European Defence Sector's Top 24 Finance Backers: Influential Figureheads in the Arms Trade Industry from Europe

In the dynamic world of technology, Europe is witnessing a surge in investments in defense startups. According to recent reports, over $1 billion was invested by venture capitalists (VCs) in European defense tech startups in 2024, with the majority going to German companies. This figure is more than five times the investment made four years ago.

The investment landscape is diverse, with leading investors such as Project A Ventures, Taavi Veskimägi, Mikolaj Firlej, Christian Reber, and Klaus Hommels playing significant roles. Notable funding rounds include Helsing's €600 million series in June 2025, which propelled its valuation to €12 billion, and Quantum Systems' €160 million round in August 2025, increasing its valuation to around €3 billion. Arx Robotics took third place with a €42 million Series A extension in July 2025.

Interestingly, venture capitalists are not just limited to traditional tech circles. Many are well-connected men from military and startup circles, with some even referred to as "the tourists" within defense circles. This increased interest is seen in startups in the dual-use, defense, or "resilience" category.

However, the defense bubble is cautious about committing to these venture capitalists due to unknown factors, whether they're good or bad. This caution is understandable, given the sensitive nature of the defense industry.

On the other hand, strategic investments are also coming from powerful corporate VCs from arms companies. These investments aim to bolster European defense tech startups, contributing to the growth of the sector.

As the investment numbers continue to rise, predictions suggest that 2025 will see even higher figures. According to a report by Dealroom, the investment numbers are expected to soar.

For those interested in learning more about the 24 most important defense investors in Europe and how they are interconnected, an upcoming article promises to shed light on this intriguing topic.

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Lastly, it's crucial to remember that these venture capitalists are looking to invest risk capital in the apparently booming defense market. Startups in the defense sector need money to grow, and these venture capitalists could potentially provide the necessary funding. It's also possible to withdraw consent at any time via a link in the footer of the offering.

European Defence Sector's Top 24 Finance Backers: Influential Figureheads in the Arms Trade Industry from Europe