Archer has acquired the full patent portfolio of defunct German eVTOL startup Lilium  for €18 million ($21 million), adding around 300 assets spanning high-voltage systems, advanced aircraft design, flight controls, ducted fans, and electric propulsion. The acquisition strengthens Archer’s intellectual property position as consolidation accelerates in the advanced air mobility sector. Founded in 2015, Lilium was once a high-profile electric aircraft company backed by Tencent

Odys Aviation (Long Beach, CA) has closed a $26 million Series A funding round to accelerate development and flight testing of its hybrid-electric vertical take-off and landing (VTOL) aircraft, known as Laila, as the company prepares for a global operational launch in early 2026. The round was led by Nova Threshold, with participation from Tuchen Ventures LLC & The Eden8 Foundation  ( Mike Tuchen ) and other investors. The funding will support U.S. flight testing, team expans