Archer Aviation Buys Wisk From Boeing for 16.5% Stake, Ending 2021 IP Fight
Updated
Updated · TechCrunch · Aug 16
Archer Aviation Buys Wisk From Boeing for 16.5% Stake, Ending 2021 IP Fight
3 articles · Updated · TechCrunch · Aug 16
Summary
Boeing transferred Wisk Aero to Archer Aviation in exchange for a 16.5% ownership stake, turning Archer’s former eVTOL rival into a controlled business.
The deal also settles litigation that began in 2021, when Wisk accused Archer of stealing confidential information; Archer had countersued for $1 billion before the companies later started collaborating.
SkyGrid, an airspace-management software company, and drone maker Insitu were included in the transaction, broadening Archer beyond electric air taxis as the sector hunts for nearer-term revenue.
The acquisition underscores consolidation across eVTOL, with peers also reshaping their businesses this week, including Joby Aviation’s $500 million purchase of Resonant Sciences to expand into defense.