Romainville-based defense tech startup Alta Ares, which develops AI-powered computer vision technology for drones, has secured €1 million in funding from Kima Ventures, Starburst Ventures, and Apeiron Venture Capital.
- Founded in 2024 by Hadrien Canter, Stanislas Walch, Théo Bondarec, and Alain Henry, Alta Ares develops AI-powered computer vision technology for drones, enabling real-time object detection and tracking directly on the edge.
- The firm offers three main services:
- Military Recognition: Onboard AI identifies and tracks military assets such as vehicles and personnel without relying on cloud connectivity.
- Industrial Inspection: Drones equipped with thermal and optical sensors detect defects and assess infrastructure across energy, agriculture, and utility sectors.
- Surveillance: In partnership with Chiron Solutions, Alta Ares provides drone-based monitoring for sensitive sites, including perimeter patrol and real-time threat detection.
- Alta Ares has tested its technology in operational conditions in Ukraine, where it was used for real-time detection and identification of military targets. In March 2025, the company reported winning the NATO Innovation Challenge for its AI-based battlefield recognition system.
Details of the deal
- The investment saw support from Athens-based VC Apeiron Venture Capital, Expansion, a French firm backing European aerospace founders from Pre-Seed to Series B, as well as Starburst Ventures, Kima Ventures, Better Angle, and Bpifrance.
- Alta Ares will use the fresh funding to accelerate product development, expand its AI and computer vision engineering team, and scale operations across Europe.
- The company will also use the capital to support new operational deployments and open a new office in Athens, dedicated to R&D and commercial growth.
