Haniel invests in Climatetech Aerones

With the new capital, the Latvia-based startup plans to expand its robotics service teams and become active in Africa and Australia.

Duisburg-based conglomerate Haniel is investing in Latvian startup Aerones together with Lightrock as the main capital provider. With the participation of Blume Equity and existing investors Change Ventures, Mantas Mikuckas, Metaplanet, Pace Ventures and Future Positive Capital, around €28 million flowed into the company.

Founded in 2015, the startup Aerones develops robots that inspect, maintain and repair wind turbines. The company says these robotic solutions are up to six times faster and safer than using rope access technicians. Aerones' customers include operators NextEra, GE, Vestas, Enel and Siemens Gamesa. With the capital from the current round of financing, the company plans to increase its field-deployed robotic service teams and expand its presence in Africa and Australia. It also said new services are in the planning stages.

"We are very proud to partner with Aerones, which is rethinking the way wind turbines will be serviced in the future," said Philipp Goehre, Growth Capital Lead at Haniel. The Duisburg-based group plans to support the company in the future with its experience and network.