Regent
Overview
Regent is a pioneering company in the field of sustainable maritime mobility, specializing in the development and manufacturing of all-electric seagliders. Founded in 2020, Regent has quickly gained traction in the transportation industry as an innovator of water-bound, wing-in-ground-effect crafts that merge the high-speed functionality of an airplane with the low operational costs of a boat. The company is headquartered in North Kingstown, Rhode Island, and was founded by Billy Thalheimer and Michael Klinker. As of 2024, Regent has raised over $145 million in funding from a diverse array of investors.
Recent Developments
- October 2024: Regent announced the beginning of systems integration for its full-scale seaglider prototype, Viceroy. This marks a significant step in the company's mission to revolutionize regional coastal mobility.
- June 2024: Regent secured a $300 million leasing agreement with Monte Maritime, demonstrating significant investor confidence and market potential.
- March 2024: Japanese travel agency H.I.S. made a strategic investment in Regent, aiming to integrate seaglider technology into Japan's infrastructure, particularly in the tourism sector.
- January 2024: The company revealed plans to conduct trials for the Viceroy seaglider, which is expected to transport passengers along coastal routes at speeds of up to 180 mph.
- September 2023: Regent completed a $60 million Series A funding round, led by 8090 Industries and Founders Fund, positioning it to accelerate the development of its flagship seaglider, the Viceroy.
- May 2023: The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) in collaboration with the U.S. Coast Guard, began working on regulatory frameworks for wing-in-ground effect vehicles like Regent's seagliders.
Company Information
| Attribute | Information |
|---|---|
| Founding Date | 2020 |
| Headquarters | North Kingstown, Rhode Island, USA |
| Founders | Billy Thalheimer, Michael Klinker |
| Industry | Marine Transportation Technology |
| Number of Employees | 183 |
| Total Funding Raised | $145 million |
| Key Investors | 8090 Industries, Founders Fund, Japan Airlines, Lockheed Martin |
Early History
Regent was established in 2020 by former aerospace engineers Billy Thalheimer and Michael Klinker. With an initial base in Boston, Massachusetts, the company set out to create a new category of watercraft that could serve as a bridge between traditional maritime and aeronautical transportation. Their first major breakthrough came with the development of a concept for an electric seaglider, aimed at offering a sustainable, high-speed option for coastal transport.
In its early days, Regent successfully attracted seed funding and strategic partnerships, notably with investors like Thiel Capital and regional airline Mesa. This financial backing allowed Regent to construct prototypes and conduct initial tests, which garnered significant media attention and validated the seaglider's potential to disrupt regional travel markets.
Company Profile and Achievements
Regent’s business model is centered around the design and production of electric seagliders that promise to enhance coastal transportation by combining speed, safety, and environmental sustainability. Key achievements include:
- 2021: Successfully tested a quarter-scale prototype that demonstrated the seaglider's 'float, foil, fly' capabilities.
- 2022: Expanded its presence by relocating to Rhode Island, leveraging local maritime expertise and testing environments.
- 2023: Unveiled the full-scale Viceroy seaglider prototype and secured commercial pre-orders from international ferry and aviation companies.
- Strategic Partnerships: Formed alliances with several industries, including defense (Lockheed Martin) and aviation (Japan Airlines), to boost innovation and market reach.
Current Operations and Market Position
Regent currently focuses on finalizing the development of its Viceroy model, aiming for commercial operations to commence by mid-decade. The company is strategically positioned within the marine transport market, filling a niche for zero-emission, efficient inter-city travel solutions. Regent continues to innovate with plans to develop larger capacity models and potentially expand into markets such as cargo transport and emergency logistics.
Conclusion
Regent is making waves in the transportation industry with its innovative seaglider technology. As regulatory frameworks begin to accommodate these new modes of transport, Regent is poised to redefine coastal travel. The company's blend of aerospace technology with maritime tradition holds promise for a future where regional travel is not only faster and cheaper but also environmentally friendly. With substantial backing from influential investors and strategic international partnerships, Regent is on track to deliver profound changes in the way people and goods move across water.