Electric Takeoff: Beta Lands on Wall Street
Electric aviation company Beta Technologies made its New York Stock Exchange debut on Tuesday, marking one of the year’s most closely watched IPOs in the clean-tech and aviation sectors.
Shares opened at $34, above the expected range of $27–$33, raising over $1 billion through the sale of 29.9 million shares. The stock dipped slightly in early trading, down about 5%.
The Burlington, Vermont–based company is building electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) aircraft — designed to operate like helicopters but powered by batteries instead of jet fuel.
“We’re now proving that electric aviation isn’t science fiction,” CEO and founder Kyle Clark told CNBC. “We have to show consistent execution, production, and a clear commercial pathway.”
A Milestone for the eVTOL Industry
Beta’s public debut represents a major test for the nascent eVTOL market, which is vying for FAA approval to begin commercial passenger and logistics flights.
The sector’s early leaders — Joby Aviation (JOBY) and Archer Aviation (ACHR) — have seen sharp gains over the past year as investors bet on the long-term potential of short-haul electric flight.
However, Beta stands apart with its focus on infrastructure, selling charging and ground support equipment alongside aircraft. The company said its chargers are now installed at 51 U.S. locations, including military and testing sites.
Financial Snapshot
While investor excitement remains high, Beta’s financials highlight the early-stage nature of the business.
- Revenue: $15.6 million (first half of 2025, up from $7.6 million in 2024)
- Net loss: $183.2 million (up from $137.1 million a year ago)
- Backers: Amazon (10.2% pre-IPO stake) and GE Aerospace (6.3%)
Beta’s partnership with GE Aerospace, which invested $300 million in September, and Amazon’s ongoing support through its Climate Pledge Fund, give the company significant credibility among investors seeking exposure to green technology.
The Road to FAA Certification
Clark, who also serves as a test pilot, said Beta’s aircraft are already conducting “back-end missions” for the U.S. military, while its team pushes toward full commercial certification.
He expects FAA approval within 30 months, paving the way for Beta’s entry into civilian transport and logistics markets.
“We needed to demonstrate real traction before going public,” Clark said. “That means proven manufacturing, operational capability, and customer demand.”
Beta chose to proceed with its IPO despite the ongoing U.S. government shutdown, which has limited operations at the Securities and Exchange Commission.
“We decided to keep the train on the rails,” Clark added, calling the move a “necessary step” to fund expansion and production readiness.
Market Reaction and Competitive Pressure
Shares of rival eVTOL firms Joby Aviation and Archer Aviation fell 9% and 6%, respectively, following Beta’s debut — a sign investors may be rotating among the handful of listed electric flight pioneers.
Both companies have roughly tripled in value over the past year, riding the wave of investor optimism around sustainable aviation.
WSA Take
Beta Technologies’ IPO signals growing investor appetite for clean aviation — but also highlights how early the eVTOL sector still is.
With limited revenue and mounting losses, the company is betting on a future defined by regulatory approval and mass electrification of short-haul air travel.
The Amazon- and GE-backed startup has the backing and vision, but the next 30 months will determine whether it can truly scale from prototype to profitability.
Read our recent coverage on Michael Burry’s warning on overvalued AI stocks.
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