UK-registered air taxi and drone services provider Skyports has raised US$23 million in the first close of its series B funding round from a combination of new and existing investors.

Skyports will use the funding to consolidate its position as a global leader in advanced air mobility infrastructure and drone operations. 

The company plans to scale its drone services operations in new and existing markets, building on active operations in the UK, Europe and Asia. 

Skyports said all existing institutional shareholders participated in the round, which include Deutsche Bahn Digital Ventures, Groupe ADP, Solar Ventus, Irelandia and Levitate Capital, with a number materially increasing their stake.

Joining them are Japanese conglomerate Kanematsu Corporation, global industrial property group Goodman Group, Italian airport platform 2i Aeroporti, backed by Ardian’s Infrastructure Fund and F2i Italian Infrastructure Fund, and US-based VC firm GreenPoint.    

Kanematsu Corporation will take a seat on the Skyports board and will be joined by Ken Allen, CEO of DHL eCommerce, who joins the board as an independent non-executive director.