Boeing Leads $16M Funding Round in Drone Delivery Startup Matternet

Aerospace giant Boeing has today announced an investment – via Boeing HorizonX Ventures – in Matternet. The Menlo Park startup has made notable progress pioneering drone deliveries in urban environments, and it looks as though Boeing wants a piece of the pie.

Matternet’s technology is an end to end drone delivery logistics platform, made up of the Matternet M2 Drone, the Matternet Station and the Matternet Cloud. Boeing has suggested that its expertise in complex logistics, integration and manufacturing capabilities will help to take Matternet’s platform to the next level.

Read more: Swiss Partnership Launches BVLOS Medical Drone Flights

In Switzerland last year, Matternet became the world’s first company to receive authorization to launch UAV operations over densely populated areas. The company has since been conducting flights in partnership with Swiss Post for on-demand deliveries of medical samples to hospitals.

“Matternet’s technology and proven track record make the development of a safe, global autonomous air mobility system a near-term reality,” said Brian Schettler, managing director of Boeing HorizonX Ventures. “Our investment will allow Matternet to scale its operations while strengthening Boeing’s position as a leader in next-generation transportation solutions.”

We’re helping scale the future of safe, aerial on-demand deliveries as #BoeingHorizonX invests in UAV logistics startup @matternet. pic.twitter.com/XJLrbkNoCu

— The Boeing Company (@Boeing) June 26, 2018

Matternet’s involvement in the FAA’s UAS Integration Pilot Program was announced in May this year. The startup is set to work with hospitals, universities and transportation agencies in California and North Carolina to facilitate on-demand delivery of medical supplies and samples.

In all it adds up to an exciting investment from Boeing and a firm vote of confidence for Matternet’s technology – particularly the drive to make medical drone deliveries more commonplace.

Read more: Drone Integration Pilot Program Partners Announced

“We are excited to partner with Boeing, the pioneers of safe commercial aviation, to make this new mode of transport mainstream,” said Matternet Founder and Chief Executive Officer Andreas Raptopoulos.

“As we expand Matternet’s U.S. and global operations, we will work with Boeing to make next-generation aerial logistics networks a reality and transform our everyday lives.”

Boeing HorizonX Ventures led the $16 million, Series A investment in Matternet. Swiss Post, Sony Innovation Fund and Levitate Capital also participated.