Obvious Ventures, a firm known for its commitment to sustainability and electric mobility, has taken its next big leap by investing in electric aviation. Leading a $40M Series B funding round for Pyka, an autonomous electric aircraft startup, Obvious sees electrified flight as the next frontier in reducing carbon emissions and advancing transportation technology.
Moving Beyond Ground-Based Electric Mobility
While Obvious has already invested heavily in electric vehicles—spanning cars, buses, and trucks—the firm believes the electrification of aviation is imminent. Flying remains one of the most carbon-intensive human activities, and Obvious envisions a future where electric passenger jets take to the skies. However, the first step in that direction is already here: electric, pilotless aircraft.
Pyka, which specializes in autonomous electric planes, stands at the forefront of this shift. The company is currently deploying its aircraft for agricultural spraying and cargo delivery, offering a glimpse into how electric aviation can improve sustainability and safety.
Pyka TeamRevolutionizing Agriculture and Cargo Delivery
Pyka’s two autonomous electric aircraft models, the Pelican Spray and the Pelican Cargo, have already entered commercial operations. The Pelican Spray, with a 700-pound payload, is used for agricultural spraying in Latin America, offering a safer alternative to traditional crop dusting. Agricultural piloting is one of the most dangerous jobs in America, with accident rates and pesticide exposure risks making it three times deadlier than commercial aviation. By removing human pilots from this hazardous work, Pyka’s aircraft contribute to both safety and sustainability in farming.
The Pelican Cargo, capable of carrying up to 400 pounds over distances of 200 miles, opens the door for electric aviation to disrupt cargo delivery. For rural and island communities, these planes offer the potential to deliver essential goods quickly and sustainably.
Pyka’s Team and Vision
The investment in Pyka is as much about the company’s technology as it is about its leadership. Co-founders Michael Norcia, Chuma Ogunwole, Nathan White, and Kyle Moore bring expertise from autonomous aviation, engineering, and renewable energy, with a strong commitment to electrification and decarbonization. Their mission-driven approach aligns closely with Obvious Ventures’ long-term vision for a cleaner, greener future.
While many aerospace companies are tied up in the lengthy certification process for electric passenger planes, Pyka is focusing on practical applications that can take off now—literally. Their focus on immediate use cases, such as agricultural spraying and cargo delivery, positions them to lead the charge in electric aviation before larger passenger aircraft hit the skies.
The Future of Electric Aviation
Looking ahead, Pyka’s next goal is to expand into package delivery and freight transport, providing sustainable solutions for rural and remote communities. Whether it’s an island nation in the Caribbean or a small town off the coast of Maine, Pyka’s electric aircraft promise to bring essential goods with zero emissions.
Over the next five years, Obvious Ventures anticipates Pyka will become a premier name in electric aviation, revolutionizing how goods are transported while minimizing environmental impact. With this investment, Obvious Ventures continues to push the boundaries of sustainable transportation, and Pyka is poised to take the electric mobility movement to the skies.
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