VCs are investing in a wide range of defence tech, from AI-driven fighter jets to remote-controlled cockroaches

Funding focus is a new series analysing cash flow into the European tech ecosystem. Last week, we looked at the largest investment rounds in fusion energy this year, and now we’re honing in on Europe’s booming defence tech arena. 

Europe’s defence tech startups secured $971mn in funding in the first half of this year, as VCs look to capitalise on the continent’s push to rearm amid heightened geopolitical tensions. 

Funding in H1 2025 has already shot past the whole of 2024 — the previous record year — which saw defence startups raise $605mn, according to Dealroom data. German startups led the charge, raising $881mn — 90% of Europe’s total defence tech investments. 

Munich-based Helsing took the lion’s share. In June, the startup secured a whopping €600mn ($660mn) in Europe’s largest funding round of the year so far. The deal, led by Spotify CEO Daniel Ek ...