Can you introduce AeroCloud?

Our mission for AeroCloud is simple: to become the leading provider of operation automation software for small to medium-sized airports worldwide. We are transforming the aviation industry by addressing the challenges posed by legacy technology, which dominated the sector.

Our competitive edge lies in being the only 100% cloud-native solution to airports' complex operational needs. Through cutting-edge Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Learning (ML) technology, we’re delivering real-time analytics into the hands of all stakeholders, empowering airports to optimise operations and enhance the overall passenger experience.

But that’s not all. We like to think of ourselves being a one-stop shop for airports' operational technology requirements. We offer a whole host of comprehensive passenger processing solutions and flexible common-use systems. And we’ve also taken innovation to new heights by launching AeroCloud Optic, an industry-first Computer Vision technology that gives airports unprecedented kerb-to-gate passenger insights. Trialled in the last year at Liverpool John Lennon Airport, it was hailed as the 'holy grail' of commercial activity.

In just under three years, we have formed partnerships with over 47 airports across the UK, Europe, and the US, including the likes of Manchester Airport and Tampa International Airport, and our software is being used to process more than 190 million passengers annually.

Could you tell us about your professional background and how you entered this industry?

My venture into the aviation industry was sparked by meeting my Co-Founder, Ian Forde-Smith, a seasoned expert with a remarkable airport career, in a coffee shop. Myself, having recently retired from the adrenaline-fuelled world of professional motor racing - career highlights from that period of my life include competing in the European Le Mans Series and being the youngest British driver ever to podium at the Indianapolis Brickyard - I craved a fresh challenge where I could create meaningful change.

Between us, we recognised the huge potential for building digital solutions that delivered data to solve the operational challenges airports face every day. Ian from his sector expertise, and myself from a decade of using data insights to refine and power motor racing strategies.

After meticulous planning, in 2019, Ian and I proudly launched AeroCloud, where I am currently the Chief Executive Officer.

How did your background as a professional race car driver influence your approach to running a tech startup?

My background as a professional race car driver has significantly influenced my approach to running a tech startup. The world of sports I believe truly teaches invaluable lessons that transcend the boundaries of the ‘playing field’- or for me in particular, the racetrack.

I developed a disciplined work ethic, adapting to tough training and strict schedules, and pushing my limits, which have proven essential in the world of entrepreneurship. I maintain the same goal-oriented mindset, strategically planning and breaking down objectives into milestones, while constantly adapting strategies for success in scaling AeroCloud.

While you may be the driver, you’re nothing without the team around you. To win a race takes serious teamwork and collaboration – and this has translated into the ability to rally my team around a shared vision and leverage diverse talents for collective success.

When I wasn’t in the driving seat, I spent a lot of time forging commercial sponsorships for my team. This has without a doubt been invaluable to developing my skillsets for selling to customers and leading our investment strategy for Seed and Series A funding rounds. 

The combination of these skills and traits from my sports background has definitely fuelled my entrepreneurial spirit and honed my leadership skills at AeroCloud, allowing me to thrive in the fast-paced and demanding world of tech start-ups.

What are some of the biggest milestones you’ve achieved at AeroCloud? 

We’ve truly experienced dramatic growth since our launch in 2019, particularly at the beginning of 2022, witnessing substantial increases in headcount, revenue, customers, and ARR per customer through upselling. Our team is now 49 members, and in the past 12 months, we’ve made several senior hires to bolster the company’s leadership team including COO, Damian Fairbrother Jones, and Global Head of Passenger Processing, Paul Secker.

In June 2022, we made an impressive merger for a VC-backed startup of our size (we were going through Seed funding at the time) when we acquired Flight Solutions to expand our product with passenger processing solutions.

It has also been truly amazing to see all the positive responses to the launch of our solution, AeroCloud Optic, in March this year. The market has been crying out for technologies like AI, ML and Computer Vision to address long-standing challenges and with it, we’re really empowering airports to drive better operations, frictionless passenger experiences and healthier bottom lines.

Finally, to-date we have secured three rounds of funding, which stand as a testament to our transformative impact on the aviation industry.

AeroCloud has raised impressive funding. What’s in store for the future?

Since 2019 we have been on a mission to disrupt the $20 billion annual spend market for airports' IT infrastructure and technology. Our aim is to bring as many small to medium-sized airports as possible into the AeroCloud fold and we have bold ambitions for the future.

We raised $12.6 million Series A funding round in February 2023, featuring active participation from Stage 2 and Playfair, and will be using this to continue scaling our business, investing in our team and powering new innovations in our technologies.