German Drone Start-up Wingcopter Scores Major Investment

A German drone start-up is flying high this week after winning a multi-million-dollar seed investment from a Singaporean company.

Corecam Capital Partners injected an undisclosed, seven-figure funding round to Wingcopter, a UAV firm dedicated to providing “drones for good” to assist at-risk nations.

Company officials say they will use the seed money to expand its 35-member team and to enhance future product development.

Operating in 10 countries, Wingcopter develops and produces autonomous delivery drones for social and civilian applications, fulfilling the company’s mission of “Technology with a Purpose.”

Wingcopter drones feature patented tilt-rotor mechanism that a spokesperson said, “closes the gap between commercial drones, helicopters and fixed-wing aircraft.”

“The investment in Wingcopter is the ideal addition to our existing portfolio in the fast-growing drone technology market,” Corecam managing partner Martin Lechner said in a press release.

“Their unique tilt-rotor mechanism as well as the strong global patent protection and the interest of blue-chip customers were decisive for us.”

Wingcopter drones can take off and land vertically. As soon as the UAV peaks to its desired flight altitude, all four rotors swivel 90 degrees. This will transform the drone into an unmanned fixed-wing vehicle in seconds.

Flexibility in flight profile gives Wingcopter drones a range of 75 miles per flight. The company reportedly holds a Guinness world record for speeds of 150 mph. Wingcopter’s autonomous flight capabilities allows it to fly in extreme weather as well.

Most Wingcopter missions focus on delivering medical products – medicine, vaccines, blood or lab samples – as well as food delivery to impoverished regions.

Over the past few years, Wingcopter has launched relief missions or trials in Tanzania, Vanuatu and Ireland.

“We are pleased to have won Corecam as a renowned investor with extensive experience in the drones sector,” CEO Tom Plümmer said.

“The financing will help to significantly speed up our growth, meet the already high domestic and international demand and focus on the most promising markets with regards to global expansion. Our vision is to sustainably improve the lives of people around the world with our technology.”