Switzerland-based MobyFly has secured CHF 10.1M (nearly €10.84M) in Series A funding led by Fonds Révolution Environnementale et Solidaire, supplemented by Crédit Mutuel Alliance Fédérale’s societal dividend and managed by Crédit Mutuel Impact.
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The round saw participation from existing and new private investors, as well as CCF Valais, the financial services provider for economic promotion in the Canton of Valais.
Capital utilisation
Founded by Sue Putallaz, Anders Bringdal, and Ricardo Bencatel in 2020, the hydrofoil technology startup will use the funds to expand operations, develop engineering and R&D capabilities, and accelerate market launch of its zero-emission electric fast-ferry solutions.
The proceeds will support the industrialisation and certification of MobyFly’s technology platform, continuation of hydrofoil development, and expansion into new international markets across Europe, the Middle East, the United States, and Asia.
The company plans to increase production capacity through strategic partnerships and strengthen business relationships with manufacturers, ferry operators, and municipalities.
Sue Putallaz, CEO of MobyFly, says, “This funding round marks a decisive milestone for MobyFly. With the support of Crédit Mutuel Alliance Fédérale and our other investors, we are entering a new phase of development, increasing our industrial capabilities and accelerating our commercial deployment. Our mission remains clear: to offer a viable, profitable and environmentally friendly alternative to fossil fuel-powered ferries. This funding will allow us to bring our hydrofoil technology to a global audience, supporting authorities and operators in their transition to zero-emission transport solutions.”
Patent-pending hydrofoil technology targets growing fast-ferry market
MobyFly’s hydrofoil technology combines dedicated electronics and flight control software to deliver high-performance electric boats for the passenger shipping sector.
The technology enables passenger transport at speeds exceeding 70 km/h without generating waves, noise, or pollution, while consuming up to 80 per cent less energy and reducing operating costs by up to 60 per cent compared to traditional diesel ferries.
The vessels offer fast, quiet, comfortable, and clean transportation solutions designed to provide operators, municipalities, and passengers with superior return on investment.
The company’s hydrofoil technology platform addresses the growing demand for sustainable and scalable transportation solutions in maritime transport, particularly for lake, river, and short- to medium-distance coastal travel.
From world champion windsurfer to zero-emission maritime transport
The founding team brings diverse expertise to MobyFly’s mission. CEO Sue Putallaz leads the company’s strategic direction, while Anders Bringdal, a world windsurfing champion serving as Chief Designer, leads the development of new foil technology and propulsion systems. CTO Ricardo Bencatel holds a PhD in Electrical and Computer Engineering; his areas of expertise include flight control systems and vehicle systems engineering.
The Valais-based startup has established strategic partnerships with INESC TEC in Portugal for R&D collaboration, Catana Group Portugal for production, Corvus for battery systems development, and EODev for hydrogen-powered vessel development.
Sabine Schimel, CEO of Crédit Mutuel Impact, says, “MobyFly represents the future of sustainable mobility in the maritime sector. Its innovative hydrofoil technology is a very promising and effective solution for reducing emissions, lowering energy consumption and improving operational efficiency. This investment is perfectly in line with our commitment to promoting efficient and scalable solutions in the transport sector. We are proud to support MobyFly in bringing its zero-emission transport technology to market.”
CHF 10.1M roadmap: Fall 2025 commercial launch and global deployment
The Series A investment positions MobyFly to launch its first zero-emission hydrofoil boats in fall 2025, following successful development of its MBFY10 10-metre hydrofoil prototype. The company has also secured its first customer contract for pre-series vessel production.
With maritime transport playing a crucial role in urban mobility and logistics, MobyFly aims to redesign water-based passenger transport by offering compelling alternatives to traditional ferry systems while supporting global efforts to reduce carbon emissions.