Here’s how IONA pulled it off and what the whole trend means for the startup world.

Building something amazing along the IONA road

IONA started with a clear mission: to push drone technology to new heights and bring a sustainable answer to logistics in rural areas. From making deliveries faster to helping monitor the environment, their drones are all about precision and adaptability. Years of hustle and smart tech development turned IONA into a name that is recognised in the industry.

Important partners

But being good at what you do doesn’t mean you can grow forever without some extra support. A recent investment made from venture capital funds such as Mount VC Fund, Techstars Advancing Cities, Climate-KIC and several angel syndicates opened up a new dimension of growth and development for IONA.

The Founder and CEO of Mount VC Fund and Mount Capital, Anar Murtuzayev, comments: “At Mount Venture Capital, we’re all about backing companies that push boundaries and make a real impact. Take IONA drones, for example, they’re diving into autonomous delivery tech, which could transform logistics as we know it. Their innovations are perfectly timed; in an era where fast, contactless services are critical, IONA’s work can redefine how businesses meet consumer demand.”

The Mount VC Fund is known for supporting innovative companies and this as well as other partnerships help IONA continue its expansion in both Europe and North America. With these new possibilities, IONAs next step was set in stone – they needed even bigger resources, connections, and capital.

That’s where the US came into play.

The big move

Recently, IONA nailed a major funding round led by a US venture capital firm. This wasn’t just about cash (though, let’s be honest, that’s a big deal). It was about getting access to the kind of market, talent, and investors who can help take a company global.

This move wasn’t random. The US has a reputation for being the place to scale big ideas. From Silicon Valley to Boston, there’s a network for literally everything – and Etienne Louvet, Founder and CEO of IONA, knew they had to be part of it to keep growing with it.

Startups from the UK and all over Europe are moving to the US, pushed by tough tax reforms back home and pulled by America’s more predictable and business-friendly regulations. The buzz around AI is especially strong, with many betting on Trump’s re-election to spark reforms that could make the US even more of a tech haven.

On top of that, European companies are picking the US for IPOs, drawn by more tax perks and the sheer scale of its capital markets, cementing its status as the ultimate launchpad for ambitious enterprises. Relocating also makes life easier for US investors who want their portfolio companies closer to their home.

So, what’s a flip?

This kind of relocation is what people in the startup world call a “flip.” It’s not just about moving desks and chairs to a new office. It’s a legal and operational overhaul to make the US your company’s main base. And for startups like IONA, it’s becoming a go-to strategy.

Why this is becoming a thing

IONA’s move is part of a wave larger than the startup itself. More and more UK startups are making the leap to the US, and it’s easy to see why. The US has way more venture capital floating around, and it’s home to some of the biggest tech ecosystems in the world. If you’re a startup looking to scale fast, the US often feels like the natural next evolving step.

That said, it’s not about ditching the UK. The UK is still amazing for getting startups off the ground. It has great talent, tons of support, and a vibe that fosters creativity. But when it’s time to think bigger – like global domination bigger – the US often has what startups need.

What’s Next for IONA?

For IONA, the flip isn’t just any move; it’s a launchpad. With fresh funding and a new home base, they’re ready to scale like never before. Their story isn’t just inspiring for other startups – it’s proof that sometimes, to reach your full potential, you need to embrace change and go where the opportunities are.

The trend of startups flipping to the US shows no signs of slowing down. For founders, it’s a reminder to keep their perspective on the big picture. And for IONA, it’s the next step of something huge. Keep an eye on them; they’re just getting started.