Swiss drone manufacturer Wingtra has secured $22 million in a funding round led by Silicon Valley-based growth equity firm, Xplorer Capital, with participation from Credit Suisse Entrepreneur Capital and others. Wingtra specializes in producing high-performance vertical takeoff and landing (VTOL) drones used for aerial mapping and surveying in various industries, including mining, construction, agriculture, and environmental monitoring.

Wingtra’s flagship product, the WingtraOne, combines the flexibility of a multirotor with the endurance and speed of a fixed-wing drone. The hybrid design allows the WingtraOne to take off and land like a helicopter, but then transition to flying horizontally like a fixed-wing aircraft, covering larger distances in a shorter amount of time. It is also equipped with high-resolution cameras and sensors, allowing it to capture detailed data in a range of environments.

The new funding will be used to accelerate Wingtra’s growth and expand its global reach. The company plans to use the investment to further develop its technology and improve the user experience of its products. Wingtra also aims to expand its sales and marketing efforts to reach new customers and markets. The funding will also allow the company to increase its production capacity and scale up its operations.

Wingtra’s drones are used by a range of customers, from small surveying companies to large engineering firms and government agencies. The drones have been deployed in a variety of applications, including land surveying, precision agriculture, and wildlife conservation. With its hybrid VTOL design and high-performance capabilities, Wingtra’s drones have become a popular choice for aerial mapping and surveying, offering a cost-effective and efficient solution for collecting data over large areas.

Overall, the funding round represents a significant milestone for Wingtra as it looks to expand its market share and cement its position as a leading provider of commercial drones. With the demand for aerial mapping and surveying services on the rise, Wingtra’s technology is well-positioned to meet the needs of a wide range of industries, from mining and construction to environmental monitoring and beyond.