Hanover-based deep-tech company INLEAP Photonics has raised approximately €20 million in a seed funding round led by UVC Partners, with participation from HTGF, Balnord, Sentris, and Scale Capital, bringing together investors from Germany, Poland, Estonia, and Denmark, as Vestbee was told.
- Founded as a spin-off of Laser Zentrum Hannover by Marius Lammers and Felix Wellmann, INLEAP Photonics develops high-precision laser beam steering systems for industrial applications and drone defense.
- Its technology is designed to provide fast and controlled responses to unmanned aerial vehicles while meeting safety requirements for use around civilian and critical infrastructure.
- The company is already working with customers and partners including the German Federal Ministry of Defence (BMVg) and the Bundeswehr Cyber Innovation Hub. A recently announced strategic partnership with STARK Defence further supports its expansion in the counter-unmanned aircraft systems (C-UAS) market.
- The company currently offers two main drone defense systems. INLEAP FASTLIGHT SHIELD is designed for controlled and eye-safe drone defense in military, civilian, and critical infrastructure settings, while INLEAP FASTLIGHT HELD combines a laser effector with an unmanned ground vehicle and C-UAS software platform for mobile defense scenarios.
Details of the deal
- INLEAP Photonics will use the new funding to scale series production, expand production and testing capacity, further develop its laser technology, and grow its sales and service operations across Germany and Europe.
- The company also plans to strengthen quality assurance and certification processes required for deployment in industrial and security-critical environments.
“With our technology already on the market and strong order intake, we are now investing in manufacturing, quality assurance, sales and service to meet demand and deliver our systems at greater scale,” said Dr.-Ing. Marius Lammers, CEO and founder of INLEAP Photonics.
