Business Daily Business Daily meets: Spencer Horne
Aug 21, 2025
Spencer Horne, a South African entrepreneur and founder of Cloudline, shares his remarkable journey from growing up during apartheid to studying at Harvard. He discusses the resurgence of airships as a sustainable solution for delivering goods to remote regions in Africa. Spencer highlights the environmental benefits of airships over traditional aircraft, and reflects on how his challenging upbringing shaped his drive for innovation. With ambitious plans for scaling operations, he believes airships could transform connectivity in underserved areas.
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Sweet Spot Between Drones And Aircraft
- Cloudline positions mini airships between drones and helicopters for high-resolution work over medium areas.
- Spencer Horne says they enable surveying and data capture at scales satellites or light aircraft usually handle.
Built In Africa For African Needs
- Cloudline builds and sources most parts in South Africa to serve African and developing-world needs.
- Horne says airships are well suited to reach areas with little infrastructure and to deliver goods that drive economies.
Investors Back Proven Green Tech
- High-profile investors like Eric Schmidt back Cloudline because the platform is emissions-free and already flying green.
- Horne highlights that a certified solar-powered aircraft today convinced investors and customers.