Psyche Aerospace develops the world's largest agricultural drone

The Brazilian startup Psyche Aerospace is in the final stages of development and testing for the world's largest autonomous agricultural spraying drone, Harpia P-71.

The startup recently received a BRL15 million investment from a single private equity investor. This funding has propelled the agtech startup past its Series A investment round, achieving a new market valuation of BRL75 million. 

Psyche Aerospace has approximately 1.2 million hectares under letters of intent in the negotiation phase, moving towards the future by developing the largest agricultural drone.

The company is now preparing for the proof of concept (POC), which will take place in the second half of this year to demonstrate its field functionality. ″Our solution addresses a major challenge for farmers: combining sustainability and efficiency,″ said Gabriel Leal, CEO and Founder of the startup.

With the POC, Psyche is making significant strides in technology and innovation, reaffirming its commitment to agribusiness and Brazil. The startup began its journey with self-funding, receiving its first investment during a seed capital phase, with an initial valuation of BRL10 million.

To achieve success with its new and current investment, Psyche reveals it has completed crucial development stages, including advancements in the Harpia P-71 project and its systems, leading to its first flight in March of this year.

″Throughout the process, I heard that individual investments would be hard to find. We managed to show that there are still entrepreneurs with the vision and courage to dream our dreams of overcoming and strength in the face of any obstacle,″ the founder emphasized. 

Leal highlighted that his startup has grown "in six months, developing a unique product from scratch, with investments from individuals," which is uncommon, ″especially in Brazil.″

According to the CEO, Psyche Aerospace is the most recent and clear example of Brazilian agribusiness needing to be viewed and supported differently.

Incubated in the Technological Innovation Park of São José dos Campos, São Paulo, the startup plans to produce 120 drones and 30 proprietary refueling stations by the official launch. These stations, called belugas, ensure the autonomy and improved performance of drone spraying. 

Covering 300,000 hectares with a capacity of 60,000 liters, the technology used in the belugas will enable rapid drone recharges in seconds, enhancing effectiveness and reducing the time required for crop spraying.

(Editing by Leonardo Gottems, reporter for AgroPages)

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