Dronamics secures $92.5 million funding for managing cargo deliveries via drones
Dronamics Secures €30 Million in Funding, Prepares for Commercial Cargo Drone Flights in Europe
Dronamics, the UK-Bulgaria cargo drone pioneer, has secured approximately €30 million in equity funding from the European Innovation Council’s (EIC) Strategic Technologies for Europe Platform (STEP), bringing its total verified funding to about $92.5 million USD (equity and grants combined).
The company reached a major milestone in 2023 by successfully flying its full-scale cargo drone, the Black Swan. Since then, it has been rigorously continuing test flights. With this strong financial backing, Dronamics is now preparing to launch commercial cargo drone flights in Europe.
The Black Swan is a purpose-built, long-range cargo drone capable of carrying 350 kg (770 lbs) over 2,500 km (1,550 miles). It operates on conventional runways as short as 400 meters and is powered by a single piston engine optimized for fuel efficiency and long-range performance. The airframe uses lightweight composite materials for operational efficiency.
To support scaling, Dronamics is building a network of regional drone ports and remote operations centers across Europe. It is the first and only licensed cargo drone airline in Europe, approved since December 2022. The company focuses on transforming middle-mile regional logistics, targeting industries that demand flexible and cost-effective freight solutions, including e-commerce and pharmaceuticals.
Dronamics plans to accelerate its commercial rollout across Europe, leveraging its robust funding and strategic investments to maintain its lead in advanced air mobility and cargo drone operations. The company emphasizes a pragmatic and efficient aircraft design (fixed-wing, remotely piloted) that supports both civilian logistics and dual-use missions.
The company has strategic plans to begin operations in Bulgaria by the end of 2025, instead of the initially planned Greece. Greece remains on their expansion roadmap, along with other countries like Portugal, where government support is favorable. Dronamics is also cultivating partnerships with major logistics companies such as DHL and Hellmann Worldwide.
In summary, Dronamics is well-funded and prepared to launch commercial flights starting in Bulgaria in late 2025, expanding to Greece, Portugal, and beyond, while scaling infrastructure and partnerships to establish a leading European cargo drone logistics network.
In light of the €30 million funding secured from the European Innovation Council’s (EIC) Strategic Technologies for Europe Platform (STEP), Dronamics is poised to harness technology in the finance industry by automating its commercial cargo drone flights across Europe. As the first and only licensed cargo drone airline, Dronamics is utilizing technology to revolutionize middle-mile regional logistics, particularly in sectors such as e-commerce and pharmaceuticals.
