FERNRIDE extends financing round by 18 million euros

The Munich-based company FERNRIDE, provider of a European platform for ground autonomy, has expanded its Series A financing round by a further 18 million euros. This brings the total volume of the round to 75 million euros. With the additional capital, FERNRIDE intends to use its technology not only in the civil logistics sector, but also in European defense logistics in the future.

Extended financing round with prominent investors

The new capital comes from Helantic and other investors from the dual-use sector, among others. Among the new supporters is Thomas Müller, former CEO of Hensoldt and current member of the Supervisory Board at Airbus Defense. He will also become a member of the FERNRIDE Advisory Board. In addition to new investors, existing shareholders have also re-invested.

FERNRIDE has proven that autonomy works in the civilian sector. The potential for defense applications is enormous - this is exactly the kind of innovation we need in Europe.

Thomas Müller, Fernride Advisory Board

Technology already in use in critical infrastructure

FERNRIDE and its platform are already in use in important European infrastructures, for example in container terminals operated by HHLA, Volkswagen and DB Schenker. There, the system supports the automation of transportation tasks. The company recently received the world's first safety certification for an autonomous terminal tractor from TÜV SÜD, thereby initiating the transition to operating scenarios without safety drivers.

Expansion in the direction of defense logistics

With the additional funding, FERNRIDE now plans to make its technology usable for defense logistics as well. In view of geopolitical tensions and persistent skills shortages, European armed forces see a need for innovative solutions that automate transportation tasks, relieve the burden on personnel and increase operational capability.

Our platform is already demonstrating in the civilian sector that autonomous systems can solve real problems. Now we want to use the same technology to strengthen defense logistics and protect lives.

Hendrik Kramer, CEO and co-founder of FERNRIDE

FERNRIDE relies on a vehicle-independent, AI-supported platform that can be quickly adapted for different deployment scenarios. The aim is to protect people in safety-critical zones and make military organizations more flexible.

The company was founded by Hendrik Kramer, Maximilian Fisser and Jean-Michael Georg and employs over 120 people at locations in Munich and Wolfsburg. Starbase already reported a Series A of EUR 31 million in summer 2023 and a Series A financing round of EUR 7.1 million for Fernride in 2021. With the additional funding, the company was able to raise a total of EUR 10 million at the time.