The global wind operations and maintenance market is tipped to reach $27.4 billion by 2025, according to consulting firm GlobalData. Wind turbines have a typical lifespan of 20 years, but better maintenance and efficiency could prolong this.

Aerones, which was founded in 2015 as a heavy-load drone company but pivoted to maintenance robots in 2019, aims to take advantage of a shift to preventative care so that wind turbines are more energy efficient and aren't turned off while they wait for repairs, cofounder and CEO Dainis Kruze told Insider. 

London-based climate fund Lightrock co-led the round with German family office Haniel; the startup also won the backing of European growth-stage firm Blume Equity. Existing investors Baltic-orientated firm Change Ventures, Metaplanet, the family office of Skype engineer Jaan Tallinn, and Vinted cofounder Mantas Mikuckas participated too.

The cash injection will be used to bolster the company's 210-strong headcount with roles across sales, technology, and robot servicing teams. Currently operating in North America, Europe, and South America, Aerones is now eyeing the African and Australian markets. 

It brings the company's total venture capital raised to $41.4 million.

We asked Kruze to walk us through the redacted pitch deck he used to secure the fresh cash.