Vertical Aerospace begins review to weigh financing options for next growth phase

Vertical Aerospace is reviewing financing options for its next stage of growth, saying it is moving from development toward certification, industrialisation and entry into commercial service. The company said now is the right moment to look at partnerships and alternatives that could benefit the eVTOL developer.

No timetable has been set for finishing the review, and Vertical said it might not lead to any transaction, strategic change or other outcome. Jefferies has been retained as financial adviser.

"The technology is in place and has been de-risked," chief executive Stuart Simpson said. With the company's focus shifting to certification, industrialisation and commercialisation, he said, now was the right time to examine how to fund its next phase of growth.

Vertical called the past year the most significant in its history. It listed flying a full-scale tiltrotor eVTOL through a piloted transition, making it only the second company in the world to do so, and giving transition demonstrations at the Farnborough International Airshow in July 2026. It also raised about $100 million in new financing to back its progress toward certification and commercialisation.

The company said it remains on track to complete its Critical Design Review by the end of 2026. Its early aircraft production facility and expanded Energy Centre are due to open later this year. Vertical has roughly 1,500 pre-orders for its Valo eVTOL aircraft.