Klaus Hommels Pushes Europe Toward Defense Tech Independence

Klaus Hommels spent over twenty years building Lakestar into a major European venture capital firm. His portfolio covers fintech, software, AI, and deep tech. Now he's entering European defense technology despite its controversial nature.

Defense tech was previously considered niche or ethically problematic. Russia's Ukraine invasion completely changed that perception. Europe discovered heavy dependence on foreign military technology, especially from America. Hommels positioned himself centrally within this shift.

The Lakestar founder loudly advocates European technological sovereignty. His message stays simple: Europe cannot keep relying on external powers for critical infrastructure, cybersecurity, or defense innovation. Lakestar now finds and funds startups building dual-use technologies serving civilian markets with military applications. Focus areas include autonomous systems, AI analytics, secure communications, and cyberdefense.

His approach generates praise and criticism simultaneously. Supporters credit him with helping Europe modernize defense capabilities. Critics highlight potential conflicts since Hommels operates as both a private investor and a public policy advocate while shaping European defense funding vehicles. This dual role creates transparency concerns.

European defense budgets have jumped dramatically since 2022. Governments now buy technology from startups rather than exclusively from legacy contractors. Hommels defends his framework as a natural extension of Europe's tech sovereignty movement covering critical infrastructure, digital independence, and secure supply chains.

The venture capitalist believes Europe must develop homegrown defense innovation capacity. Whether his dual investment and advocacy roles create problematic conflicts remains an open debate within European policy circles.