Insights on emerging defense startups, dual-use technologies, venture capital investments, and innovation shaping the future of security.
Lithuania
Astrolight has deployed its ATLAS-1 laser communication terminals into orbit aboard three customer satellites, with the in-orbit demonstration currently ongoing as the company advances optical data links for small satellite platforms.
EU
The European Commission has adopted a €1.5 billion work programme under the European Defence Industry Programme to accelerate production and strengthen technological resilience.
North Macedonia
Sine Engineering has obtained new funding from Mineral Fund to support the development and scaling of its defense-related technologies. The investment is expected to strengthen the company’s production capacity and accelerate ongoing projects.
Startups
An Israeli venture capital fund is focusing on early-stage defense technology companies developing drones, AI systems, and advanced sensing solutions. The move reflects growing investor interest in military innovation as recent conflicts reshape procurement priorities.
Defence VCs
As defense technology startups attract growing interest from investors, corporate venture capital arms of major defense contractors are playing a key role in funding innovation in robotics, AI, cyber and autonomous systems.
Croatia
Croatian venture capital firm AYMO Ventures has invested in Orqa, a developer and manufacturer of First Person View (FPV) drone systems. The investment marks the first time a Croatian VC has backed the Osijek-based company.
Startups
The European Investment Fund has committed €50 million to Join Capital’s third venture capital fund through the InvestEU Defence Equity Facility. The fund will target early-stage European startups developing dual-use technologies for defence, security, and space.
Netherlands
Amsterdam-based Onodrim Industries has secured €40 million in seed funding from leading U.S. and European venture firms to accelerate the development of advanced defence manufacturing and networked systems, as Europe moves to strengthen its industrial and military capabilities.
Bulgaria
Bulgaria attracted the highest volume of venture capital investment in defense and security startups among Central and Eastern European countries in 2025.
Defence Startups
Venture capital investment in European defence, security and resilience startups surged to an unprecedented $8.7 billion in 2025, driven by large late-stage rounds and increasing investor interest in deep tech for security applications.
WDS 2026
MASNA Ventures, a newly established defense-focused venture capital firm, is seeking to raise $100 million for its inaugural fund centered on defense and security technologies. The vehicle aims to back U.S. and allied companies while supporting industrial expansion into Saudi Arabia.
Belgium
DIGITALEUROPE, the continent’s largest digital industry association, has named seven finalist companies for the 2026 Future Unicorn Awards across Future Unicorn and Dual-Use Technology categories. The winners will be revealed at the Masters of Digital 2026 conference in Brussels on 25-26 February.