REGENT is an innovative company specializing in the development of all-electric seagliders designed to revolutionize coastal transportation. By combining the speed of an airplane with the low operating costs of a boat, REGENT aims to provide fast, safe, and cost-effective regional transit solutions. The company's mission is to drastically reduce the cost and complexity of regional transportation between coastal cities, thereby enhancing connectivity and promoting sustainable travel.
Key Strategic Focus
REGENT's strategic focus centers on the design and production of seagliders—wing-in-ground-effect vehicles that operate just above the water's surface. These vehicles are engineered to service routes up to 180 miles with current battery technology and up to 500 miles with next-generation batteries, all while utilizing existing dock infrastructure. By leveraging maritime vehicle development pathways, REGENT plans to bring zero-emission, high-speed seagliders to market by the mid-2020s.
Financials and Funding
Since its inception in 2020, REGENT has successfully raised over $90 million in funding across multiple rounds. Notable investors include Founders Fund, Mark Cuban, Peter Thiel, Japan Airlines, and Lockheed Martin. The capital raised is intended to support the development, testing, and commercialization of the seaglider technology, as well as to scale manufacturing capabilities to meet anticipated demand.
Pipeline Development
REGENT's primary product, the seaglider, is currently in the development and testing phase. The company achieved a significant milestone in 2022 by successfully demonstrating the first foil-to-wing transition. The seaglider is designed to operate at speeds of 180 mph over distances of up to 180 miles, with plans to extend this range as battery technology advances. REGENT aims to commence commercial operations by the mid-2020s, with a commercial backlog of seaglider orders worth more than $9 billion.
Technological Platform and Innovation
REGENT's seagliders are distinguished by their innovative design and technological advancements:
- Proprietary Technologies: The seagliders utilize a unique combination of hydrofoils and wing-in-ground-effect aerodynamics to achieve high-speed, efficient travel just above the water's surface.
- Significant Scientific Methods: The development process incorporates advanced flight control systems and complex systems integration, leveraging expertise in flight physics and control software development.
Leadership Team
REGENT's leadership comprises experienced professionals with backgrounds in aerospace engineering, maritime operations, and business development:
- Billy Thalheimer, Co-Founder and CEO
- Formerly responsible for aircraft design and program management at Boeing's Aurora Flight Sciences.
- Holds B.S. and M.S. degrees in Aerospace Engineering from MIT.
- Mike Klinker, Co-Founder and CTO
- Expertise in control software development and flight testing, with experience at Raptor Labs, MIT Lincoln Labs, and Aurora Flight Sciences.
- Holds B.S. and M.S. degrees in Aerospace Engineering from MIT.
- Bryan Baker, Chief Engineer and Lead Designer
- Former Flight Physics Lead for eVTOL at Aurora/Boeing and Performance Lead for Oracle Team USA in the America's Cup.
- Holds a B.S. in Naval Architecture and Marine Engineering from the University of Michigan.
- Ted Lester, VP of Certification
- Former Chief Technologist at GE AiRXOS and Systems Engineering Lead at MITRE.
- Holds a B.A. in Physics from Middlebury and an S.M. in Aeronautics and Astronautics from MIT.
- Adam Triolo, VP of Commercial Business Development
- Former Managing Director at TechJet Aviation and Regional Sales Director for Asia Pacific at Textron Aviation.
- Holds a B.S. in Aeronautics from the University of North Dakota and an MBA from Boston University.
- Tom Huntley, VP of Government Relations & Defense
- Former Detailed Professional Staff at the U.S. House of Representatives Committee on Appropriations and MH-60T Jayhawk Helicopter Instructor Pilot and Examiner for the U.S. Coast Guard.
- Holds a B.A. in Political Science from the University of Iowa, an M.A. in Political Science from American Public University, an M.P.P. from Princeton, and an MBA from NYU-Stern.
- Abi Viswanathan, Executive Advisor, Finance & Strategic Projects
- Former CFO at Nuro and Strategic Finance professional at Uber.
- Holds a B.S. in Finance and Economics from Penn State.
- Britt Tedeschi, VP of People
- Former VP of People & Business Operations at Resonant Link and Director of Leadership at Lambda School.
- Holds a B.A. in Psychology from the University of Miami and a Master of Education from the University of Georgia.
Competitor Profile
REGENT operates in a competitive landscape with several key players:
- SWITCH Maritime: Founded in 2017, SWITCH Maritime focuses on developing zero-emission maritime vessels.
- Pure Watercraft: Established in 2011, Pure Watercraft specializes in electric outboard motors and boat systems, aiming to provide high-performance electric propulsion solutions.
- Arc Boat: Founded in 2021, Arc Boat is dedicated to building high-performance electric boats, emphasizing speed and sustainability.
These competitors share a focus on electrifying maritime transportation, each bringing unique approaches to the market.
Strategic Collaborations and Partnerships
REGENT has secured investments from strategic partners such as Japan Airlines and Lockheed Martin, indicating strong industry confidence in its technology and market potential. These partnerships are expected to enhance REGENT's market position and accelerate the development and deployment of its seagliders.
Operational Insights
REGENT's distinct competitive advantage lies in its innovative seaglider technology, which offers a unique combination of speed, efficiency, and sustainability. By leveraging existing dock infrastructure and focusing on zero-emission solutions, REGENT positions itself favorably against competitors in the emerging electric maritime transportation sector.
Strategic Opportunities and Future Directions
Looking ahead, REGENT plans to capitalize on the growing demand for sustainable and efficient coastal transportation. The company aims to expand its operational footprint by establishing routes in key coastal regions and exploring opportunities for international expansion. Continued investment in research and development will focus on enhancing battery technology and vehicle performance to extend range and operational capabilities.
Contact Information
- Website: www.regentcraft.com
- Headquarters: North Kingstown, Rhode Island, United States
