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Vapotherm Reports Second Quarter 2024 Financial Results

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EXETER, N.H., Aug. 12, 2024 /PRNewswire/ — Vapotherm, Inc. (OTCQX: VAPO), (“Vapotherm” or the “Company”), today announced second quarter 2024 financial results and related highlights.

Second Quarter 2024 Financial Results and Related Highlights

Net revenue for the second quarter of 2024 was $16.9 million, an increase of 5.3% as compared to the second quarter of 2023Disposables revenue increased by 13.9% as compared to the second quarter of 2023U.S. disposables revenue increased by 25.9% as compared to the second quarter of 2023Gross margin in the second quarter of 2024 was 49.1% as compared to 42.8% in the second quarter of 2023For the second quarter of 2024, GAAP operating expenses were $17.6 million and non-GAAP cash operating expenses, as defined below, were $12.1 millionGAAP operating expenses increased by $0.5 million from the second quarter of 2023Non-GAAP cash operating expenses decreased by $2.1 million from the second quarter of 2023Adjusted EBITDA loss in the second quarter of 2024 was $2.9 million as compared to an Adjusted EBITDA loss of $6.4 million in the second quarter of 2023The Company’s unrestricted cash and cash equivalents were $2.9 million at the end of the second quarter of 2024

“I’m pleased our U.S. disposables revenue grew by nearly 26% over the second quarter of 2023 and our worldwide disposables revenue grew by nearly 14% over the same period,” said Joseph Army, President and CEO. “We are seeing increased adoption of our technology on COPD patients since the results of the HYPERACT study were presented at the 2024 Critical Care Congress.”

Results for the Three Months Ended June 30, 2024

The following table reflects the Company’s net revenue for the three months ended June 30, 2024 and 2023:

Three Months Ended June 30,

2024

2023

Change

(in thousands, except percentages)

Amount

% of Revenue

Amount

% of Revenue

$

%

Revenue

Capital (product & lease revenue)

$

3,061

18.1

%

$

3,646

22.7

%

$

(585)

(16.0)

%

Disposables

12,442

73.7

%

10,927

68.1

%

1,515

13.9

%

Service and other

1,381

8.2

%

1,464

9.2

%

(83)

(5.7)

%

Total net revenue

$

16,884

100.0

%

$

16,037

100.0

%

$

847

5.3

%

Net revenue for the second quarter of 2024 was $16.9 million and increased 5.3% over the second quarter of 2023 primarily due to U.S. disposables revenue growth of 25.9% over the second quarter of 2023, which was driven by increased unit volume and adoption of the Company’s HVT 2.0 platform.

Revenue information by geography is summarized as follows:

Three Months Ended June 30,

2024

2023

Change

(in thousands, except percentages)

Amount

% of Revenue

Amount

% of Revenue

$

%

United States

$

13,323

78.9

%

$

11,847

73.9

%

$

1,476

12.5

%

International

3,561

21.1

%

4,190

26.1

%

(629)

(15.0)

%

Total net revenue

$

16,884

100.0

%

$

16,037

100.0

%

$

847

5.3

%

Net revenue in the United States for the second quarter of 2024 was $13.3 million and increased 12.5% over the second quarter of 2023 primarily due to U.S. disposables revenue growth. Net revenue in International markets for the second quarter of 2024 was $3.6 million and decreased 15.0% over the second quarter of 2023 due to a decrease in disposables revenue in distributor markets.

Gross profit and gross margin for the second quarter of 2024 was $8.3 million and 49.1%, respectively, as compared to gross profit of $6.9 million and gross margin of 42.8% for the second quarter of 2023. The increases in gross profit and gross margin were primarily due to the improved efficiency of our Mexico operation.

Total operating expenses were $17.6 million in the second quarter of 2024, an increase of $0.5 million as compared to the second quarter of 2023. Non-GAAP cash operating expenses, which exclude merger-related costs, gain on disposal of property and equipment, depreciation and amortization, stock-based compensation expense, and gain from deconsolidation were $12.1 million in the second quarter of 2024 compared to $14.2 million in the second quarter of 2023. The increase in operating expenses was primarily due to merger-related costs, partially offset by the Company’s Path to Profitability initiatives. The decrease in non-GAAP cash operating expenses was primarily due to the Company’s Path to Profitability initiatives.

