Russian businessman and philanthropist Ismail Akhmetov has invested in Hoversurf, a pioneer in autonomous flying vehicles. The amount of the deal was not disclosed, but company valuation was established at $30 million, the Russian media reported.
Previous investors in the company include Qiwi co-founder Sergey Solonin, the Starta Ventures fund and several Russian individual investors.
Defining itself as an “urban air mobility technology company,” Hoversurf develops what can be described as futuristic electric-powered vessels or human-carrying drones.
Its flagship product is a hoverbike which looks as a giant quadcopter. Its seat puts the controls directly in the hands of the pilot.
Back in 2014, the engine was initially funded through a crowdfunding campaign, raising £64,089 on Kickstarter. It made the news three years later when it was adopted by the Dubai police — but was also criticized for alleged safety loopholes.
From security loopholes to “majestic feelings”
“The Hoversurf Hoverbike is a deathtrap,” wrote drone pilot and engineer Chris Monti in Drone DJ. “This aerial amputator is the single most dangerous mode of transportation that I can think of in the history of dangerous modes of transportation.”
More recently, the startup launched two other types of engines: a drone taxi called ‘Formula’ and a cargo drone called ‘Hover Cargo.’
Akhmetov says he has “majestic feelings” being an investor in Hoversurf. This company has the “potential to bring about a revolution in individual and commercial traffic, for example, in the taxi business,” he believes.
Hoversurf founder Alexander Atamanov said his company “intends to become the leader in commercializing the results of air mobility R&D” and thereby “make Russia a leading country in the autonomous flying industry.”
This future global leader did not answer EWDN’s media inquiries.
