The global DefenceTech market is undergoing rapid expansion: venture investors and large funds are actively investing in startups developing drones, autonomous systems, military AI, and software solutions for military applications. This trend has become one of the fastest-growing segments of the global venture capital market.
According to industry research, defense technology startups attracted approximately $17.9 billion in investments in 2025, more than doubling the previous year’s figure.
Experts also note a sharp increase in the overall value of transactions: according to PitchBook, the value of venture deals in the defence-tech sector reached $49.1 billion in 2025, nearly twice as much as in 2024.
Drones and Military AI — Key Investment Areas
The largest share of funding is directed to startups developing unmanned systems, autonomous platforms, and military AI. Investors view these technologies as critical for future conflicts and military modernization.
For example, the American defence-tech startup Anduril Industries is preparing a new $4 billion funding round at a valuation of around $60 billion, which could become one of the largest investment rounds in the sector.
Interest in such companies is driven by the fact that modern armed forces increasingly rely on autonomous surveillance systems, drones, and software-driven battlefield management solutions.
Europe Is Building a New Defense Startup Ecosystem
European countries are also actively developing their own defence-tech ecosystems. In recent years, Munich has become one of the emerging hubs for defense startups, hosting companies that develop drones, counter-drone technologies, and military software.
The surge in investment is linked to rapidly increasing defense budgets and Europe’s efforts to reduce dependence on U.S. military technologies.
New Startups and IPOs in the Defense Market
Drone technology startups represent one of the most rapidly developing segments of the DefenceTech market.
For example, Swarmer, a company developing software for drone swarms, has filed for an IPO on the Nasdaq stock exchange after raising tens of millions of dollars in investment.
Overall, Ukrainian defence-tech startups alone raised more than $129 million in 2025, highlighting the rapid emergence of a new segment within the technology industry.
Geopolitics Drives a New Investment Cycle
Analysts attribute the DefenceTech boom to several key factors:
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rising global military spending and a new technological arms race;
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the war in Ukraine, which demonstrated the effectiveness of drones and autonomous systems;
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rapid advancements in AI technologies, enabling cheaper and more efficient military solutions.
As a result, DefenceTech — once considered a niche segment of the venture capital market — is now becoming one of the most attractive sectors for global investors.
Top-10 DefenceTech Investments Worldwide (2025–2026)
1. Anduril Industries — $2.5 billion (2025)
Country: United States
Sector: autonomous systems, military drones, AI
Valuation: $30.5 billion
Investors: Founders Fund, Andreessen Horowitz
One of the largest venture rounds in defense technology. The company develops autonomous surveillance systems and combat drones.
2. Anduril Industries — up to $4 billion (2026, planned round)
Country: United States
Valuation: up to $60 billion
Investors: Thrive Capital, Andreessen Horowitz
The new round could double the company’s valuation and finance large-scale production of autonomous systems and military drones.
3. Helsing — €600 million (~$695 million) (2025)
Country: Germany
Sector: military AI, drones, underwater autonomous systems
Valuation: ~$12 billion
The round was led by Spotify founder Daniel Ek through the Prima Materia fund.
4. Saronic — $600 million (2025)
Country: United States
Sector: autonomous naval vessels
Valuation: ~$4 billion
The company develops unmanned maritime systems for the U.S. Navy.
5. Shield AI — $240 million (2025)
Country: United States
Sector: AI pilots for military aircraft and drones
Valuation: ~$5.3 billion
The company develops autonomous software for military aviation.
6. Chaos Industries — ~$145 million+ (2025)
Country: United States
Sector: defense sensors and radar systems
The startup is developing next-generation missile and drone detection systems.
7. Onebrief — $20 million (2025)
Country: United States
Sector: AI military planning platform
Valuation: ~$1.1 billion
The platform helps military organizations plan operations and coordinate resources.
8. Constelli — $20 million (2026)
Country: India
Sector: military technologies and analytics
The round was led by venture capital firm General Catalyst.
9. Armory — ~$1.5 million (2025)
Country: India
Sector: anti-drone technologies
The investment supports the development of counter-drone defense systems.
10. Quantum Systems — tens of millions of euros (2025)
Country: Germany
Sector: military reconnaissance drones
The company represents a new generation of European defence-tech startups.