Net loss for the second quarter of 2024 was $14.3 million, or $2.22 per share, compared to $14.8 million, or $2.34 per share, in the second quarter of 2023. Net loss per share was based on 6,442,763 and 6,328,222 weighted average shares outstanding for the second quarter of 2024 and 2023, respectively.

Adjusted EBITDA was negative $2.9 million for the second quarter of 2024 as compared to negative $6.4 million for the second quarter of 2023. The reduction in Adjusted EBITDA loss was primarily due to the Company’s Path to Profitability initiatives.

Cash Position

Unrestricted cash and cash equivalents were $2.9 million as of June 30, 2024 compared to $9.7 million as of December 31, 2023.

Website Information

Vapotherm routinely posts important information for investors on the Investor Relations section of its website, http:// investors.vapotherm.com/. Vapotherm intends to use this website as a means of disclosing material, non-public information and for complying with Vapotherm’s disclosure obligations under Regulation FD. Accordingly, investors should monitor the Investor Relations section of Vapotherm’s website, in addition to following Vapotherm’s press releases, Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”) filings, public conference calls, presentations and webcasts. The information contained on, or that may be accessed through, Vapotherm’s website is not incorporated by reference into, and is not a part of, this document.

Non-GAAP Financial Measures

This press release includes non-GAAP financial measures, including EBITDA, Adjusted EBITDA, non-GAAP operating expenses and non-GAAP cash operating expenses. EBITDA and Adjusted EBITDA differ from net income as calculated in accordance with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles (“GAAP”) and non-GAAP operating expenses and non-GAAP cash operating expenses differ from operating expenses as calculated in accordance with GAAP. EBITDA represents net loss less interest expense, net, income tax provision or benefit, and depreciation and amortization, and Adjusted EBITDA represents EBITDA as further adjusted for the merger-related costs, impact of foreign currency (loss) gain, stock-based compensation expense, gain from deconsolidation and gain on disposal of property and equipment. Non-GAAP operating expenses is calculated by excluding from GAAP operating expenses merger-related costs, gain on disposal of property and equipment, and non-GAAP cash operating expenses is calculated by further excluding additional items, including stock-based compensation expense, depreciation and amortization, and gain from deconsolidation. The Company has reconciled all historical non-GAAP financial measures with the most directly comparable GAAP financial measures in tables accompanying this release.

These non-GAAP financial measures are presented because the Company believes they are useful indicators of its operating performance. Management uses these non-GAAP financial measures, as measures of the Company’s operating performance and for planning purposes, including the preparation of the Company’s annual operating budget and financial projections. The Company believes these measures are useful to investors as supplemental information because they are frequently used by analysts, investors and other interested parties to evaluate companies in its industry. The Company believes Adjusted EBITDA is useful to its management and investors as a measure of comparative operating performance from period to period.

These non-GAAP financial measures should not be considered alternatives to, or superior to, net income or loss as a measure of financial performance or cash flows from operations as a measure of liquidity, or any other performance measure derived in accordance with GAAP. They should not be construed to imply that the Company’s future results will be unaffected by unusual or non-recurring items. In addition, Adjusted EBITDA is not intended to be a measure of free cash flow for management’s discretionary use, as it does not reflect certain cash requirements such as tax payments, debt service requirements, capital expenditures and certain other cash costs that may recur in the future. Adjusted EBITDA contains certain other limitations, including the failure to reflect our capital expenditures, cash requirements for working capital needs and cash costs to replace assets being depreciated and amortized. In evaluating Adjusted EBITDA, you should be aware that in the future the Company may incur expenses that are the same as or similar to some of the adjustments in the Adjusted EBITDA presentation. The Company’s presentation of Adjusted EBITDA should not be construed to imply that its future results will be unaffected by any such adjustments. Management compensates for these limitations by primarily relying on the Company’s GAAP results in addition to using Adjusted EBITDA and other non-GAAP financial measures on a supplemental basis. The Company’s definitions of Adjusted EBITDA, non-GAAP operating expenses and non-GAAP cash operating expenses are not necessarily comparable to other similarly titled captions of other companies due to different methods of calculation.

