Archer Raises $850 Million After White House Executive Order to Speed U.S. eVTOL Deployment

Archer Secures $850 Million Following White House Executive Order to Accelerate eVTOL Deployment

Archer Aviation Inc. has raised $850 million in new funding subsequent to a White House executive order aimed at fast-tracking the integration of electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) aircraft within the United States. The executive order, signed last week, establishes an eVTOL Integration Pilot Program designed to expedite the deployment of these advanced aircraft. Archer intends to collaborate closely with the White House, the Department of Transportation, and the Federal Aviation Administration to ensure alignment with the program as it prepares for operational expansion ahead of the Los Angeles 2028 Olympic Games. The company is designated as the Official Air Taxi Provider for both the Olympic Games and Team USA.

Despite the substantial capital injection, Archer’s stock experienced a decline following the announcement, reflecting broader investor caution regarding the long-term prospects of the eVTOL sector. While competitors such as Joby Aviation have also benefited from the executive order, skepticism persists across the industry concerning the commercial viability and regulatory challenges facing eVTOL aircraft.

Strategic Outlook and Industry Positioning

Adam Goldstein, Archer’s CEO and founder, described the executive order as a “seminal moment” for both the company and the broader eVTOL industry. He emphasized that the company now possesses the strongest balance sheet in the sector, providing the necessary resources to execute its plans domestically and internationally. The recent funding round, conducted through the sale of 85 million shares of Archer’s Class A common stock at $10.00 per share in a registered direct offering, has elevated the company’s pro forma liquidity to approximately $2 billion. Archer characterizes this financial position as a “fortress balance sheet” that will underpin its engineering, certification, and commercialization efforts across global markets.

The net proceeds from the offering are allocated for general corporate purposes, with a particular focus on expanding commercial capabilities, developing infrastructure to support new initiatives, and advancing an AI-based aviation software platform. Archer plans to showcase its Midnight aircraft at the upcoming Paris Air Show, where it will host delegations from over 20 countries, including leaders from partner organizations in the United Arab Emirates—identified as the company’s first target “Launch Edition” market. During the event, Goldstein is scheduled to meet with U.S. Secretary of Transportation Sean P. Duffy and acting FAA administrator Chris Rocheleau.

Archer underscores the importance of cross-industry collaboration to the success of the eVTOL Integration Pilot Program and to establishing U.S. leadership in this emerging sector. Nonetheless, the company must navigate a market environment that remains cautious about the pace and scale of eVTOL adoption.

Moelis & Company LLC served as the exclusive placement agent for the offering. The shares were issued pursuant to an automatic shelf registration statement filed with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission.