Every day we work with CEOs and Founders of the world’s leading tech and tech-enabled companies to help them scale, innovate, and shape the future of tech. These are their stories.

Christoph Prinz - Co-Founder, Flightkeys

Flightkeys GmbH (“Flightkeys”) is a leading independent flight management and optimization software that recently announced a significant investment by global software investor Insight Partners.

Christoph, what is your focus within the tech space?

At Flightkeys, our focus is on developing cutting-edge aviation optimization software that enables airlines to operate more efficiently, sustainably, and cost-effectively. Our solutions optimize flight routes, schedules, and fuel consumption in real time, allowing carriers to reduce emissions, minimize costs, and enhance operational efficiency.

Through our subsidiary companies, Spacekeys and Skykeys, we also provide advanced satellite signal assessment systems, and a cockpit application designed to optimize flight trajectories with a focus on fuel efficiency and environmental impact. A key differentiator for us is our pioneering role in integrating condensation trail mitigation into flight planning and execution —an area that is increasingly critical for airlines aiming to meet sustainability targets.

How did this transaction benefit your business and impact the aviation software sector?

The recent strategic investment from Insight Partners is a major milestone for Flightkeys. It provides us with the resources to accelerate innovation, expand our global reach, and scale our operations to meet the growing demand for advanced flight optimization solutions.

For the aviation software sector as a whole, this transaction underscores the increasing importance of real-time trajectory optimization and data-driven decision-making in modern airline operations. As airlines face rising fuel costs, stricter environmental regulations, and evolving industry challenges, our solutions help them navigate these complexities by providing real-time insights that enhance efficiency and sustainability.

With Insight Partners’ expertise and network, we are in an even stronger position to drive innovation, expand our team, and support more airlines worldwide in transforming their operations.

Share anything that you want to share that we didn’t cover, e.g. lessons learned, current industry perspectives, etc.?

One of the key lessons we’ve learned is that aviation optimization is no longer just about cost reduction – it’s about sustainability, regulatory compliance, and operational resilience. Airlines today are under increasing pressure to reduce their carbon footprint, and optimizing flight trajectories to reduce fuel burn and condensation trail formation is becoming a strategic priority.

We also see real-time data and AI-driven decision-making playing an even more significant role in aviation. The industry is moving toward a future where every flight is dynamically optimized based on real-time conditions, such as weather, airspace constraints, fuel prices, and emissions regulations.

At Flightkeys, we remain committed to pushing the boundaries of what’s possible in aviation technology. Our goal is to help airlines operate smarter, greener, and more profitably while contributing to a more sustainable future for the industry.

About Drake Star 

Drake Star is an award-winning global tech investment bank that has completed over 500 transactions since 2003. The Drake Star global team of experienced professionals and senior advisors across offices in New York, Munich, London, Paris, Los Angeles, San Francisco, Berlin, and Dubai* focuses on mergers & acquisitions and corporate finance services worldwide in Software/SaaS, HR Tech, Digital Services, FinTech, Digital Media, Industrial Tech, Consumer & Retail Tech and Mobility & Sustainability.

Drake Star is the marketing name for the global investment bank Drake Star Partners Limited and its subsidiaries and affiliates. In the USA, all securities are transacted through Drake Star Securities LLC. For important disclosures about the awards, please head over to: globalmanetwork.com and www.maadvisor.com/.  In the USA, Drake Star Securities LLC is regulated by FINRA and is a member of SIPC. Drake Star UK Limited (FRN 942020) is an appointed representative of Razlin Ltd (FRN 730805), which is authorized and regulated by the FCA. © 2025 Drake Star Partners Limited.

*Partner Office