The Tencent-backed vertical take-off and landing jet developer is joining forces with the Nasdaq-listed Qell Acquisition Corp.

Lilium, a Germany-headquartered aircraft developer backed by internet group Tencent, agreed today to undertake a reverse takeover with special purpose acquisition company Qell Acquisition Corp.

The transaction will give the merged company a $3.3 billion pro forma equity valuation. It will take the spot on the Nasdaq Capital Market acquired by Qell in a $330m initial public offering in October 2020.

Tencent, data analytics service provider Palantir and construction firm Ferrovial are joining Baillie Gifford, LGT and its Lightrock…

Robert Lavine

Robert Lavine is special features editor for Global Venturing.