South African aerospace startup Cloudline is aiming to lead the global frontier of carbon-free autonomous flight and has secured $6 million in funding. The funding comes from supporters including philanthropic venture Schmidt Futures, founded by former Google CEOs Eric Schmidt and Wendy Schmidt. Other supporters include Pan-African Funds such as Raba Partnership, Verod-Kepple Africa Ventures, and 4Di, as well as other venture companies.
The founder and CEO of Cloudline, Spencer Horne, originally intended to build a transportation system that would use lighter-than-air unmanned aerial vehicles to deliver large payloads and connect isolated communities to global supply chains. His interest in the Moonshot project stems from his childhood fascination with trains and passion for transportation technology, particularly aviation.
After spending time at McKinsey and establishing a professional network, Horne returned to Africa to contribute to the field of aeronautics. In 2016, he founded Cloudline at the intersection of technology, transportation, and community impact. The company has since developed an autonomous airship that provides a cost-effective alternative to drones, helicopters, and satellites for real-time data collection in hard-to-reach locations.
Cloudline’s airships can travel more than 400 km with a full payload of 40 kg and fly for up to 10 hours using helium gas and solar power, producing zero emissions and significantly reducing operating costs. The company also combines various sensor data in a single flight, offering solutions for utilities, conservation efforts, and more.
The company has seen a significant increase in revenue and is expected to experience substantial growth in the coming years after signing multi-million dollar enterprise deals. The first-mover advantage and integration of software and hardware give Cloudline a strong market position, particularly in development for the African continent’s specific needs.
Source: techcrunch.com
