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Europe's Defense Tech Sees Capital Surge
29 Jun
Summary
- New VC funds are launching to address defense tech funding gaps.
- Major defense firms are now investing directly in private capital.
- A €500 million dual-use and defense fund closed this month.

After thirty years of underinvestment, European defense technology is attracting substantial private capital. New venture capital funds are emerging, such as Sandwater's €80 million vehicle and Join Capital's third fund. Major industry players are also participating, with BAE Systems announcing a €50 million investment across two funds.
A significant development this month is the closing of ED2, a €500 million dual-use and defense fund established by AVP and Earlybird. This fund is one of the largest dedicated pools of capital for the sector, focusing on growth investments. The initiative aims to bridge Europe's defense technology gap with the US and ensure European solutions for defense needs.
This increased private investment is driven by a recognized need for capital to support production acceleration and the development of crucial technologies for defense. Both institutional investors and defense primes are showing a greater willingness to engage with private capital markets, recognizing the strategic importance of accessing cutting-edge technology.