In a groundbreaking move, Quantum Systems, a German-based leader in autonomous drones, is poised to finalize its €200 million funding round led by Balderton Capital. This significant investment marks not only a milestone for Quantum Systems but also exemplifies the growing focus on defence tech and dual-use AI applications in Europe. This funding round positions the Munich-based company closer to its ambitions of achieving a €3 billion valuation.
Unpacking Quantum Systems’ Funding Success
A Leader in AI-Powered Aerial Intelligence
Quantum Systems has gained global recognition for its portfolio of AI-powered drones that serve both civilian and military purposes. Their electric vertical take-off and landing (eVTOL) drones are used in defense, emergency services, and industrial applications. The latest fundraise will help advance their research and development activities, scale global production, and ultimately expand their footprint into untapped markets.
With defence tech and geopolitical pressures on the rise, the realm of military-grade and commercial AI solutions is ripe for disruption. As Quantum Systems aims high, it joins a selective group of European startups actively bridging the gap between innovation and global defence interests.
Why Investors Are Compelled by Quantum Systems
The €200 million round, led by UK-based Balderton Capital, is rooted in Europe’s current focus on strengthening its tech sovereignty. High-profile investors such as Airbus Defence and Space, Porsche SE, and even notable entrepreneur Peter Thiel have previously backed the firm, highlighting the strategic value seen in its cutting-edge technology.
This funding will also allow Quantum Systems to potentially triple its valuation, reportedly aiming to exceed €5 billion by further acquisitions of startups specializing in sensors and autonomous navigation technologies. Additionally, the company projects an increase in revenue to €500 million by 2026, solidifying confidence in its growth trajectory.
How Startups Can Learn from Quantum Systems
For founders looking to make their mark in deeptech or capital-intensive industries, identifying lessons from high-growth companies like Quantum Systems is crucial. Here’s what entrepreneurs can apply to their own ventures:
1. Solving Real Problems with Real Innovation
Startups need to focus on creating solutions that are not just innovative but also serve essential needs. Quantum Systems addresses the critical demand for both defense-grade and emergency-response operational AI solutions: a clear, dual-purpose strategy.
2. Leverage Strategic Partners Early
Quantum Systems didn’t rise to prominence alone. Its partnerships with key players like Airbus and existing investors illustrate the importance of cultivating long-term relationships with organizations that provide more than just funding. For founders seeking similar opportunities, consider tools like the F/MS AI Grant Finder and Application Writer. This tool quickly identifies EU grants tailored to your startup and drafts your grant application, saving critical time in accessing early-stage support.
3. Access Tools to Gain Momentum
If traditional platforms or ecosystems aren’t accessible, innovative solutions like the Fe/male Switch SANDBOX can empower entrepreneurs to conceptualize, validate, and refine ideas. Guided by an AI co-founder (PlayPal), the SANDBOX structure walks founders through each step of problem verification, business model crafting, and testing their concepts without significant financial risks.
Tools for Startups: What Founders Should Not Miss
If you’re a startup entrepreneur wanting to emulate the steps of Quantum Systems, here are essential resources:
- PlayPal – An AI Friend for Navigating the Startup World
Engage with PlayPal, a virtual AI co-founder developed by Violetta Bonenkamp and the Fe/male Switch team. Perfectly suited for providing startup guidance, ideation support, or even light mentoring conversations, it ensures no founder ever feels alone in their journey. - F/MS AI Grant Finder
Securing funding is often a stressful challenge for startups. Start leveraging the F/MS AI Grant Finder and Application Writer to identify a funding mechanism best suited to your operational goals. Its automated application writer speeds up tedious grant processes, leaving founders time to focus on strategy. - AI Startup Lawyer
For founders who are unfamiliar with the legal jargon present in investment agreements, the AI Startup Lawyer trains on real-life examples and provides clarity around term sheets and tricky clauses. This tool is critical for ensuring startups don’t fall into common pitfalls that could harm their equity or control in subsequent rounds.
Top Mistakes to Avoid When Scaling Like Quantum Systems
1. Ignoring Dual-Purpose Opportunities
Many startups focus solely on commercial applications but overlook the critical advantages of dual-use technologies. As seen with Quantum Systems, aligning products to serve government and civilian needs opens up a vast range of funding and market access opportunities.
2. Rushing Through Market Validation
Quantum’s ability to scale revenue comes down to its capability-driven products thoroughly aligned with market demand. Use platforms like the Fe/male Switch SANDBOX to test your ideas before committing significant resources.
3. Missing Out on Early-Stage Grants
Far too many startups overlook grants as a funding source. With streamlined tools like the F/MS Grant Finder, you can access capital at an early stage and expedite growth before seeking VC backing.
Final Thoughts and Recommendations
The Quantum Systems story showcases how cutting-edge innovation, strategic partnerships, and funding from the right sources can transform a startup into a disruptive global entity. For budding entrepreneurs, especially those focusing on deeptech or AI applications, harnessing resources like PlayPal, the SANDBOX, and the AI Grant Finder can give them an unparalleled head start.
