SkyDrive Inc., a prominent Japanese eVTOL (electric vertical take-off and landing) aircraft manufacturer, has announced the successful completion of a ¥8.3 billion Pre-Series D funding round. The round was led by MUFG Bank, Ltd., with participation from Suzuki Motor Corporation, East Japan Railway Company (JR East), Kyushu Railway Company (JR Kyushu), and seven other companies. This brings SkyDrive’s total funding to over ¥43 billion.
Investors in This Round
New Investors:
- East Japan Railway Company (JR East)
- Kyushu Railway Company (JR Kyushu)
- UNIVANCE CORPORATION
Returning Investors:
- MUFG Bank, Ltd.
- SUZUKI MOTOR CORPORATION
- ITOCHU Technology Ventures, Inc.
- Obayashi Corporation
- The Kansai Electric Power Company, Incorporated
- TOYODA IRON WORKS CO., LTD.
- NHK SPRING CO., LTD.
- SuMi TRUST Innovation Investment LPS
Purpose of Funding
Founded in 2018, SkyDrive is on a mission to lead the “once-in-a-century mobility revolution” by developing eVTOLs for everyday use. The funds will support:
- Strengthening the development team
- Expanding testing infrastructure
- Enhancing operational readiness
- Accelerating type certification and aircraft development
In February 2025, the Japan Civil Aviation Bureau (JCAB) issued the G-1 certification basis for SkyDrive’s SD-05, a lightweight, three-seater eVTOL. SkyDrive is currently working with JCAB to finalize its testing roadmap, which includes comprehensive ground and flight tests.
Expanding Strategic Partnerships with Rail Networks
SkyDrive continues to build alliances across the transportation sector, now adding JR East and JR Kyushu as equity partners—joining previous collaborators Osaka Metro Co., Ltd. and Kintetsu Group Holdings Co., Ltd. These partnerships aim to integrate eVTOL technology into existing land transport systems, develop vertiports, establish air routes, and promote public adoption of advanced air mobility solutions.
Partner Statements
Yoichi Kise, President & CEO, JR East:
“This partnership with SkyDrive marks a significant step in evolving Japan’s transportation landscape. By combining rail and air travel, we aim to solve regional mobility issues and deliver seamless, sustainable, next-generation mobility.”
Yoji Furumiya, President, JR Kyushu:
“We believe eVTOL will enhance the everyday lives of Kyushu residents and tourists alike. It aligns with our medium-term plan for sustainable, interconnected urban development and regional revitalization.”
Norihiko Takao, President, Univance Corporation:
“With decades of experience in advanced drive systems, we are proud to join forces with SkyDrive. Together, we hope to shape the infrastructure for future mobility and address vital societal challenges.”
SkyDrive CEO Statement
Tomohiro Fukuzawa, CEO, SkyDrive Inc.:
“Following our successful Series C round in August 2024, SkyDrive has achieved key development milestones, including successful prototype flight tests and a demonstration flight at the Osaka-Kansai Expo in April 2025. We are excited to welcome JR East and JR Kyushu as new partners in our mission to revolutionize mobility.”
“Globally, we’ve received over 380 pre-orders across seven countries, highlighting growing international momentum. Our longstanding investors—Suzuki, MUFG Bank, Itochu Technology Ventures, Obayashi, Kansai Electric, Toyoda Iron Works, NHK Spring, and SuMi Trust—have played a crucial role in driving our progress.”
“We remain deeply committed to realizing a future where air mobility is accessible, efficient, and seamlessly integrated into daily life.”
About SkyDrive Inc.
SkyDrive is an eVTOL company aiming “to take the lead in the once-in-a-century mobility revolution”. The company began testing eVTOL prototypes in 2014 prior to official incorporation in 2018. Under its future vision for urban transportation, flying in eVTOLs will become a regular part of city life. In 2019, SkyDrive became the first company to fly a crewed eVTOL in Japan. As of 2025, SkyDrive is working with civil aviation authorities in Japan and the US to acquire certification for “SKYDRIVE”, the company’s first eVTOL product. SkyDrive showcased the first public flight of the SKYDRIVE at Expo 2025 in Osaka in April 2025, with plans for further demonstration flights in summer. SkyDrive began production of “SKYDRIVE” in March 2024 at a plant owned by Suzuki Motor Corporation, SkyDrive’s official production partner. SkyDrive is headquartered in Toyota, Aichi Prefecture, and led by CEO Tomohiro Fukuzawa, an engineer and entrepreneur.