2027.
The company has operated a production and testing facility in Oberpfaffenhofen since March 2026. It previously took over a building used by Lilium for battery development and manufacturing, which it plans to expand for Microliner assembly.
Nine-Seat Aircraft Targets 400 Kilometres of Range
The Microliner is being developed as an all-electric regional aircraft for up to nine passengers. Vaeridion targets a range of 400 kilometres under instrument flight rules, increasing to up to 550 kilometres with four passengers under visual flight conditions. A cargo version is also planned.
The aircraft is being developed under the European Union Aviation Safety Agency’s (EASA) CS-23 certification framework.
Its design combines a glider-inspired wing, modular integrated battery system and multiple electric motors driving a common propeller. Vaeridion recently commissioned its electric motor for the first time and plans to integrate the battery packs and propulsion system into a ground test rig known as the Copper Bird.
The company says it has completed a Preliminary Design Review and a second Pre-Application Contract with EASA during the past 12 months.
Purchase Commitments Exceed 130 Aircraft
Vaeridion reports purchase commitments for more than 130 aircraft, representing a potential total value above €730 million. ASL Group has been identified as its first customer.
KLM, BayernLB and TrueNoord are also supporting the company through a Market Advisory Committee.
The Microliner is being developed in Munich and Delft, with manufacturing planned in Bavaria. Vaeridion intends to expand its European workforce while concentrating on certification and industrialisation in the coming years.