Investment Review: Beyond Aero

This post is part of my angel investing series where I review investments after they’re completed. These posts are not investment advice, solicitations, or offers of any kind. They are simply my thoughts on companies I’ve invested in and how they fit into my thesis.

For background on my approach to angel investing and my investment thesis, see my introduction to this series.

Company Overview

Beyond Aero is developing zero-emission hydrogen-propelled private aircraft. Their approach targets the private aviation market first, where customers are both price-insensitive and increasingly conscious of their environmental impact. This follows a similar pattern to Tesla’s entry into the automotive market - starting with high-end vehicles to fund the development of more accessible options.

Thesis Fit

Macro trends:

  • Aviation industry contributes ~2% of global CO2 emissions
  • Growing scrutiny of ultra-high-net-worth individuals’ carbon footprints, particularly from private aviation
  • European and US regulators pushing for lower and zero-emission aircraft
  • Major airports beginning to build hydrogen fueling infrastructure
  • Corporate commitments to net-zero driving demand for sustainable travel options

Founder fit:

  • Team includes experienced aerospace engineers from leading companies like Airbus and Boeing
  • Strong mix of technical expertise and business acumen
  • Deep connections in the aerospace industry
  • Clear understanding of both technical challenges and market needs
  • Previous experience in hydrogen fuel cell development

Market Strategy

The private aviation market is an ideal entry point for several reasons:

  1. High margins support the cost of new technology development
  2. Customers are less price-sensitive and more brand-conscious
  3. Shorter routes allow for simpler hydrogen infrastructure requirements
  4. Regulatory compliance is simpler for smaller aircraft
  5. Market size (~$30B) is large enough to support growth but small enough to dominate

Conclusion

Beyond Aero represents a compelling investment in the decarbonization of aviation, starting with the segment most able to adopt new technology. This follows my thesis of backing climate solutions that target luxury markets first, similar to my investments in Cambrium Bio (luxury materials) and Alga Biosciences (premium food products). The combination of strong technical foundations, clear market strategy, and growing regulatory tailwinds makes this an exciting opportunity in the climate tech space.

Note: This review is written after the investment was made and is not intended to be forward-looking or to provide any form of investment advice. It represents my personal views and learning journey in angel investing.