New investor and biggest fund-raising for Candela
A pioneer in the commercial development of flying motorboats for pleasure boating, Candela continues to grow. To this end, in early March 2024, the Swedish shipyard finalized a fund-raising round of almost ?25 million, the largest in its history. Among the investors, the hydrofoil boat builder announced the presence of the Bénéteau Group.
Since its creation in 2014, the Candela brand has successfully transformed its first prototypes into a small series pleasure boat offering around its C8 and C7 electric foiling dayboat models. It is now opening up its market to passenger transport with the presentation in 2023 of the P12.
Industrial recognition and skills acquisition
Candela is delighted to welcome a leader in the yachting industry to its capital. Gustav Hasselskog, founder and CEO of Candela, explains: "I'm particularly pleased to announce that the Bénéteau Group, the world's largest producer of pleasure boats, is one of our investors in this round of financing. Their investment is proof that electric foil boats really are the way forward for the boating industry."
The Bénéteau Group has already experimented with foiling technologies in the past, including a partnership with start-up Seair in 2019 for a project to develop an open hull with no commercial follow-up . Having announced the launch of a foil-equipped Four Winns catamaran in 2024, the acquisition of a stake in Candela should enable the manufacturer to expand its presence in this market, gaining in skills and experience.
