Defunct electric aircraft startup Lilium's tech lives on over at Archer

TechCrunch
TechCrunch
2M ago
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Archer Aviation has acquired Lilium's patent assets for €18 million after Lilium's bankruptcy. This acquisition is significant as it enhances Archer's technology portfolio in the eVTOL sector.
Defunct electric aircraft startup Lilium's tech lives on over at Archer
A What happened
Lilium, the electric aircraft startup that ceased operations last year, has seen its technology assets acquired by Archer Aviation for €18 million. Despite multiple attempts to restructure and a competitive bidding process, Lilium's financial struggles led to its bankruptcy. Archer's acquisition includes 300 patents related to electric vertical take-off and landing (eVTOL) technologies, which are crucial for the future of urban air mobility. These patents encompass high-voltage systems, flight controls, and advanced aircraft design. Archer, which initially focused on air taxi services, is now exploring broader applications for these technologies, potentially expanding into light-sport and regional electric flight. This acquisition significantly enhances Archer's intellectual property portfolio, which now exceeds 1,000 global patents.

Key insights

  • 1

    Lilium's financial struggles: Lilium raised over $1 billion but failed to deliver a product before bankruptcy.

  • 2

    Archer's strategic acquisition: The acquisition of Lilium's patents strengthens Archer's position in the eVTOL market.

  • 3

    Future applications: Archer may use Lilium's technology for light-sport and regional electric flight.

Takeaways

The acquisition of Lilium's patents by Archer Aviation marks a pivotal moment in the eVTOL industry, potentially reshaping the future of electric flight and urban mobility.