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Summary: Defense tech startups have raised almost $3 billion in funding so far in 2024, surpassing the previous record of $2.6 billion in 2022. The increase in funding is driven by a few large rounds and the growth of the European defense tech scene. Key takeaways: Defense tech funding has reached a new high in 2024, surpassing the previous record from 2022. The increase in funding is driven by a few large rounds, including a $1.5 billion Series F raised by weapons manufacturer Anduril. The European defense tech scene has also seen significant growth, with large rounds raised by companies like Helsing and an increase in new venture firms. Counter arguments: Some may argue that the increase in funding for defense tech startups is concerning, as it suggests a growing need for new technologies in the face of an increasingly dangerous world. Others may argue that this trend could lead to a proliferation of companies focused on developing weapons and surveillance tech, rather than addressing underlying issues that contribute to global conflicts. #defensetech #startups #venturecapital #fundraising

Venture capitalists have poured billions into defense tech startups, but the U.S. government seems hesitant to take the plunge. Is it a lack of trust or just a fear of commitment? Is this a case of "innovation theater" or a missed opportunity for national security? Either way, this mismatch could dampen the innovation we need to stay ahead in the global arena. #SiliconValley #DefenseTech #GovernmentContracts #VentureCapital #EmergingTech https://lnkd.in/gSjCP6TU

I'm thrilled to announce that SensusQ, a portfolio company of Startup Wise Guys, has successfully raised €3.8 million in funding. This funding round, led by US-based New North Ventures along with angel investors, marks a significant milestone for the Estonian DefenceTech startup. SensusQ specializes in AI-driven solutions that merge data from various sources such as UAVs and cyber events. Their technology enhances intelligence systems for military and defense applications, enabling rapid decision-making on the battlefield. The newly acquired funds will be utilized to expand SensusQ’s team and meet increasing market demands. The investment also brings strategic support and access to a global network, aiding the company’s growth and operational efficiency. The deployment of SensusQ's technology in Ukraine has notably increased demand for their intelligence system among allied nations. We look forward to witnessing SensusQ's continued innovation and expansion in the defense sector and beyond. Read more here: https://lnkd.in/d68yJpuZ #StartupWiseGuys #SensusQ #DefenceTech #FundingNews #AI #Innovation #DualUse

Check out this insightful article on the current state of defense tech funding. According to Crunchbase data, funding in this sector has plummeted to less than half of last year's figures by mid-May. Despite ongoing conflicts, such as the war in Ukraine and rising tensions in the Middle East, the industry is facing a substantial decline in venture capital. Curious about the reasons behind this trend and what it means for the future of defense tech? Dive into the details here: #techstartups #artificialintelligence

I just spent another week in Silicon Valley and one of my key personal takeaways from meetings with over 15 VC firms was that defense is the hottest space, driven both by investment theses as well as national interest. If it's a larger strategic effort like their American Dynamism initiative we talked about with Andreessen Horowitz, seeing new drone technologies or 3-D printed parts of SpaceX engines or just overhearing conversations in coffee shops, defense is seemingly everywhere. I might have noticed it a bit before but now it's come into full focus. I'm happy Olav Carlsen and Kilian S. from SPRIND - Bundesagentur für Sprunginnovationen got to see it and while they're always focused on dual use, it's key Europe starts focusing more on defense tech, for security and return reasons. The US is already full speed ahead. Hopefully we'll also see the Startup-Verband pick up the topic in Germany as defense spending increases. A big opportunity for startups. Zoé Fabian Benjamin Heese Christoph J. Stresing Christian Miele Magdalena Oehl Janna Linke

Great resource from PitchBook for others currently undergoing a funding round like us at Eolian in the #DefenseTech space. What a long and grueling process with so many moving parts, but after grinding through it over the last 6 months plus, we're finally starting to see the bright light at the end of the tunnel. Not done yet though, so onward... "#Defense #tech holds down the fort Despite a slowdown in VC dealmaking in the past year, defense tech continues to be a resilient sector, with $9.1 billion invested across 228 deals so far in 2024, according to our latest Emerging Tech Research report. With 35 exits completed so far in 2024, defense tech is on track for an upswing compared with other languishing sectors. Defense tech startups receive support from programs such as the Defense Innovation Unit (DIU) [who are fortunate to have a contract with and has been a great organization to work with - hopefully we can continue to work with them long into the future] which presents an opportunity for startups to directly engage with #nationalsecurity. The report highlights the opportunity for startup innovation to expand the US defense industrial base, along with providing an overview of industry dynamics, key players, and deal activity." https://lnkd.in/eAYbPkci #ARTAK #JADC2 #C2 #VentureCapital #VC #missionplanning #commandandcontrol #mixedreality #augmentedreality #virtualreality #mapmaker #3Dmaps #situationalawareness #jointmissionplanning

