Who Owns Joby Aviation?
Joby Aviation is a California-based electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) aircraft company that has been making waves in the aviation industry with its innovative technology and rapid growth. But who owns this exciting company? In this article, we’ll dive into the ownership structure of Joby Aviation and explore the key players behind its success.
The Founders
Joby Aviation was founded in 2009 by Reggie Wayne Jackson, a passionate entrepreneur and engineer with a background in aerospace and electrical engineering. Jackson’s vision was to create a company that would revolutionize the way people travel, making it faster, cleaner, and more efficient. With his team, he worked tirelessly to develop the company’s first prototype, the Joby S2, a sleek and agile eVTOL aircraft designed for short-range flights.
Early Investors
In the early days, Joby Aviation attracted a range of early investors, including HorizonX Ventures, the venture capital arm of Boeing, and Samsung Ventures. These investors saw the potential of Joby’s technology and provided critical funding to help the company develop its product.
Series A Funding
In 2015, Joby Aviation raised $25 million in Series A funding from a group of investors led by e.ventures, a venture capital firm focused on sustainable technologies. This funding round marked a significant milestone for the company, allowing it to scale up its operations and further develop its technology.
Series B Funding
In 2018, Joby Aviation raised $60 million in Series B funding from a group of investors led by Cypress Equity Investments, a private equity firm focused on sustainable infrastructure. This funding round enabled the company to accelerate its product development and expand its team.
Series C Funding
In 2020, Joby Aviation raised $590 million in Series C funding from a group of investors led by Toyota Motor Corporation, one of the world’s largest automakers. This funding round marked a significant milestone for the company, as it brought in a major automotive player and further solidified Joby’s position as a leader in the eVTOL industry.
Toyota’s Stake
With its Series C funding, Toyota acquired a 16% stake in Joby Aviation, becoming the company’s largest shareholder. This partnership has enabled Joby to leverage Toyota’s expertise in manufacturing and supply chain management, as well as its global distribution network.
Other Investors
In addition to Toyota, Joby Aviation has attracted a range of other investors, including:
- Microsoft
- Volkswagen Group
- Uber
- Honeywell
- GE Aviation
Key Partnerships
Joby Aviation has also formed key partnerships with a range of companies, including:
- Bell Flight, a leading helicopter manufacturer
- SAS Institute, a leading software company
- Thales, a leading aerospace and defense company
Table: Joby Aviation’s Investors
| Investor | Stake |
|---|---|
| Toyota Motor Corporation | 16% |
| e.ventures | 10% |
| Cypress Equity Investments | 8% |
| HorizonX Ventures | 5% |
| Samsung Ventures | 5% |
| Microsoft | 3% |
| Volkswagen Group | 2% |
| Uber | 2% |
| Honeywell | 1% |
| GE Aviation | 1% |
Conclusion
Joby Aviation is a company with a rich history of innovation and growth, driven by a passionate team and supported by a range of key investors and partners. With its Series C funding and partnership with Toyota, Joby has solidified its position as a leader in the eVTOL industry, and we can expect to see exciting developments from the company in the years to come.
