Doroni Aerospace
Developer of personal electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) aircraft, the H1-X flying car, with SOUL AI Digital Co-Pilot for consumer and institutional use. Doroni Aerospace was founded in 2017. The company is led by Doron Merdinger. Based in Pompano Beach, Florida, United States. Team size: 11-50. Total funding raised: $35.0M. Latest round: Corporate Round. Key investors include Innovation Wings Industries / Kingdom Aero Industries (Saudi Arabia), StartEngine crowdfunding investors.
- Founded
- 2017
- Headquarters
- Pompano Beach, Florida, United States
- Team size
- 11-50
- Total funding
- $35.0M
Value proposition
Making personal flight practical and accessible with a consumer-focused eVTOL that requires only a driver's license plus 20 hours of training, featuring semi-autonomous flight, tandem-wing ducted-fan architecture, and a full-vehicle ballistic parachute.
Products and solutions
H1-X eVTOL (two-seat personal flying car, 120 mph top speed, 100-mile range, 500 lbs payload, 25-min recharge), SOUL AI Digital Co-Pilot (onboard AI system for navigation, control, and real-time decision-making)
Unique value
First personal eVTOL designed for individual ownership (not air taxi model), with FAA Special Airworthiness Certification achieved in 2023, patented tandem-wing ducted-fan architecture, and SOUL AI co-pilot system — targeting Light Sport Aircraft certification pathway for faster time-to-market.
Target customer
First responders and law enforcement; high-net-worth flight enthusiasts; consumer retail market via showrooms and online sales
Industries served
Urban Air Mobility, Personal Transportation, First Responder / Public Safety, Advanced Air Mobility (AAM)
Technology advantage
Five issued U.S. patents protecting tandem-wing ducted-fan architecture; FAA Special Airworthiness Certification (Dec 2023); SOUL AI Digital Co-Pilot; Light Sport Aircraft (LSA) certification pathway under FAA MOSAIC rules (faster/cheaper than Part 23/25); 50+ manned test flights completed; 500+ pre-orders
How they differentiate
Unlike air taxi competitors (Joby, Archer) that require vertiport infrastructure and operate as services, Doroni sells directly to consumers for personal ownership. Their LSA certification pathway is faster and less expensive than full Part 23 certification. The tandem-wing ducted-fan design is protected by a patent portfolio, and the SOUL AI co-pilot lowers the barrier to entry for non-pilots.
Main competitors
Joby Aviation (air taxi eVTOL), Archer Aviation (air taxi eVTOL), Alef Aeronautics (personal flying car), Pivotal (personal eVTOL)
Key partnerships
Innovation Wings Industries / Kingdom Aero Industries (Saudi Arabia) — $30M strategic investment + joint manufacturing venture, Space Florida (regulatory/operational support), Honeywell, Garmin, Amphenol
Notable customers
600+ pre-orders (as of 2026), targeting first responders and law enforcement as initial customers
Major milestones
2017: Company founded, 2021: H1 prototype finalized, Dec 2023: FAA Special Airworthiness Certification received, 70+ manned test flights completed, Feb 2025: $30M strategic investment from Innovation Wings Industries, $180M Saudi manufacturing agreements, Mar 2026: H1-X showroom model unveiled at "Soul of the Sky" event, 600+ pre-orders, Targeting 2028 for first customer deliveries
Growth metrics
600+ pre-orders; $35M+ total capital raised; $226M pre-money valuation (2026); 70+ manned test flights completed
Market positioning
Early-mover in the personal eVTOL ownership segment, differentiated from air taxi models. Positioned as a more practical, consumer-friendly alternative to both air taxi eVTOLs and traditional general aviation aircraft.
Geographic focus
United States (primary); Saudi Arabia (manufacturing joint venture); global distribution planned
Patents and IP
Five issued U.S. patents covering tandem-wing ducted-fan propulsion architecture; first patent filed October 29, 2020 (US20240217653A1); eight total patent filings per company disclosures
About Doron Merdinger
Ex-Owner of Merdinger House of Design; studied microelectronics and computer science; BBA from USIU (San Diego); MBA from NYU Stern School of Business
Latest news about Doroni Aerospace
Official website: https://doroni.io
