Hardt Hyperloop secures huge investment to build 3km test facility

Having already created Europe’s first full-scale operational hyperloop test facility, this new investment round moves the hyperloop technology closer to becoming commercial reality.

This investment round was supported by the renowned German fund Freigeist Capital, multiple Dutch and Belgium investors, and one of the first engineers of Uber. Several existing investors also participated, and the company has so far raised more than €10 million.

Tim Houter, CEO of Hardt Hyperloop, said: “Koolen Industries brings not only money to the table, but also a phenomenal strategic knowledge about how to build a leading company in a new industry. This partnership will pave the way for several big projects that will ensure a successful commercial implementation of our hyperloop solution. It’s great to have such a broad and international group of investors who will help with the local developments as well, and having the continuous support of our first investors.”

Hyperloop: to change the way we travel

Kees Koolen, CEO of Koolen Industries – who is a former CEO of Booking.com and an early Uber investor – said: “Hardt Hyperloop, with its unique lane switching technology, will change the way we travel, just like Uber did for personal mobility in cities. High-speed zero emission hyperloops will enable everyone to participate in the clean energy transition, without having to quit travelling. And as the hyperloop developed by Hardt is much more than an idea, it is already in a position to offer an affordable and sustainable alternative to the polluting aviation industry.”

Gerben Hilboldt, CTO of Koolen Industries, said: “Hardt Hyperloop’s team successfully realised Europe’s first full-scale operational hyperloop-test facility, which is a big step forward for mobility. As a clean energy conglomerate, we are proud to be a part of this future.”

New test facility

This investment round moves the hyperloop technology closer to a commercial reality. Earlier in 2019, Hardt Hyperloop demonstrated the operations of Europe’s first hyperloop test facility. With this investment, the company is getting ready for the next step: to realise the European Hyperloop Center, a 3km hyperloop test facility to prove hyperloop technologies at high speeds. 

Sascha Lamme, CTO of Hardt Hyperloop, said: “In this facility we will prove hyperloop technologies at speeds of more than 700km/h (435mph). We will also be able to expand our team with more talented people, acquiring investors in future investment rounds, and partnering up with additional companies who will get to join our existing partners such as EIT InnoEnergy, the Dutch and German National Railways, Tata Steel, Royal IHC and Royal BAM Group. Together we are making this world-changing type of mobility a reality.”