German Drone Maker Stark Names Investor Uwe Horstmann as CEO After $62M Round

Berlin-based drone company Stark appointed investor Uwe Horstmann as its new Chief Executive Officer following a $62 million funding round. The company produces unmanned aerial systems for defense applications.

Horstmann previously served as general partner at Project A Ventures, which backed Stark before his operational role. Moving from investor to operator signals Stark's growing ambitions in the defense tech and unmanned systems sector.

Project A participated in the funding round that reportedly values Stark at several hundred million dollars. The capital fuels European expansion and growth into additional markets.

The leadership change reflects broader trends in European dual-use and defense technology startups. Companies increasingly combine civilian innovation with military applications. Industry observers view Horstmann's appointment as accelerating growth, building credibility in defense procurement, and scaling operations under leadership that understands both investment and technology execution.

Stark faces typical defense sector challenges, including lengthy procurement cycles, strict certification standards, and export control management. The company must balance startup agility against defense industry requirements.

Observers will monitor whether this leadership transition speeds Stark's path toward operational contracts. How the company navigates the tension between rapid innovation and rigorous defense standards remains an open question. Horstmann brings venture capital experience but must prove he can manage complex government relationships and military contracting processes effectively.

The appointment comes as European governments increase defense spending and seek domestic drone capabilities. Stark positions itself to capture demand as nations prioritize technological sovereignty in unmanned systems.