Ooni Koda
  1. Home
  2. /
  3. Newsfeed
  4. /
  5. Swisspod, a startup co-founded by a Romanian, is...

Swisspod, a startup co-founded by a Romanian, is targeting €7 million to revolutionize global transport with hyperloop technology, a high-speed transportation solution

May 7, 2024

Swisspod Technologies, a startup founded by 2 winners of the SpaceX Hyperloop Competition — Romanian Denis Tudor and Cyril Dénéréaz, announces a new round of €200,000 on SeedBlink as part of a total funding round of €7 million. This strategic investment will be used to continue Swisspod's mission of innovation, research and global expansion, enabling the company to advance the development of hyperloop, a revolutionary high-speed transportation system that will change the future of passenger and freight transport.

Investors and business angels can participate in the funding round through SeedBlink, starting with a minimum investment of €2,500.

The fundraising round has attracted co-investments from notable players such as Charlie Holding, Polysys Industries and an exclusive circle of business angels.

The company, run by a 30-year-old Romanian, has piqued the interest of Richard Branson. The idea of founding Swisspod came after a discussion with Elon Musk

Renowned entrepreneur Richard Branson, a fervent supporter of hyperloop, was drawn in by Swisspod's progress, eager to explore the potential of using the company's technology to push the boundaries of aerospace innovation.

Founded in 2019, Swisspod emerged from a conversation between its founders and Elon Musk, the co-founder and CEO of SpaceX. This encounter was the catalyst that led them to embark on a mission to develop the most efficient, accessible, and sustainable hyperloop solution.

A transport system that can reach speeds similar to the one of sound (1,200 km/h)

Hyperloop is a revolutionary intra-continental passenger and cargo transportation system consisting of an autonomous, fully-electric capsule traveling at near-sonic speeds (1200 km/h) in a low-pressure environment, with almost no air resistance. Hyperloop will significantly cut travel times between cities and countries and will be more sustainable than any current mode of mass transportation, as its direct carbon emissions can be driven down to near zero through magnetic levitation and electric motors for propulsion.

Swisspod is currently focusing on developing a hyperloop solution for freight transportation as a pivotal step towards its ultimate goal of making this system accessible for passengers.

Partners in a project to develop and deploy hyperloop technology in India

Swisspod has achieved significant milestones over the years, including the construction of Europe's first hyperloop testing infrastructure in Switzerland.

The company has expanded its research and development efforts in Colorado, USA, and, through a partnership with TuTr Hyperloop, is working on developing and deploying this cutting-edge technology in India, backed by an agreement between the governments of Switzerland and India. In addition, Swisspod's role in the European Muspell project, which has received €3.5 million in funding from the European Innovation Council (EIC) and the Swiss State Secretariat for Education, Research and Innovation (SERI), underlines its commitment to addressing the thermal management challenges associated with hyperloop systems.

"The hyperloop solution we are building at Swisspod is not only incredibly fast and sustainable, but also economically viable as we substantially cut the infrastructure costs. We're thrilled to share our vision for the evolution of transportation with the Romanian community of investors who, like us, value innovation and sustainability, and are contributing to shaping a thriving future", said Denis Tudor, CEO and co-founder of Swisspod.

"SeedBlink is more than just a fundraising platform, we are a growth environment for transformative projects like Swisspod's hyperloop. Our platform provides a complex ecosystem for innovation, growth and success, and we're happy to work with Denis and his team again. The opportunity to invest in Swisspod is more than an investment in the company's revolutionary technology; it's a commitment to shaping the future of global connectivity and sustainability," added Eric Bartha, Head of Revenue at SeedBlink.

The information provided by KomuniK

Read in full - click here
Nu există nicio legătură între vaccinuri și autism, reafirmă OMS
Fund backed by private sector to support cultural organizations in Romania starting next year

The fund Cultura Face Bine, a national funding mechanism for cultural projects backed by private-sector financing, will begin supporting local cultural organizations in 2026. The fund aims to support grassroots cultural initiatives with a proven impact in their communities and which need resources to continue, develop, or transform their activities. The funding mechanism has been […]

EC refers Romania to EU Court of Justice over failures in air quality monitoring

The European Commission (EC) announced on Thursday, December 11, that it is referring Romania to the Court of Justice of the European Union (CJEU) for failing to meet obligations under Ambient Air Quality Directives. According to the Commission, Romania has not ensured that its national air quality monitoring network complies with legally required standards on […]

Bucharest Appeal Court leadership rejects media investigation, but judge says “toxic” conditions are real

The Bucharest Court of Appeal (CAB) held an unprecedented press conference on Thursday, December 11, in response to allegations raised in a recent media investigation published by Recorder, with court president Liana Arsenie firmly rejecting the claims. However, at the start of the press event, a judge from within the institution publicly stated that the […]

Romania’s Superior Council of Magistracy claims judiciary is targeted by destabilization campaign after media investigation

Romania’s Superior Council of Magistracy (CSM) issued its first response to the Recorder documentary alleging systemic manipulation within the justice system, calling the investigation an amplification of a “campaign to destabilize judicial authority.” The council said on Thursday, December 11, that it will evaluate what measures need to be taken following the report. In a […]

MedLife hits EUR 1 billion valuation on Bucharest Stock Exchange

MedLife, Romania’s largest private medical services network, announced on Wednesday, December 10, that it reached a market capitalization of EUR 1 billion on the Bucharest Stock Exchange (BVB). The milestone secures its position as “the most valuable healthcare company” in the country. The achievement came nine years after MedLife’s listing on BVB in December 2016, […]