About Vapotherm

Vapotherm, Inc. (OTCQX: VAPO) is a publicly traded developer and manufacturer of advanced respiratory technology based in Exeter, New Hampshire, USA. The Company develops innovative, comfortable, non-invasive technologies for respiratory support of patients with chronic or acute breathing disorders. Over 4.5 million patients have been treated with the use of Vapotherm high velocity therapy® systems. For more information, visit www.vapotherm.com.

Vapotherm high velocity therapy is mask-free non-invasive respiratory support and is a front-line tool for relieving respiratory distress—including hypercapnia, hypoxemia, and dyspnea. It allows for the fast, safe treatment of undifferentiated respiratory distress with one tool. The HVT 2.0 and Precision Flow systems’ mask-free interface delivers optimally conditioned breathing gases, making it comfortable for patients and reducing the risks and care complexities associated with mask therapies. While being treated, patients can talk, eat, drink and take oral medication.

Legal Notice Regarding Forward-Looking Statements

This press release contains forward-looking statements under the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995, including the statement about the Company’s belief regarding an increased willingness to use the Company’s technology on COPD patients. In some cases, you can identify forward-looking statements by terms such as “believe,” “expect,” “continue,” “plan,” “intend,” “will,” “outlook,” or “typically,” or the negative of these terms or other similar expressions, although not all forward-looking statements contain these words, and the use of future dates. Each forward-looking statement is subject to risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from those expressed or implied in such statement. Applicable risks and uncertainties include, but are not limited to the following: Vapotherm’s proposed merger with Veronica Merger Sub, Inc. and Vapotherm’s ability to satisfy the conditions to closing or otherwise complete the merger on a timely basis or at all and the impact the pending merger may have on Vapotherm’s current plans and operations, including potentially diverting management’s attention from our business; the effects of the merger (or the announcement or pendency thereof) on Vapotherm’s future business and financial and operating results, its ability to retain key personnel and maintain relationships with customers, manufacturers, suppliers, employees (including the risks relating to the ability to retain or hire key personnel), other business partners or governmental entities, and the risk and outcome of legal proceedings related to the merger; Vapotherm’s ability to raise additional capital to fund its existing operations and debt service obligations; Vapotherm’s ability to comply with its financial covenants, execute on its path to profitability initiative, convert excess inventory into cash and fund its business and otherwise continue as a going concern through 2024; Vapotherm has incurred losses in the past and may be unable to achieve or sustain profitability in the future; risks associated with its manufacturing operations in Mexico; Vapotherm’s dependence on sales generated from its High Velocity Therapy systems, competition from multi-national corporations who have significantly greater resources than Vapotherm and are more established in the respiratory market; the ability for High Velocity Therapy systems to gain increased market acceptance; Vapotherm’s inexperience directly marketing and selling its products; the potential loss of one or more suppliers and dependence on its new third party manufacturer; Vapotherm’s susceptibility to seasonal fluctuations; Vapotherm’s failure to comply with applicable United States and foreign regulatory requirements; the failure to obtain U.S. Food and Drug Administration or other regulatory authorization to market and sell future products or its inability to secure, maintain or enforce patent or other intellectual property protection for its products; the impact of COVID on its business, including its supply chain; risks in holding Vapotherm stock in light of trading on the OTCQX tier of the OTC Markets; and the other risks and uncertainties included under the heading “Risk Factors” in Vapotherm’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2023, as filed with the SEC on February 22, 2024, and subsequent SEC reports. The forward-looking statements contained in this press release reflect Vapotherm’s views as of the date hereof, and Vapotherm does not assume and specifically disclaims any obligation to update any forward-looking statements whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except as required by law.

