Vertical Aerospace Announces $50 Million in New Funding as Part of $180 Million Transaction That Will Strengthen Its Financial Position and Advance Its Flightpath 2030 Strategy

Rhea-AI Summary

Vertical Aerospace [NYSE: EVTL] has secured a significant financial agreement that includes a $50 million funding commitment from Mudrick Capital, with $25 million in upfront funding and a $25 million backstop. The transaction will add approximately $180 million to Vertical's balance sheet, including the conversion of about $130 million of debt into equity at $2.75 per share. The remaining convertible notes will have a fixed conversion price of $3.50 per share, and the loan repayment date has been extended to December 2028. Founder Stephen Fitzpatrick will remain on the board to guide the company's Flightpath 2030 Strategy, which aims to establish Vertical as a global leader in the eVTOL market.

Positive

• Secured $50 million in new funding commitment
• Conversion of $130 million debt to equity strengthens balance sheet
• Loan repayment extension to December 2028 provides financial flexibility
• Successfully achieved untethered, piloted thrustborne flight testing

Negative

• Significant debt conversion at $2.75 per share may cause dilution for existing shareholders
• Additional funding still needed as indicated by $25 million backstop provision

Insights

Financial Analyst

This $180M transaction marks a significant financial restructuring for Vertical Aerospace, addressing both immediate and long-term capital needs. The deal's three key components create a stronger financial foundation: $50M in new funding commitments, conversion of $130M debt to equity at $2.75 per share and fixing the remaining convertible notes at $3.50.

The debt-to-equity conversion and extended loan repayment to 2028 substantially improve the balance sheet structure, reducing interest burden and providing runway through the critical certification phase. The fixed conversion price for remaining notes at $3.50 creates clarity for future capital raises, though it's notably above the current market price, indicating investor confidence in long-term value creation.

While this financing provides important operational runway, investors should note that eVTOL development and certification typically require significant additional capital. The company's ability to attract $50M in new funding during challenging market conditions demonstrates institutional confidence in its technology and strategy.

Aerospace Industry Analyst

The successful completion of untethered, piloted thrustborne flight testing represents a important technical milestone in the VX4's development program. This achievement, combined with the new financial backing, positions Vertical Aerospace more competitively in the rapidly evolving eVTOL market.

The transition to Phase 3 wingborne flight testing is particularly significant as it will validate the aircraft's full flight envelope capabilities. The UK Civil Aviation Authority's involvement provides a clear regulatory pathway, though certification timelines remain challenging across the industry. The company's commitment to maintaining UK operations preserves important relationships with regulators and the established aerospace ecosystem.

• Vertical Aerospace secures agreement under which Mudrick Capital will commit up to $50 million in the next equity round, promoting financial stability.
• Transaction is expected to add approximately $180 million to Vertical’s balance sheet, including through the conversion of approximately $130 million of debt into equity, significantly reducing Vertical’s debt. The conversion price of the remaining convertible notes will be fixed.
• Founder, Stephen Fitzpatrick, retains a strategic role as a board director to guide the company through its Flightpath 2030 Strategy.

LONDON & NEW YORK--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- Vertical Aerospace (Vertical) [NYSE: EVTL], a global aerospace and technology company pioneering electric aviation, today announced the signing of a term sheet among the Company, its majority shareholder Stephen Fitzpatrick, and its primary creditor Mudrick Capital Management.

The VX4 during piloted, untethered testing (Photo: Business Wire)

This term sheet secures a commitment to $50 million in new funding, strengthening Vertical’s financial position. The funding will support the company’s newly launched Flightpath 2030 Strategy to establish itself as a global leader in the eVTOL market by the end of the decade, including the ongoing development and certification of the VX4.

The term sheet includes:

• $50 million funding commitment by Mudrick Capital: commitment includes $25 million in upfront funding, and an additional $25 million backstop that will be reduced by any amounts raised from third parties. The term sheet includes the option for Stephen Fitzpatrick to invest a further $25 million on the same terms.
• Balance sheet strengthening: approximately $130 million of convertible notes (50% of the outstanding amount) will be converted into equity at $2.75 per share, substantially reducing Vertical’s debt and significantly deleveraging the company’s balance sheet, enhancing its financial position.
• Greater certainty for future investors: by fixing the conversion price for the remaining outstanding convertible notes at $3.50 per share, Vertical’s future fundraising plans will be supported.
• Remaining loan repayment date extended to December 2028: extension of term provides further security through Vertical’s certification programme.
• Renewed commitment to the UK: Vertical will continue to operate from its UK headquarters, maintaining its brand identity and focus on innovation.

As part of the agreement, Vertical Aerospace’s founder, Stephen Fitzpatrick, will remain on the board, continuing to provide strategic direction as the company progresses through its certification programme.

Stephen Fitzpatrick, Founder of Vertical Aerospace:

“It is great to be able to announce this new funding today. We have been working hard to find a way to support the company in the short term, but also set us up for long term success. The additional equity and stronger balance sheet will enable us to fund the next phase of our development programme and deliver on our mission to bring the amazing electric aircraft to the skies.

