Aerones: The Future of Wind Turbine Maintenance Takes Flight

June 4, 2025, 3:39 pm
Extantia Capital
Extantia Capital
Location: Germany, Berlin
Employees: 11-50
Founded date: 2020
Aerones
Aerones
BuildingCareDeliveryDronesEnergyTechIndustryManufacturingProviderRoboticsService
Location: Latvia, Vidzeme, Riga
Employees: 51-200
Founded date: 2015
Total raised: $149.4M
Lightrock
Lightrock
FinTechServiceAgriTechPlatformTechnologyITHealthTechDataBusinessEdTech
Location: United Kingdom, England, London
Employees: 51-200
Founded date: 2009
In the heart of Latvia, a revolution is brewing. Aerones Ltd., a pioneer in robotic inspection and maintenance for wind turbines, has secured a staggering $62 million in funding. This investment is not just a financial boost; it’s a launchpad for a new era in renewable energy maintenance. The wind industry is growing like a wildflower, but it faces a critical challenge: a shortage of skilled technicians. Aerones aims to bridge this gap with its fleet of AI-driven robots and drones.

Founded in 2015, Aerones began as a dream of high-powered drone technology. The journey took a pivotal turn in 2018 when the team joined the Y Combinator accelerator. Here, they honed their focus on wind turbine maintenance. Initially, drones were the stars of the show. However, after collaborating with their first customer, it became clear that robotic arms were the real game-changers. This shift marked the birth of a new approach to wind turbine care.

The recent funding round was co-led by Activate Capital and S2G Investments, with participation from several other investors. This capital will allow Aerones to scale its operations and enhance its technology stack. The company plans to ramp up robot manufacturing and invest in advanced predictive maintenance tools. These tools will leverage data from thousands of robotic inspections, creating a safety net for wind farm operators.

The wind industry is on the brink of a massive transformation. According to a workforce study by the National Renewable Energy Laboratory, the U.S. could face a shortfall of 124,000 workers by 2030. Aerones is stepping in to fill this void. The company’s mission is clear: automate wind turbine inspection and maintenance globally. The urgency is palpable. Without innovation, the world cannot meet its renewable energy goals.

Aerones’ technology is a symphony of robotics and artificial intelligence. Their fleet includes external inspectors that glide up and down turbine towers, examining surfaces with precision. Drones fly high, capturing data from angles previously unreachable. Meanwhile, internal robots delve into the heart of the turbines, ensuring every component is in top shape. This holistic approach minimizes downtime and maximizes efficiency.

Since its inception, Aerones has made significant strides. The company has serviced over 10,000 turbines across more than 30 countries. Their efforts have retained nearly 400,000 megawatt-hours of clean electricity and avoided 165,000 tonnes of carbon dioxide emissions. These numbers are not just statistics; they represent a tangible impact on the environment.

With the new investment, Aerones is poised to expand its operational capacity. A new hub in Dallas, Texas, will serve as a gateway to the U.S. market. This strategic move aligns with the company’s goal to work with industry leaders. Aerones’ clients include giants like NextEra, GE, and Siemens Gamesa, who collectively represent over 50% of the global wind power capacity.

The wind industry is not just about generating energy; it’s about resilience and security. As energy costs rise, the need for reliable maintenance solutions becomes critical. Aerones’ robotic and AI capabilities offer a lifeline. They enable wind operators to shift from reactive to predictive maintenance strategies. This transition is essential in an industry grappling with labor shortages.

Aerones is not just a company; it’s a beacon of innovation. The firm has received numerous accolades, including the Riga Startup of the Year award and recognition in the Baltic Sustainability Innovation Awards. These honors reflect the company’s commitment to excellence and its role in shaping the future of renewable energy.

The funding from Activate Capital and S2G Investments is a testament to the belief in Aerones’ vision. Investors recognize that transitioning to renewable power requires new technologies and business models. Aerones embodies this shift, unlocking value for over $1 trillion of installed wind assets globally. This figure is expected to double by 2030, underscoring the urgency of Aerones’ mission.

As the world grapples with climate change, the role of companies like Aerones becomes increasingly vital. Their technology not only enhances productivity but also contributes to a sustainable future. By optimizing turbine performance and extending asset lifespans, Aerones is paving the way for a cleaner planet.

In conclusion, Aerones is more than a startup; it’s a catalyst for change. With $62 million in new funding, the company is ready to soar. The future of wind turbine maintenance is bright, and Aerones is leading the charge. As they expand their reach and refine their technology, the impact on the renewable energy landscape will be profound. The winds of change are blowing, and Aerones is at the helm, steering us toward a sustainable future.