 

VAPOTHERM, INC.
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
(In thousands, except share amounts)

June 30, 2024

December 31, 2023

(unaudited)

Assets

Current assets

Cash and cash equivalents

$

2,904

$

9,725

Accounts receivable, net of expected credit losses
   of $240 and $160, respectively

8,563

10,672

Inventories, net

23,295

22,968

Prepaid expenses and other current assets

2,259

3,058

Total current assets

37,021

46,423

Property and equipment, net

23,592

23,703

Operating lease right-of-use assets

2,911

3,372

Restricted cash

1,109

1,109

Goodwill

561

565

Deferred income tax assets

56

57

Other long-term assets

2,677

2,388

Total assets

$

67,927

$

77,617

Liabilities and Stockholders’ Deficit

Current liabilities

Accounts payable

$

4,381

$

5,053

Contract liabilities

1,258

1,237

Accrued expenses and other current liabilities

22,913

12,805

Current portion of loans payable, net

118,406

Total current liabilities

146,958

19,095

Long-term loans payable, net

107,059

Other long-term liabilities

2,288

6,797

Total liabilities

149,246

132,951

Commitments and contingencies

Stockholders’ deficit

Preferred stock ($0.001 par value) 25,000,000 shares authorized; no shares
   issued and outstanding as of June 30, 2024 and December 31, 2023

Common stock ($0.001 par value) 21,875,000 shares authorized as of
   June 30, 2024 and December 31, 2023, 6,241,958 and 6,165,806
   shares issued and outstanding as of June 30, 2024 and
   December 31, 2023, respectively

6

6

Additional paid-in capital

496,083

492,764

Accumulated other comprehensive (loss) income

(106)

91

Accumulated deficit

(577,302)

(548,195)

Total stockholders’ deficit

(81,319)

(55,334)

Total liabilities and stockholders’ deficit

$

67,927

$

77,617

 

VAPOTHERM, INC.
UNAUDITED CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS
(In thousands, except share and per share amounts)

Three Months Ended June 30,

Six Months Ended June 30,

2024

2023

2024

2023

(unaudited)

(unaudited)

Net revenue

$

16,884

$

16,037

$

36,018

$

33,768

Cost of revenue

8,601

9,177

18,078

20,696

Gross profit

8,283

6,860

17,940

13,072

Operating expenses

Research and development

3,328

3,723

6,960

7,710

Sales and marketing

6,732

8,276

13,874

17,868

General and administrative

3,768

5,019

8,240

10,789

Merger-related costs

3,723

3,723

Impairment of right-of-use assets

432

(Gain) loss on disposal of property and equipment

(1)

(2)

(9)

53

Total operating expenses

17,550

17,016

32,788

36,852

Loss from operations

(9,267)

(10,156)

(14,848)

(23,780)

Other (expense) income

Interest expense

(4,944)

(4,642)

(14,197)

(8,973)

Interest income

1

26

6

54

Foreign currency (loss) gain

(43)

9

(39)

(145)

Net loss before income taxes

$

(14,253)

$

(14,763)

$

(29,078)

$

(32,844)

Provision for income taxes

18

25

29

34

Net loss

$

(14,271)

$

(14,788)

$

(29,107)

$

(32,878)

Other comprehensive (loss) income:

Foreign currency translation adjustments

(35)

(22)

(197)

113

Total other comprehensive (loss) income

(35)

(22)

(197)

113

Total comprehensive loss

$

(14,306)

$

(14,810)

$

(29,304)

$

(32,765)

Net loss per share – basic and diluted

$

(2.22)

$

(2.34)

$

(4.52)

$

(5.76)

Weighted-average number of shares used in calculating net
   loss per share, basic and diluted (1)

6,442,763

6,328,222

6,436,631

5,705,607

(1) On August 18, 2023, the Company effected a 1:8 reverse stock split for each share of common stock issued
and outstanding. All shares and associated amounts have been retroactively restated to reflect the stock split.

 

VAPOTHERM, INC.
UNAUDITED CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
(In thousands)

Six Months Ended June 30,

2024

2023

Cash flows from operating activities

Net loss

$

(29,107)

$

(32,878)

Adjustments to reconcile net loss to net cash used in operating activities

Stock-based compensation expense

3,290

5,405

Depreciation and amortization

2,528

2,445

Provision for credit losses

110

(2)

Provision for inventory valuation

73

283

Non-cash lease expense

461

733

Impairment of right-of-use assets

432

(Gain) loss on disposal of property and equipment

(9)

53

Placed units reserve

234

418

Interest paid in-kind

4,918

4,553

Non-cash interest expense

4,931

620

Amortization of discount on debt

429

368

Deferred income taxes

29

34

Changes in operating assets and liabilities:

