Toyota City, Japan. SkyDrive Inc. (SkyDrive), a leading compact eVTOL aircraft developer based in Japan, has raised new funding through a third-party share allotment to Resona Asset Management Co. Ltd. (Resona Asset Management), a leading Japanese asset manager. This capital injection strengthens SkyDrive’s business foundation as it prepares for its planned commercial launch in 2028.
Background and Objectives
AI and globalisation are rapidly changing industries and daily life. In July 2026, Japan’s Cabinet approved the “Japan Growth Strategy”. This plan prioritises building new industrial infrastructure, specifically in aviation and space, and targets global market growth. The public and private sectors are now accelerating the adoption of eVTOL aircraft, viewing the industry as a core area for fostering new domestic industries and generating globally competitive innovation.
In response to these national developments and industry shifts, Resona Asset Management made a “crossover investment” in SkyDrive. This investment from a major institutional investor specialising in public equities reflects strong confidence in SkyDrive’s future potential and provides significant momentum for the company’s mid- to long-term growth. SkyDrive will leverage this support to accelerate aircraft development and strengthen its business foundation.
Specifically, the company is working to obtain type certification, build mass-production capabilities, and drive sustainable enterprise value to achieve its 2028 commercial service launch.
Hiroki Iura, chief fund manager of the asset management department at Resona Asset Management Co. Ltd., said, “We are entering an era of major transition in Japan, driven by a multipolar world and persistent inflation. Fostering new industries is essential, yet it takes considerable time and capital. The financial sector must step up to provide the risk capital necessary to solve societal challenges. Right now, Japan faces a shortage of long-term funding, leaving companies near their IPOs vulnerable. We deeply believe in SkyDrive’s vision. As a crossover fund, we are excited to back them over the long haul, helping to cultivate this new industry and build a better society.”
Tomohiro Fukuzawa, founder and CEO, SkyDrive Inc., stated, “We are truly honoured that a public equity leader like Resona Asset Management chose SkyDrive for its first crossover investment. Welcoming an investor who shares our long-term vision gives us incredible momentum. To live up to these expectations, our entire team is fully committed to advancing our aircraft’s safe development and driving public acceptance of eVTOLs as we prepare for our 2028 commercial launch and beyond.”
