German Quantum Systems, an aerial data intelligence company, has raised €160 million in a Series C funding round, joining the small group of unicorns in European defence tech. The investment was led by Balderton Capital, with support from HENSOLDT and Airbus Defence and Space.
- Quantum Systems was founded in 2015 by Armin Busse and Florian Seibel. The company develops electric vertical take-off and landing (eVTOL) unmanned aerial systems (UAS) for aerial data collection across both defense and commercial sectors.
- Its drones combine multi-sensor payloads with proprietary AI-driven software to support various applications, including intelligence, surveillance, reconnaissance (ISR), mapping, and geospatial data acquisition.
- Operating under a dual-use model, Quantum Systems supplies technology to military and civilian customers. Its systems are used by NATO-aligned defence forces and in agriculture, mining, and infrastructure industries.
- The company has expanded through acquisitions, including Germany’s AirRobot and the UK subsidiary of Nordic Unmanned. It currently employs over 550 people across offices in Germany, Australia, Ukraine, and Romania.
Details of the deal
- The Series C funding round was led by London-based VC Balderton Capital, which has raised two funds, a $615 million Early Stage Fund IX and a $685 million Growth Fund II, totalling $1.3 billion to invest in European tech startups from the seed stage through IPO.
"We're thrilled to partner with Florian, Sven, and their exceptional team as they redefine the standard for aerial intelligence. Quantum Systems has the technical excellence, strategic vision, and operational maturity to become a world leader in this critical category, and positively further both security and commercial objectives," General Partner at Balderton Capital, Rana Yared, commented.
- HENSOLDT, Airbus Defence and Space, GP Bullhound, LP&E AG, and existing investors, including HV Capital, Project A, Peter Thiel, DTCP, Omnes Capital, Airbus Ventures, Porsche SE, and Notion Capital, also participated in the round.
- Quantum Systems will use the €160 million funding to accelerate R&D in AI and software, scale mass production, and expand into European and Asia-Pacific markets. The investment will also enhance its dual-use drone capabilities to serve government and commercial clients better.
"The successful completion of our C Series marks a significant milestone in our company's history. This investment allows us to follow our vision. We will increase our global production capacity to meet the growing demand for our AI-powered drone systems and expand our market presence worldwide," explains Sven Kruck, co-CEO of Quantum Systems.