Accounts receivable

1,986

212

Inventories

(407)

7,646

Prepaid expenses and other assets

506

(2,794)

Accounts payable

(579)

(315)

Contract liabilities

23

72

Accrued expenses and other liabilities

2,045

(3,460)

Operating lease liabilities, current and long-term

(1,288)

(1,213)

Net cash used in operating activities

(9,827)

(17,388)

Cash flows from investing activities

Purchases of property and equipment

(2,662)

(1,408)

Net cash used in investing activities

(2,662)

(1,408)

Cash flows from financing activities

Proceeds from issuance of common stock and pre-funded warrants and
   accompanying warrants in private placement, net of issuance costs

20,943

Proceeds from loans, net of discount

5,820

Proceeds from exercise of warrants

3

Proceeds from exercise of stock options

1

Proceeds from issuance of common stock under Employee Stock Purchase Plan

12

77

Net cash provided by financing activities

5,833

21,023

Effect of exchange rate changes on cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash

(165)

35

Net (decrease) increase in cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash

(6,821)

2,262

Cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash

Beginning of period

10,834

16,847

End of period

$

4,013

$

19,109

Supplemental disclosures of cash flow information

Interest paid during the period

$

3,557

$

2,720

Property and equipment purchases in accounts payable and accrued expenses

$

732

$

175

Issuance of common stock warrants in conjunction with long term debt

$

16

$

71

Issuance of common stock for services

$

155

$

117

Non-GAAP Financial Measures

The following table contains a reconciliation of net loss to Adjusted EBITDA for the three months ended June 30, 2024 and 2023, respectively.

Three Months Ended June 30,

2024

2023

(Unaudited)

(in thousands)

Net loss

$

(14,271)

$

(14,788)

Interest expense, net

4,943

4,616

Provision for income taxes

18

25

Depreciation and amortization

1,224

1,197

EBITDA

$

(8,086)

$

(8,950)

Merger-related costs

3,723

Stock-based compensation

1,456

2,585

Foreign currency loss (gain)

43

(9)

Gain from deconsolidation

(5)

Gain on disposal of property and equipment

(1)

(2)

Adjusted EBITDA

$

(2,865)

$

(6,381)

The following table contains a reconciliation of operating expenses to Non-GAAP operating expenses and Non-GAAP cash operating expenses for the three months ended June 30, 2024 and June 30, 2023, respectively.

Three Months Ended June 30,

2024

2023

(Unaudited)

(in thousands)

GAAP operating expenses

$

17,550

$

17,016

Merger-related costs

(3,723)

Gain on disposal of property and equipment

1

2

Non-GAAP operating expenses

13,828

17,018

Stock-based compensation

(1,423)

(2,534)

Depreciation and amortization

(262)

(293)

Gain from deconsolidation

5

Non-GAAP cash operating expenses

$

12,143

$

14,196

 

Supplemental Operating Metrics

June 30,

2024

2023

Change

Amount

Amount

Amount

%

HVT 2.0 and precision flow units installed base

United States

24,992

24,563

429

1.7

%

International

12,975

12,729

246

1.9

%

Total

37,967

37,292

675

1.8

%

Three Months Ended June 30,

2024

2023

Change

Amount

Amount

Amount

%

HVT 2.0 and precision flow units sold and leased

United States

193

293

(100)

(34.1)

%

International

99

146

(47)

(32.2)

%

Total

292

439

(147)

(33.5)

%

Disposable patient circuits sold

United States

82,290

69,323

12,967

18.7

%

International

29,634

35,744

(6,110)

(17.1)

%

Total

111,924

105,067

6,857

6.5

%

 

Investor Relations Contacts:

John Landry, SVP & CFO, ir@vtherm.com, +1 (603) 658-0011

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SOURCE Vapotherm, Inc.

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American Doctors Return From Medical Mission In Conflict-Affected Syria

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Doctors treated life-threatening conditions, provided specialized care, and delivered critical training to local healthcare providers.

