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
Romanian prime minister Ilie Bolojan stated during an interview on Wednesday, December 17, that there should be no statute of limitations in cases of serious corruption. The statement comes after a Recorder investigation, which showed that several heads of the major institutions in the Romanian justice system allegedly delayed trials for years until wrongdoings were […]
President Nicușor Dan has challenged, before the Constitutional Court (CCR), the constitutionality of the law that requires that at least 40% of the athletes who play on a team in official national competitions be Romanian. Dan noted that the law violates the principle of non-discrimination and the free movement of workers, enshrined both in the […]
Craiova International Airport will open its new passenger terminal on Thursday, December 18, completing a major infrastructure investment aimed at significantly expanding capacity and improving air connectivity in southwestern Romania. It is part of a broader expansion and modernization project financed through the Large Infrastructure Operational Programme (POIM) 2014–2020, with a total value exceeding EUR […]
Romania is set to be connected to the Western European energy network thanks to grid investments worth EUR 30 billion. The funds will be provided by the EU by 2035, and the project will link Romania to Hungary and Austria in a joint project. Romanian energy minister Bogdan Ivan signaled the signing of the new […]
Franck Bagouet has been appointed managing director of TotalEnergies Marketing Romania SA and managing director of Automotive Southeast Europe Hub TotalEnergies Marketing. He succeeds Didier Grimault, who has accepted a new position within the TotalEnergies company. “I am glad to join this dynamic affiliate and confident that, together with our talented team, we will reinforce […]
Databricks, the data analytics and artificial intelligence company co-founded by Romanian professors Ion Stoica and Matei Zaharia, announced on Tuesday, December 16, that it is raising USD 4 billion in funding at a valuation of USD 134 billion, according to CNBC. The new valuation represents a 34% increase compared to the August round, when Databricks […]
