Zurich-based aerial robotics startup, Voliro, announced the close of a $12 million Series A funding round, led by Cherry Ventures, alongside existing investors and a debt facility. This latest funding brings the total capital raised by the company to $22 million, positioning Voliro to accelerate its growth and expand the use of its cutting-edge drones in industrial inspection, maintenance, and repair.
Since its founding in 2019, Voliro has specialized in developing drones designed to work in challenging environments, performing complex tasks like non-destructive testing (NDT) and contact-based inspections. The company's first product, launched in November 2022, features a tiltable rotor system that allows its drones to engage with surfaces at any angle. This innovation is particularly useful in industries that require precise work at height, such as oil and gas, energy, and heavy infrastructure.
“Voliro’s aerial robots are not just tools for visual inspections but can also conduct physical testing and maintenance on hard-to-reach structures like flare stacks, wind turbines, and overwater assets,” said COO and co-founder Timo Müller. The technology is already in use by major industry players like Chevron, Holcim, and Acuren, which rely on Voliro’s drones to reduce both the risks and costs associated with traditional inspection methods.
Voliro Executive TeamOne of the significant advantages of Voliro’s technology is its ability to perform inspections without the need for scaffolding or rope access, drastically cutting downtime for industrial operations. “When inspecting a flare stack, for example, our drones can complete the task in 20 minutes, compared to the days or weeks needed for scaffolding-based methods,” said CEO Florian Gutzwiller in an interview with TechCrunch.
The Series A round comes at a time when startups in the robotics sector face a tough fundraising environment. However, Voliro’s robust market traction and unique technology proved to be strong selling points for investors. Cherry Ventures’ Partner Christian Meermann emphasized the broader potential of the technology, stating, “Voliro is setting a new standard in industrial inspections by addressing critical safety and efficiency challenges across multiple industries.”
Voliro’s growth strategy revolves around a B2B subscription model that bundles hardware, software, training, and updates into a comprehensive package. This model ensures a steady stream of revenue and allows Voliro to continually invest in research and development. “We’re committed to pushing the boundaries of what’s possible in aerial robotics, and this funding will help us accelerate that mission,” Gutzwiller added.
In the coming years, Voliro plans to expand its product capabilities, adding support for third-party sensors and even exploring the potential for its robots to handle repair tasks autonomously, such as rust removal or coating applications. As the company scales its operations globally, it hopes to become the industry standard for work at height, aiming to eliminate the need for human workers to take on risky tasks in dangerous environments.
With its innovative technology and strategic approach, Voliro is well-positioned to transform how industrial inspections and maintenance are conducted, making them safer, more efficient, and less dependent on human labor. As Gutzwiller put it, "The sky really is the limit for what's possible."
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