Europe's Defense Tech Sector Surges as 15 Key Founders Drive Innovation

European defense technology startups have raised roughly €3.5 billion this year, nearly doubling the €1.8 billion raised throughout 2024. Sifted identified 15 leading founders and executives reshaping the continental defense sector.

Alexander Fitzgerald founded London-based Isembard in 2024 after careers in broadband and the army reserves. His company manufactures precision drone and satellite components to reduce European dependence on Chinese supply chains.

August Lersen, a former Royal Marines commando, launched Labrys Technologies in London in 2023. The platform helps high-risk organizations verify identities, coordinate secure communications, and manage personnel in dangerous environments.

Batuhan Yumurtacı serves as CTO at Munich-based Tytan Technologies. The aviation researcher develops AI-powered drone interceptors that detect and neutralize enemy unmanned aerial vehicles.

Borys Nadykto previously worked on Amazon's safety science team before founding Offset Labs between London and Kyiv. His AI lab creates defense-grade signal and voice processing technology for NATO allies.

Marie Inuzuka leads product development at Paris-based Comand AI after stints at Palantir and OpenAI. Her platform integrates terrain data, operational information, and real-time intelligence for military mission planning.

The remaining ten operators bring expertise in robotics, satellite technology, and sensor networks. Multiple factors drive current momentum, including investor enthusiasm, dual-use technology appeal, geopolitical urgency from the Ukraine war, and talent crossover from military and commercial tech backgrounds.

Challenges persist, including slow product cycles, complex certification requirements, export control regulations, and limited venture capital willing to fund defense startups. The sector remains young despite rapid growth.