Since its founding in January 2022 by a team of experienced air traffic controllers and computer scientists, EIC Accelerator beneficiary, Skypuzzler, has envisioned a future where drones effortlessly navigate complex airspace without colliding with other drones or objects. The Danish deep tech company is now one step closer to realising its vision with the announcement, last week, of the closing of its seed funding round with Rethink Ventures and the European Innovation Council (EIC) Fund. As a matter of fact, the investment will support Skypuzzler’s ambition of deploying digital Air Traffic Control solutions.
A key investment to help manage the growing airspace complexity
With the support of Rethink Ventures and the EIC Fund, Skypuzzler is poised to help manage the growing airspace complexity. This aligns with the objectives of the EU Drone Strategy 2.0 and U-space Regulation for digital, safe, and sustainable drone integration.
Jesper Skou, CEO at Skypuzzler, expressed the significance of the seed investment not only on the level of drone safety, but also on that of environmental sustainability:
We are grateful for the trust from Rethink Ventures and the EIC Fund, who share our vision of unlocking Europe’s full drone potential. Their support enables Skypuzzler to solve the scalability problem by delivering the missing piece of technology in drone flight safety, paving the way for drone services that will bring prosperity and well-being to European society and accelerate the green transition
© Skypuzzler
Supporting Skypuzzler’s pioneering work in optimising the future of aviation
As a specialist fund, Rethink Ventures invests in founders who aim at leading the transformation of mobility and logistics.
The EIC Fund invests in companies developing and commercialising disruptive technologies. In addition to seed investment, Skypuzzler is supported by a grant under the EIC Accelerator and gains access to networking and strategic guidance.
The EIC Fund is happy to have joined this investment, supporting Skypuzzler’s pioneering work in revolutionising air traffic management and optimising the future of aviation. This achievement is an important milestone in their growth journey, and a strong signal of confidence in their technology and vision
- Svetoslava Georgieva, Chair of the EIC Fund Board
Skypuzzler welcomes both investors to the team and anticipates a successful and inspiring partnership in delivering digital European Skies.
Background information
The EIC Accelerator offers start-ups and SMEs grants of up to €2.5 million combined with equity investments through the EIC Fund ranging from €0.5 to €10 million. Companies can apply for blended finance (combining grant and investment) or equity only. Companies working on technologies of strategic European interest can apply for investments of more than €10 million. In addition to financial support, all projects benefit from a range of Business Acceleration Services that provide access to leading expertise, corporates, investors and ecosystem actors.
Additional information about Skypuzzler
Skypuzzler is revolutionising the drone and aviation industries with its Integrated Digital Air Traffic Control (iDATC) solution. Supported through the EIC Accelerator and EIC Fund, the company collaborates with renowned industry leaders, such as DSV and Thales, to unlock commercial opportunities and drive the advancement of the civil drone industry globally.
Learn more about Skypuzzler by visiting the Horizon Europe database or the company’s official website.
The article is based on the press release published on 21 August 2025.
DISCLAIMER: This information is provided in the interest of knowledge sharing and should not be interpreted as the official view of the European Commission, or any other organisation.