WASHINGTON, Sept. 23, 2024 /PRNewswire/ — Today, 24 Syrian American Medical Society (SAMS) volunteer doctors from the United States returned from a week-long medical mission to northwest Syria, where they provided life-saving medical care and specialized training to local healthcare providers. From September 15-20, 2024, the volunteer physicians conducted a wide range of medical interventions, including complex cardiac procedures, oncological and retina surgeries, pediatrics subspecialty clinics and intensive care consultations, impacting thousands of lives in a region devastated by conflict and last year’s disastrous earthquake.

SAMS Member and group leader of the mission, Dr. Bassel Atassi, an oncologist of Chicago, who completed the week-long mission in northwest Syria, shared, “During our mission, we carried out 277 surgeries and provided 1,367 consultations. Our focus was not only on treating patients but also on training local doctors in pathology, cardiology, and oncology and other essential practices to help them treat and local refugees. The knowledge transfer was crucial in ensuring that the impact of our work extends far beyond our time on the ground”

“This mission represents the unwavering commitment of our volunteers to provide life-saving care in some of the most challenging conditions imaginable,” said SAMS’ President Dr. Mufaddal Hamadeh. “We are proud of the medical impact made and the meaningful training and collaboration with local healthcare providers that will continue to benefit the region long after our departure. The resilience and courage of the people we serve inspire us to continue our vital work in Syria and beyond.”

The mission included a diverse array of medical services and training initiatives aimed at bolstering local healthcare capacity. Highlights included:

Pediatric and Adult Cardiology: Conducting echocardiograms, pacemaker implants, and catheter-based interventions for pediatric patients and performing adult cardiac surgeries, including coronary artery bypass grafting and valve surgeries.Oncology: Performing major surgeries in urological, gastrointestinal, and gynecological oncology while providing oncological consultations and training at SAMS-supported oncology centers.Specialized Consultations and Procedures: Retinal specialists performed vitrectomies and laser procedures, while intensive care specialists led ICU rounds and critical care consultations.Training and Education: The mission delivered hands-on training, crash courses, and a 2-day Pediatric Scientific Conference, focusing on pediatric specialties, benefiting over 200 general pediatricians in northwest Syria.

Syrians and refugees are still recovering from the earthquake that struck the border area in February 2023, but life is improving thanks to the work of SAMS and its countless volunteers and 2,400 staff in the region—nearly half of whom were displaced by the disaster.

For more information, contact:
Blaine Heck / 201-314-9506 / 383715@email4pr.com

About SAMS:
SAMS is a nonprofit, non-political organization that works on the front lines of crisis relief, providing medical and humanitarian assistance to the most vulnerable in Syria, its neighboring countries, and beyond. Last year, SAMS provided lifesaving medical services to 3.6 million people. For more information about SAMS, go to www.sams-usa.net.

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SOURCE Syrian American Medical Society

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Pyka Secures $40M Series B to Advance Commercialization of Dual-use Autonomous Electric Aircraft

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Funding will accelerate Pyka’s growth and further scale production of its autonomous aircraft for agriculture, defense, and commercial logistics.

ALAMEDA, Calif., Sept. 23, 2024 /PRNewswire/ — Pyka, an electric aviation technology leader that designs and manufactures large-scale autonomous electric aircraft, today announced a $40M Series B raise. The funding round was led by Obvious Ventures, with participation from both new and existing investors, including Piva Capital, Prelude Ventures, Metaplanet Holdings, and Y Combinator.

Pyka is rapidly commercializing autonomous electric aircraft by applying its technology to many of the world’s most critical flight missions, including agricultural crop protection, commercial cargo transportation, and defense logistics.

“This accomplishment is a significant milestone for Pyka,” said Michael Norcia, Co-Founder and Chief Executive Officer at Pyka. “We are designing, developing, and commercializing autonomous electric aircraft at a pace that few companies have been able to achieve. With commercial production well underway, and our aircraft deployed with customers on multiple continents, we are extremely proud of the progress we’ve made as a company thus far. This round of funding brings us one step closer to unlocking autonomous electric flight for society.”

The company currently produces the largest commercially-approved uncrewed aircraft system (UAS) in the United States and maintains active commercial operations across the U.S., Central America, and Brazil. Pyka’s portfolio of customers includes key players in the agriculture, commercial cargo, and defense logistics value chains, such as Dole, Embraer, Sierra Nevada Company, Heinen Brothers Agra Services, and Skyports Drone Services. In early 2024, Pyka delivered three aircraft to the United States Air Force as part of the Agility Prime program.

