Founded in 2016 in Lorient, the company SEAir has distinguished itself with its unique technology and expertise: flying ships. After gaining experience in the luxury sector (yachts and super-yachts) and services (VIP marine taxis), the Breton SME is now making its mark in the closed and demanding sector of Defense. Supported by the European Defense Agency, SEAir is coordinating the Arrow project for the construction of a 12-meter drone ship. To support this acceleration, the Lorient-based company, which employs 16 people, is finalizing a €4 million fundraising round to move from prototype to industrializable product.
SEAir’s technology provides a concrete solution to the challenges of modern navy and military fleets. “By flying the boat, fuel consumption is reduced by 50%, doubling mission autonomy. Most importantly, the stability provided by the foils allows for high-speed navigation even in rough seas, where conventional drones are forced to slow down. This stability is crucial for ensuring that onboard radars and sensors remain accurate, providing a decisive tactical advantage,” explains Richard Forest, founder and president of SEAir.
Supported by the European Union
To consolidate its transition from a design office to a shipbuilder, SEAir needs to strengthen its own resources to accelerate its transformation and meet the growing market where the company is positioned. “The design of a 12-meter autonomous surface drone, financed with €8 million by the European Union as part of the Arrow project, has allowed us to reach a milestone and integrate an industrial rationale,” emphasizes the director. Therefore, to strengthen this rationale and remain a leader in the military market for 8 to 20-meter marine drones – a strategic market estimated at €5 billion – SEAir is finalizing a €4 million fundraising round.
Sovereignty Lever
“This funding round is strategically diversified to ensure the independence and growth of the company,” highlights Richard Forest, who secures this transformation with an additional €9 million from European funds and another €3 million from institutional and industrial funds. Meanwhile, a crowdfunding campaign is open on the SouvTech Invest platform for potential individual investors.
“All of this capital will be used to finance the transition to the industrial stage with the goal of reaching a turnover of €60 million by 2030,” announces Richard Forest, who can rely on the deployed technology expertise to shape the future of his company. In ten years, SEAir has sold 16 ships on four continents. “These more than 10,000 hours of sailing have fueled R&D and tested the resilience of the composite materials, the retractability of our foils, and the precision of integrated autopilot systems. This experience has naturally guided our transition to the national defense sector,” concludes the founder and president of SEAir.
