Beyond Aero Secures $20 Million to Propel Launch of Hydrogen-Powered Business Jet

Toulouse-based startup Beyond Aero has secured an additional $20 million in its Series A funding, marking a major step toward introducing the first hydrogen-powered electric business aircraft. The round, co-led by Giant Ventures and Bpifrance through its Deeptech 2030 fund, also drew support from Initialized Capital, Airbnb, Dropbox co-founders Nate Blecharczyk and Arash Ferdowsi, alongside several prominent athletes.

Beyond Aero aims to reshape aviation, focusing on business jets, which emit significantly more CO2 per passenger than commercial flights. Founded in 2020 by Valentin Chomel, Eloa Guillotin, and Hugo Tarlé, the startup's goal is clear: decarbonize aviation, starting with the most emissions-intensive sector.

Recently, Beyond Aero achieved France's first manned hydrogen-electric flight and hired Luiz Oliveira, a former advisor for Embraer's hydrogen initiatives, as its Chief Engineer. With Letters of Intent (LOIs) worth $914 million for 108 aircraft, demand for Beyond Aero's technology is evident.

The startup has allocated $12 million to establish an advanced Hydrogen Electric Powertrain Lab to propel development. This facility will test all elements of the hydrogen-electric system, replicating an aircraft's powerplant with a focus on integrated performance, safety, and hydrogen refuelling.

The aircraft, named One, is the first hydrogen-electric business jet capable of carrying up to 8 passengers over 800 nautical miles—five times the range of conventional battery-electric planes. The team is redesigning a CS23 aircraft specifically for hydrogen-electric propulsion, which will operate solely on fuel cells, emitting only water as a byproduct.

Beyond Aero's commitment to sustainability aligns with global climate goals, as the company seeks to curb the aviation industry's carbon footprint. Strategic partnerships with over 50 airports, including ADP, are underway to establish hydrogen refuelling infrastructure, prioritizing gaseous hydrogen for streamlined adoption. Collaborations with Formula One and the automotive industry also provide critical insights into advanced hydrogen powertrain technologies.

Earlier this year, Beyond Aero conducted a successful test flight using a sub-scale hydrogen powertrain, positioning itself as France's first and Europe's second company to achieve this feat. These early tests validated the powertrain's design, setting the stage for future advancements and positioning Beyond Aero as a leader in sustainable aviation innovation.

“Eloa Guillotin is the most visionary leader in aerospace today. Her bold ambition to reshape aviation with electric, hydrogen-powered aircraft aligns perfectly with our mission to back purpose-driven founders solving the world’s biggest challenges,” said Jon Dishotsky, Partner at Giant Ventures. 

“We led Beyond Aero’s seed because we saw in Eloa both the determination and the skills to make hydrogen-powered business planes a reality, and there was no question that we would continue our support in their Series A. In the short time since our initial investment, the team has achieved milestones that would take years for anyone building in this space; this team will transform aviation and have incredible impacts on this industry’s emissions,” said Brett Gibson, Managing Partner at Initialized. 

“We have formed a powerful alliance of investors from Europe and the U.S. Giant Ventures offers invaluable guidance, a client network, and a global perspective. Initialized Capital, having supported us since the Seed round, brings founder experience in scaling industry leaders. Bpifrance represents the solid national commitment of the France 2030 plan to clean energy innovation. With prominent public figures who share our vision, we are making aviation electric and achieving our global ambitions,” added Eloa Guillotin, Co-Founder and CEO of Beyond Aero.