Helsing, a Munich-based defense tech startup, secured $1.8 billion in a Series E round led by Dragoneer, Lightspeed, and Goldman Sachs. The funding will expand its AI-powered defense systems, including autonomous drones and underwater surveillance, while maintaining European ownership despite global investor interest.
Strategic Development Fund and Dronamics agreed to establish a joint venture for drone manufacturing in Central and Eastern Europe.
DBSpace, a Genoese deeptech startup, is scaling its advanced turbomachine technology for space propulsion and industrial applications. The company, founded by Dario Bruna, focuses on making high-performance turbomachines scalable and accessible. It has partnered with ESA BIC Torino, Vento, and Galaxia to support its growth and global ambitions.
Symbiote BCI, a Romanian startup founded by 24-year-old Mihai Simedrea, develops non-invasive neurotechnology to monitor brain activity for applications in automotive safety (e.g., detecting driver fatigue) and defense (e.g., drone operator training). The team uses dry electrodes and 3D-printed headsets, sourcing components from the US and manufacturing in China. The startup is self-funded and operates alongside founders’ full-time corporate jobs.
Fire Pont, a Ukrainian defense technology company, is advancing its missile defense production capabilities through partnerships with European firms like Hensoldt. The company has begun manufacturing missiles pending the acquisition of guidance systems and has secured agreements for critical components.
Pixel-Flo, a University of Sheffield spin-out developing MicroLED manufacturing technology, secured £5.25 million in seed funding led by Northern Gritstone. The company aims to address manufacturing challenges in MicroLED displays through its Continuous-Flow Mass Transfer process.
German startup QuantumDiamonds, spun out of the Technical University of Munich, raised €15 million in equity funding to accelerate growth. The round complements €76 million in EU-backed non-dilutive state funding, totaling €91 million. Funds will scale production and support a new testing facility in Munich, aligning with EU efforts to reduce reliance on US technology.
Tentris, a Bielefeld-based startup developing next-generation graph databases for enterprises, discusses its origins, victory in the STARTUPLAND-Pitch-Contest, and future growth strategies in an interview.
Romania joins as a founding state of the Defense, Security and Resilience Bank (DSRB), which will establish a regional office in Bucharest. The bank will provide funding for defense, energy, cybersecurity, and emerging technologies, offering new financial opportunities for Romanian startups and SMEs in strategic sectors.
Hard2beat, a Polish VC fund investing in early-stage deep tech companies, organized THE MOAT event to connect European deep tech startups with venture capital investors in Warsaw.