Archer Aviation CEO Adam Goldstein on Going Public, the 2028 Olympics, and Building eVTOL Aircraft

In this episode of Build Mode, Adam Goldstein, founder and CEO of Archer Aviation, discusses the journey of building an electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) aircraft company. He explains the technology, its applications in both commercial air taxis and defense, and the unconventional decision to take the company public early to raise the massive capital required for hardware development.

■ Company Origins and Technology
- From finance to software to hardware
- The vision for eVTOL aircraft and their safety advantages over helicopters

■ Capital Strategy and Going Public
- Why traditional venture rounds were insufficient
- The SPAC merger and preparing for public markets
- The role of retail investors and online communities

■ Partnerships and the 2028 LA Olympics
- Exclusive air taxi provider for the games
- Collaborations with airlines like United, Japan Airlines, and Indigo

■ Advice for Founders in Capital-Intensive Industries
- Criteria for considering an early public listing
- The importance of focus, passion, and risk tolerance

This episode is ideal for founders, especially those in hardware or capital-intensive sectors, and anyone interested in the future of urban air mobility. Viewers will gain insights into alternative funding strategies, the realities of building a new aircraft category, and the mindset required to tackle such ambitious projects.