Slovak Investment Holding and investors from Israel and China invest in AeroMobil
Slovak Investment Holding (SIH) confirmed an investment in AeroMobil Holding S.A., an early pioneer in the development of flying cars. SIH’s co-investors are the Israeli investment company Focus Capital Group and the Chinese manufacturing and investment firm Weilong Enterprise based in Shanghai.
The CEO of SIH, Ivan Lesay, commented that “AeroMobil has long ranked as one of the most well-known Slovak global brands and is also one of the most adept Slovak companies at acquiring technology patents. We welcome the opportunity to support this company in its further development and to attract private investment in this transaction.”
AeroMobil is one of the leading technology start-ups in the fast-paced sector for flying cars and personal air transportation. This particular investment will enable AeroMobil to complete the certification process and then launch sales of the version 4.0 of its flying car for air and ground operations.
According to Patrick Hessel, Chairman of AeroMobil, “This project confirms that Slovakia possesses an array of skilled people who are able to come up with breakthrough technologies in new industries. I believe this young enterprise from a small country has the potential to achieve commercialization of flying cars around the world.”
Thanks to its flying car prototype, AeroMobil has succeeded in promoting Slovakia across the globe. As part of its research and development in flying cars, the company has so far registered more than 14 global patents and innovative technologies and is one of the top filer of patent applications in Europe.
Meir Arnon, Chairman of the Board of Directors and CEO of Focus Capital Group, Israel, sums up the main reasons behind his company’s decision to support this investment: "The experienced international AeroMobil team with their incredible dream combined with extensive aviation and automotive expertise as well as a suitable model 4.0 certification process, clearly differentiated AeroMobil from other Personal Air Mobility players.
A new addition to SIH's investments is the involvement of an Asian co-investor. Dr. Di Wang, Managing Director of Weilong Enterprise based in Shanghai characterises the investment as follows: "The speed at which the Chinese market accepts technological innovation is admirable and liberalization of the general aviation market in China is already under way. China is forecast to be the largest aviation market by 2030 and AeroMobil can be very soon a part of future transportation infrastructure that will enhance mobility opportunities in large urbanised metropolises."
The SIH investment takes the form of an equity financing from the European Structural and Investment Funds, the Operational Program Research and Innovation. SIH is currently drawing up further investments in Slovakia within the sector of innovative small and medium-sized enterprises.
About Slovak Investment Holding
SIH is a 100% state-owned joint stock company. Its primary goal is to support strategic public and private investments in Slovakia in the areas of infrastructure, energy efficiency, waste management, social economy, health, cultural and creative industries and small and medium-sized enterprises. SIH draws on European Structural and Investment Funds to fund its investments. SIH finances projects exclusively in a repayable form, i.e. using financial instruments rather than grants.