This comprehensive deal - alongside the recent piloted flight campaign and launch of the Flightpath 2030 strategy - means Vertical is positioned to be a winner in one of the 21st century's most exciting technologies.

The UK has been at the forefront of the aerospace industry for the last hundred years. Aviation is one of the hardest sectors to decarbonise but ambitious British companies like Vertical are leading the world in pioneering zero emissions electric aircraft.”

Jason Mudrick, Founder and Chief Investment Officer at Mudrick Capital:

“This agreement underscores our appreciation of Vertical Aerospace’s position in the eVTOL sector and a team that has demonstrated its ability to deliver groundbreaking solutions for the future of sustainable aviation. By committing up to $50 million to the business and converting substantial debt into equity, we’re supporting a company, its leadership team and partners, as Vertical brings the safest and most versatile aircraft to market.”

Stuart Simpson, CEO of Vertical Aerospace:

"This funding agreement underscores the strong confidence of our investors in our Flightpath 2030 Strategy and our ambition to lead the global eVTOL market. By addressing our more immediate capital needs and positioning us well to secure funding for the long-term, we can focus on advancing our piloted flight test programme and bringing the VX4 to market."

Vertical’s piloted flight test programme is progressing further toward certification, recently achieving untethered, piloted thrustborne flight in Phase 2 of testing. With the VX4 prototype performing beyond expectations, the company is now working with the UK Civil Aviation Authority to secure permits to move into Phase 3 — wingborne flight tests, which is a critical step toward certification.

The parties have signed a non-binding term sheet reflecting the material terms of the agreement in principle. It remains subject to implementation and execution of final transaction agreements, as well as shareholder approval of amendments to Vertical’s articles of association. Additional information can be found in the Company’s Form 6-K furnished to the Securities and Exchange Commission on November 25, 2024.

About Vertical Aerospace

Vertical Aerospace is a global aerospace and technology company pioneering electric aviation. Vertical is creating a safer, cleaner and quieter way to travel. Vertical’s VX4 is a piloted, four passenger, Electric Vertical Take-Off and Landing (eVTOL) aircraft, with zero operating emissions. Vertical combines partnering with leading aerospace companies, including GKN, Honeywell and Leonardo, with developing its own proprietary battery and propeller technology to develop the world’s most advanced and safest eVTOL.

Vertical has c.1,500 pre-orders of the VX4, with customers across four continents, including American Airlines, Japan Airlines, GOL and Bristow. Headquartered in Bristol, the epicentre of the UK’s aerospace industry, Vertical was founded in 2016 by Stephen Fitzpatrick, founder of the OVO Group, Europe’s largest independent energy retailer. Vertical’s experienced leadership team comes from top tier automotive and aerospace companies such as Rolls-Royce, Airbus, GM and Leonardo. Together they have previously certified and supported over 30 different civil and military aircraft and propulsion systems.

Forward-Looking Statements

This press release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Any express or implied statements contained in this Form 6-K that are not statements of historical fact may be deemed to be forward-looking statements, including, without limitation, statements regarding the consummation of the agreement in principle, including the entry into final transaction agreements and the satisfaction of all closing conditions, completion of the committed funding from Mudrick Capital and use of proceeds therefrom, the sufficiency of the proceeds from the committed funding to meet the Company’s more immediate capital expenditure requirements, the Company’s satisfaction of all closing conditions to the committed funding, our ability and plans to raise additional capital to fund our operations, as well as statements that include the words “expect,” “intend,” “plan,” “believe,” “project,” “forecast,” “estimate,” “may,” “should,” “anticipate,” “will,” “aim,” “potential,” “continue,” “is/are likely to” and similar statements of a future or forward-looking nature. These forward-looking statements reflect our current views with respect to future events and are not a guarantee of future performance. Actual outcomes may differ materially from the information contained in the forward-looking statements as a result of a number of factors, including, without limitation, the important factors discussed under the caption “Risk Factors” in the Company's Annual Report on Form 20-F filed with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”) on March 14, 2024, as such factors may be updated from time to time in the Company’s other filings with the SEC. Any forward-looking statements contained in this Form 6-K speak only as of the date hereof and accordingly undue reliance should not be placed on such statements. The Company disclaims any obligation or undertaking to update or revise any forward-looking statements contained in this Form 6-K, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, other than to the extent required by applicable law.

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20241125462402/en/

For more information:

Justin Bates, Head of Communications

justin.bates@vertical-aerospace.com

+44 7878 357 463

Source: Vertical Aerospace

FAQ

What is the total value of Vertical Aerospace's (EVTL) new funding transaction?

The total transaction value is approximately $180 million, including $50 million in new funding commitment and $130 million in debt conversion to equity.

What is the conversion price for EVTL's convertible notes in the new agreement?

The agreement sets two conversion prices: $2.75 per share for approximately $130 million of convertible notes, and $3.50 per share for the remaining outstanding notes.

When is EVTL's new loan repayment deadline?

The loan repayment date has been extended to December 2028.

What is the latest milestone in EVTL's flight testing program?

Vertical Aerospace has achieved untethered, piloted thrustborne flight in Phase 2 of testing and is preparing for Phase 3 wingborne flight tests.