Latvian robotics startup Aerones secures $30M for further growth

The Riga-based company that develops robotic technology for wind turbine blade maintenance services, Aerones has secured $30 million in less than a month after it closed a $38.9 million Series A round. The new one was co-led by Lightrock and Haniel, with participation from Blume Equity, and other existing investors. 

• Founded in 2018 by Dainis Kruze and Janis Putrams Aerones’ patented modular robotic solution provides a full suite of inspection (external visual, internal blade, lightning protection, ultrasound), maintenance (painting, ice-phobic coating, blade, and tower cleaning) and repair (leading edge) services. Aerones claims that it already serves customers that represent 50% of the world’s wind power capacity. 
• The company currently operates across North America, Europe, South America, and has seen demand for its services more than triple in 2022.

“Global challenges mean our mission – ensuring the effective operation of global wind power capacity – and our robot-enabled solutions have never been more important or in demand. With the support of our new and existing investors, we look forward to further scaling our operations, investing in our technology, and enhancing our offering,”

Dainis Kruze, co-founder and CEO of Aerones, commented.

• In December 2022, Aerones secured $38.9 million in a Series A round to accelerate the global scaling of its product. The investment was led by undisclosed investors.
• The fresh round was co-led by Lightrock, the global growth equity investor, and Haniel, the European family-owned purpose-driven investor. To date, Lightrock participated in a Series B round of funding for Tallinn-based startup Katana. 
• Blume Equity, a climate-focused growth equity investor, and existing investors: Change Ventures, Metaplanet, Pace Ventures, Future Positive Capital also participated in the investment. 
• This funding round will allow Aerones to grow its technical and sales functions, increase the number of field-deployed robot service teams, expand its presence in fast-growing markets including Africa and Australia, and bring new services to market.