Supernal, Hyundai’s electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) startup, is moving its global headquarters from Washington, D.C. to Irvine, California, TechCrunch has learned. The decision, which will affect around 35 to 40 employees, marks a significant shift in the company’s operations as it looks to streamline its development of futuristic air mobility solutions.
A Move to Boost Collaboration and Innovation
Supernal, which has been working toward launching an eVTOL service by 2028, announced that approximately 5% of its workforce will relocate to California. This move will impact a majority of the 45 employees based in the D.C. area, though the company has not disclosed how many will remain in Washington, D.C. The relocation includes employees from various departments, signaling the company’s intent to foster closer communication and teamwork within its core teams.
Jaiwon Shin, president of Hyundai Motor Group and CEO of Supernal, explained that the headquarters shift is part of the company’s efforts “to enhance collaboration and communication across teams.” Despite the move, he assured that the D.C. office will continue to serve as a hub for policy and regulatory efforts, critical components for the startup’s long-term success in the highly regulated aviation industry.
Reflecting on a Year of Rapid Growth
The relocation comes just over a year after Supernal opened its 28,000-square-foot office in D.C., which was designed to exceed employee comfort. However, despite the initial excitement surrounding the office’s opening, the move to California reflects the company’s evolving needs as it ramps up efforts to launch its eVTOL technology. Supernal also operates research and development headquarters in Fremont and now in Irvine, California, underscoring the state’s central role in its strategic growth.
As the eVTOL industry remains in a state of flux, with several companies struggling to secure financial stability, Supernal’s move reflects its commitment to the future of urban air mobility. The company now has around 700 employees and plans to continue expanding as it works toward its ambitious goal of launching commercial air taxis by 2028.
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