The new investment will accelerate Pyka’s growth across its dual-use product line. On the commercial side, it will support further investment in Pyka’s domestic manufacturing capabilities, boost production of its Pelican Spray and Pelican Cargo products, and enable expanded operations with both U.S. and international customers. Additionally, the Series B funds will advance the development of new capabilities to support contested logistics operations for the U.S. Department of Defense and allied partners.

“From the beginning, Pyka was focused on getting into the air and getting into business with commercial operations. Their cost-effective mindset and discipline caught our attention,” said Andrew Beebe, Managing Director at Obvious Ventures. “And what got us really excited was the passion of the team and their mission-driven focus on electrifying aviation and decarbonizing one of the worst offenders in the world.”

Pyka’s family of products includes Pelican Spray, a 1,320-lb, fully autonomous, and 100% electric aircraft designed for complex agricultural operations. The aircraft combines best-in-class spray precision and chemical drift reduction technologies to provide safe, clean, and cost-effective crop protection at scale. Pelican Spray is the largest FAA-approved UAS for agricultural operations and the most productive spray UAS on the Market.

Additionally, Pyka produces Pelican Cargo, the world’s first large-scale autonomous electric cargo aircraft capable of heavy-payload, long-range, and off-airport operation. The 100% electric aircraft can transport up to 400 lbs over a range of 200 miles. Pyka has partnered with Sierra Nevada Company to introduce RUMRUNNER, a modified edition of Pelican Cargo, to customers within the U.S. Department of Defense for sustainment in contested logistics operations.

All of Pyka’s products incorporate its proprietary autonomous flight engine and all-electric propulsion system to enable operations in the world’s most complex environments without putting human operators in harm’s way, at unprecedented cost savings to customers.

About Pyka:

Pyka is defining the future of safe, environmentally-friendly, and cost-effective aviation with autonomous electric airplanes for crop protection and cargo delivery. Pyka’s proprietary technology includes autonomous flight control software, flight computers, high energy density batteries, advanced electric propulsion systems, and carbon composite airframes. Learn more at www.flypyka.com.

View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/pyka-secures-40m-series-b-to-advance-commercialization-of-dual-use-autonomous-electric-aircraft-302255688.html

SOURCE Pyka

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#PlumeStrong Cycling Challenge 2024 Surpasses Goal by Raising over €610.000 for Street Child to Develop Secondary Schools in Sierra Leone

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PALO ALTO, Calif., Sept. 23, 2024 /CNW/ — Plume completed its fourth annual #PlumeStrong Cycling Challenge (#PSCC24) – a 5-stage 824 km route from Zurich, Switzerland to Venice, Italy that took place from September 2-6, 2024. The #PSCC is a fundraiser to benefit #PlumeStrong, Plume’s social impact initiative with a mission to empower communities worldwide through meaningful initiatives that promote health, education, equality, efficiency, sustainability, technological innovation, and security. #PlumeStrong envisions a world where more individuals, particularly children, have access to education, resources, and opportunities.

During the five-day ride through the iconic mountain passes of Switzerland and Italy, Plume employees and corporate partners were joined by #PlumeStrong Ambassadors Tadej Pogačar, a three-time Tour de France winner, Urška Žigart, a Slovenian professional racing cyclist, currently riding for the Liv AlUla Jayco WorldTeam, Scott Ogden, English Grand Prix motorcycle racer currently competing in the 2024 Moto3 World Championship for MLav Racing, and Marko Baloh, Guinness & WUCA World Record Holder and elite ultra-cyclist and coach. 

Together, #PSCC24 and its supporters raised over €610,000 surpassing the initiative’s original target of €550,000. Recently, #PlumeStrong and its charity partner Street Child announced that the money raised during the #PSCC24 will be used to benefit Street Child’s work in Sierra Leone. The initial goal was to develop 15 rural secondary schools, providing quality education to over 1,500 children annually, teacher training, and the establishment of a community agriculture project to help sustain the school. Due to the excess funds already raised, #PlumeStrong and Street Child are now expanding the project to develop an additional 5 schools bringing the total number to 20.

