Zipline CEO Keller Rinaudo Photo: Ryan Lash / TED

According to CNBC, Zipline — the drone delivery startup known for its medical deliveries in Rwanda and Ghana — has been valued at $1.2 billion with a $190 million investment. The investment is said to include a previously unannounced $70 million round closed in Spring 2018. Investors in this round include The Rise Fund, Baillie Gifford, Temasek, GV, and Goldman Sachs.

CEO Keller Rinaudo tells CNBC that the funding will allow the company expand its drone delivery service into the U.S and also set up 2,600 delivery hubs at healthcare facilities in Rwanda and Ghana. Zipline’s drones — which are assembled and tested in the U.S. — are capable of carrying up to 1.75 kg of cargo, have a round trip range of about 160km and can fly at up to 110km/h in all weather.

A Zipline package dropped down by a drone image: Zipline

The company launched in Rwanda three years ago and just got into Ghana April this year. With this funding, Zipline is also anticipating expansion across Africa, Southeast Asia, South Asia, and the Americas.

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