Source SpeedBird Aero a drone delivery startup located in Franca, in the interior of São Paulo, received an investment of BRL 10 million / $2 million from MSW MultiCorp 2, a fund from MSW Capital, which includes Embraer , BB Seguros, Batteries Moura and Age-Rio as investors.
Founded in 2018 by Samuel Salomão and Manoel Coelho, Speedbird was the first Brazilian company to receive authorization from Anac (National Civil Aviation Agency) to carry out commercial drone deliveries in the country. Developing its own hardware and software, the company has flown more than 10,000 hours in urban areas since its inception, operating in partnerships with large companies such as iFood, Natura, Claro and Grupo Pardini.
Last year, the startup announced the raising of a series A of BRL 35 million, led by the North American fund Bela Juju Ventures . Since then, much has advanced. “We created a structure for a company that previously only had partners. We brought specialists in the Brazilian aeronautical segment, closed partnerships and built an ecosystem for the production of hardware and software, understanding and completely integrating the operation into a model that verticalizes cargo logistics with drones”, says Manoel.
The new contribution comes to reinforce the company’s plans to become the leader in unmanned air logistics and a reference in the world in this segment. “The ecosystem is extremely important for the development of the business and the round brings strategic partners to Speedbird , who are investors in the MultiCorp 2 fund”, says the CEO. The capital will be used to advance the commercial area and strengthen the efficiency of operations, with a structure that is increasingly prepared to support the growth of the company and the market as a whole.
The global drone package delivery market is estimated to grow from $1.52 billion to $31.18 billion between 2021 and 2028, according to research conducted by Fortune Business Insights . In this scenario, Speedbird manufactures aircraft and develops navigation systems capable of transporting and delivering orders, including food, beverages, medication and laboratory tests, guaranteeing the certification, safety and maintenance of equipment. The objective is to contribute to the efficiency of the logistics sector and reduce delivery times, in addition to encouraging the consolidation of logistics modes with zero carbon emissions.
strategic partners
“All MSW MultiCorp 2 movements happen when we understand that we can make a difference in the invested company, with the support of our shareholders”, says Moises Swirski, founding partner of MSW . According to the executive, the manager is looking for entrepreneurs with an exceptional team, with an entrepreneurial DNA, and who have technology at the heart of the business. “ Speedbird has a very strong focus on serving society: it’s not just making the drone, it’s putting it to use for customers in an unforgettable way and experience”, he points out.
He points out that the startup has high synergy with the fund’s shareholders. “ Embraer , one of the largest aerospace companies in the world, will be like the experienced older brother to help Speedbird on this journey. Batteries Moura has a very strong focus on electric mobility. BB Seguros takes on the issue of insuring the cargo that will be transported, and Age-Rio plays a key role in fostering innovative business”, says the executive.
In addition to operating in the Brazilian market, Speedbird already operates in Israel, the United Kingdom and the United States. The startup was the first to fly from an active international airport in Eilat, Israel, and deliver BVLOS (Beyond Visual Line-Of-Sight) biological material, covering a distance of 25 km between hospitals in the north of the country.