Fahri Diner

“I am so proud of what the #PlumeStrong team achieved, said Fahri Diner, Founder and CEO of Plume. “We set a goal for this year’s ride and once again exceeded it. The #PlumeStrong Cycling Challenge 2024 (#PSCC24) was indeed a serious ‘challenge’ and not just a social ride – everyone who participated should feel an incredible sense of accomplishment. And more importantly, it was a successful fundraiser to help Street Child to provide additional educational opportunities for children. As is cycling, this was a beautifully orchestrated team effort, and we are so grateful for the commitment of our people, sponsors, partners, support teams and everyone who donated to the #PSCC24. On behalf of all of us at Plume, a big THANK YOU to all.”

Lucinda Dannatt

“We are thrilled by the success of the #PlumeStrong Cycling Challenge 2024, which has exceeded the initial fundraising goal, said Lucinda Dannatt, Director, Policy & Development and Co-Founder at Street Child. “Thanks to the incredible dedication of #PlumeStrong and its supporters, Street Child can now develop an additional 5 secondary schools, bringing the total to 20 schools and ensuring that at least 2,000 children in Sierra Leone will have the opportunity to receive a quality education. A huge thank you to everyone who braved the 800 km of mountain passes or supported us through donations and sponsorships. Your commitment has made this remarkable achievement possible.”

Tadej Pogačar

“Participating in the #PlumeStrong challenge is a point of pride in my life, and I am thrilled to have ridden again with #PlumeStrong,” said Tadej Pogačar. “I recognize the importance of giving back to those in need and this cycling challenge is one of my favorite ways to do so. The money being raised today will impact those in Sierra Leone and beyond, and I’m honored to be part of this great effort.”

Urška Žigart

“It’s a privilege to be a part of this incredible community of individuals all focused on providing opportunities to communities around the world,” said Urška Žigart. “Becoming a #PlumeStrong Ambassador is a milestone for me, made sweeter by the fact that we’re building a bridge to the cycling world. I look forward to participating in these challenges for years to come.”

Watch the #PSCC24 recap video here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=N2mPn2VA_nI 

Media queries:
Plume: corporatecomms@plume.com
Street Child: ben.weich@street-child.org 

About Plume
Plume is the creator of the world’s first SaaS experience platform for communications service providers (CSPs) and their subscribers, deployed in more than 60 million locations globally. As the only open and hardware-independent, cloud-controlled solution, Plume enables the rapid delivery of new services for smart homes, small businesses and beyond, at massive scale. On the front end, Plume delivers self-optimizing, adaptive WiFi, cybersecurity, access, parental controls and more. CSPs get robust data- and AI-driven back-end applications for unprecedented visibility, insights, support, operations and marketing. Plume leverages OpenSync®, an open-source framework that comes pre-integrated and supported on the leading silicon, CPE and platform SDKs.

Visit plume.com, plume.com/homepass, plume.com/workpass, plume.com/uprise, and opensync.io.

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© 2024 Plume Design, Inc. All rights reserved. Adaptive, Advanced loT Protection, Concierge, Flow, Harvest, Haystack, HomePass, OpenSync, Plume, Plume Adaptive WiFi, Plume IQ, Powered by Plume, Signal, SuperPod, WorkPass, Work From Here, WorldPass, and the Plume and OpenSync Logos, among others, are trademarks or registered trademarks of Plume Design, Inc. See trademark guidelines.

About Street Child
Street Child is one of the world’s fastest-growing international children’s charities, established in 2008. Street Child works to ensure children are safe, in school and learning even, and especially, in low resource environments and emergencies. The charity works with an expanding network of local organisations and a focus on the power and purpose of inspirational local level organisations sits at the heart of all they do – and has done so since the first partnership in Sierra Leone in 2008.

Today Street Child works in over 25 countries across sub-Saharan Africa, Asia, Europe and the Middle East.  

Learn more

Follow Street Child on LinkedIn and X

View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/plumestrong-cycling-challenge-2024-surpasses-goal-by-raising-over-610-000-for-street-child-to-develop-secondary-schools-in-sierra-leone-302255700.html

SOURCE Plume Design, Inc.

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