The new hot trend - #DefenseTech 💫 There are plenty of explanations why DefenseTech is here to stay, one of them lays in the headline Fortune provided: “War and rising nationalism is expected to spur a venture capital boom in a one-time Silicon Valley ‘taboo’ sector: defense tech” 💫 The Big Picture: Armed conflicts and geopolitical tensions around the globe 🌍 fuel the defense sector with money 💰 💫 The Big Secret: The defense industries have gaps in some technologies that could be fulfilled by #startups 💫 Why it Matters: #VCs and investors can enjoy from the wave of government demand, budgets and contracts by investing in the right startups. 💫 Is there a room for new #Defense giants? Definitely Yes 👍🏻 💫 Some interesting quotes and insights from Fortune’s #Brainstorm Tech conference: ⚡️ Jenny Xiao a partner at Leonis Capital: “Software is no longer going to be as good of a business in the next 20 or 30 years. Mostly because of AI—because AI makes it so easy to build software,” ⚡️ Marcus Ryu a partner at Battery Ventures: “There is a general awakening to the possibility that there is enterprise value creation in other areas besides SaaS software” ⚡️ Nate Poon, PhD cofounder and CEO of medical drone delivery service Avol Aerospace “What we’ll see is a lot of homegrown U.S.-based #drone companies become extremely profitable,” 💫 Dive deeper: https://lnkd.in/dM2CR2fr by Luisa Beltran Anduril Industries, SpaceX , Palantir Technologies , Shield AI #innovation #dualuse #hardtech #deeptech

Interesting how "Defense Tech" uptick coincides with the recent Republican won election and support for our borders and military. The sector already has taken in more venture dollars than ever before and investment is showing few signs of letting up as defense systems become more dependent on tech, conflicts around the world heat up, and many expect a likely uptick in the Department of Defense’s budget after the recent election. #DOD CHAOS Industries #AI #VC #startups #venturecapital #election Anduril Industries Helsing #generalcatalyst #AndreessenHorowitz #defensetech #cybersecurity #generativeAI #investing #techstartup #SeriesA #crunchbase https://lnkd.in/efENxZ99

Parry Labs, a defense tech startup, has secured $80 million in its inaugural institutional investment round, spearheaded by Capitol Meridian Partners with participation from True Ventures, 3Wire Partners, and Teamworthy Ventures. The Alexandria, Virginia-based company specializes in digital systems for defense, including advanced #AI and mission-critical software for edge computing and electronic warfare. Founder and CEO John Parkes highlighted Parry Labs' role in advancing how defense clients utilize digital engineering and open systems to deliver new capabilities swiftly. The recent $80 million funding round for Parry Labs is part of a trend, with Anduril Industries securing $1.5 billion in its largest-ever defense tech round and DEFCON AI raising $44 million in seed funding for its military logistics AI tool. Why the Surge in #DefenseTech Investment? Despite the U.S. Department of Defense (DoD) being traditionally slow to adopt new technologies, recent trends indicate a significant increase in defense tech investment. Sapphire Ventures reports that following a period of stagnant round sizes, 2024 has seen a rebound, especially in seed and Series A funding. Factors driving this surge include escalating global conflicts, the DoD's acknowledgment of its technological gaps, increased defense budgets, and the migration of top talent to the private sector. This uptick highlights the growing interest and opportunity in defense tech despite ongoing challenges in navigating government procurement processes. What new innovations will emerge as the defense sector adapts to modern threats? (Source: https://lnkd.in/e_MwxX3i , https://lnkd.in/gue5TxmT) ——— At AXIS Group Ventures, we specialize in global debt placement and private market secondaries for VC- and PE-backed companies. Learn more about us here: www.axisgroupventures.com. #privatemarket #secondaries #venturecapital #privatecredit #privateequity

Defense Tech: A Resilient Sector in 2024 Despite a slowdown in VC dealmaking in the past year, defense tech remains strong with $9.1 billion invested across 228 deals so far in 2024, according to PitchBook's latest Emerging Tech Research report. With 35 exits completed, defense tech is on track for an upswing compared to other sectors. Defense tech startups benefit from programs like the Defense Innovation Unit, offering opportunities to engage directly with national security. The report highlights opportunities for startup innovation to expand the US defense industrial base and provides an overview of industry dynamics, key players, and deal activity. #DefenseTech #Innovation #VentureCapital #EmergingTech #Startups #NationalSecurity