If you’re ready to kickstart or scale your business ambitions, try out tools like the F/MS SANDBOX for gamified startup learning and chat with PlayPal to get immediate insights and support tailored to your needs. Remember, every great company started with a single great idea—what’s yours?
FAQ
1. What is Quantum Systems and why is it notable?
Quantum Systems is a German-based leader in autonomous drones specializing in AI-powered aerial intelligence for both civilian and military purposes. The company’s electric vertical take-off and landing (eVTOL) drones are used in defense, emergency services, and industrial settings. Learn more about Quantum Systems
2. How much funding is Quantum Systems currently closing?
Quantum Systems is set to finalize a €200 million funding round, led by Balderton Capital, underscoring Europe’s increased investment in defense tech innovation. Read more about the funding announcement
3. Why is Balderton Capital leading this funding round?
Balderton Capital has been a key investor in Quantum Systems, previously leading their €160 million Series C in May 2025. The venture firm sees strategic value in Quantum’s dual-use AI technologies. Discover Balderton Capital’s approach
4. What is the significance of Quantum Systems’ technology?
Quantum Systems’ drones are equipped with cutting-edge AI and advanced sensors, bridging the gap between innovation and global defense interests. Their dual-use technology provides solutions for both civilian applications and military-grade operations.
5. How does this funding impact Quantum Systems’ valuation targets?
With the new funding, Quantum Systems aims to triple its valuation to €3 billion in the near future, with projections of a €5 billion valuation through further expansion and potential acquisitions.
6. How will Quantum Systems utilize the €200 million funding?
The funding will be used to enhance research and development, scale global production, and explore untapped markets, aligning with their goals to disrupt defense and AI sectors globally.
7. What are some companies or leaders previously backing Quantum Systems?
Quantum Systems has received backing from industry leaders such as Airbus Defence and Space, Porsche SE, and Peter Thiel. These strategic investors highlight Quantum Systems’ relevance in tech and defense advancements.
8. What lessons can startups learn from Quantum Systems’ approach?
Startups can emulate Quantum Systems by addressing critical, dual-purpose problems with innovative technology and leveraging long-term partnerships with strategic investors. Explore startup strategies using tools like F/MS SANDBOX
9. How is quantum systems contributing to Europe’s tech sovereignty goals?
Quantum Systems aligns with Europe’s focus on strengthening tech sovereignty, particularly in defense, by developing AI-powered drones within the region to reduce reliance on external technologies.
10. What key partnerships drive Quantum Systems’ success?
Partnerships with influential investors such as Balderton Capital and Airbus have been pivotal in scaling Quantum Systems. Strategic collaborations provide not just capital but also industry insight and global market access.
About the Author
Violetta Bonenkamp, also known as MeanCEO, is an experienced startup founder with an impressive educational background including an MBA and four other higher education degrees. She has over 20 years of work experience across multiple countries, including 5 years as a solopreneur and serial entrepreneur. Throughout her startup experience she has applied for multiple startup grants at the EU level, in the Netherlands and Malta, and her startups received quite a few of those. She’s been living, studying and working in many countries around the globe and her extensive multicultural experience has influenced her immensely.
Violetta Bonenkamp’s expertise in CAD sector, IP protection and blockchain
Violetta Bonenkamp is recognized as a multidisciplinary expert with significant achievements in the CAD sector, intellectual property (IP) protection, and blockchain technology.
CAD Sector:
- Violetta is the CEO and co-founder of CADChain, a deep tech startup focused on developing IP management software specifically for CAD (Computer-Aided Design) data. CADChain addresses the lack of industry standards for CAD data protection and sharing, using innovative technology to secure and manage design data.
- She has led the company since its inception in 2018, overseeing R&D, PR, and business development, and driving the creation of products for platforms such as Autodesk Inventor, Blender, and SolidWorks.
- Her leadership has been instrumental in scaling CADChain from a small team to a significant player in the deeptech space, with a diverse, international team.
IP Protection:
- Violetta has built deep expertise in intellectual property, combining academic training with practical startup experience. She has taken specialized courses in IP from institutions like WIPO and the EU IPO.
- She is known for sharing actionable strategies for startup IP protection, leveraging both legal and technological approaches, and has published guides and content on this topic for the entrepreneurial community.
- Her work at CADChain directly addresses the need for robust IP protection in the engineering and design industries, integrating cybersecurity and compliance measures to safeguard digital assets.
Blockchain:
- Violetta’s entry into the blockchain sector began with the founding of CADChain, which uses blockchain as a core technology for securing and managing CAD data.
- She holds several certifications in blockchain and has participated in major hackathons and policy forums, such as the OECD Global Blockchain Policy Forum.
- Her expertise extends to applying blockchain for IP management, ensuring data integrity, traceability, and secure sharing in the CAD industry.
Violetta is a true multiple specialist who has built expertise in Linguistics, Education, Business Management, Blockchain, Entrepreneurship, Intellectual Property, Game Design, AI, SEO, Digital Marketing, cyber security and zero code automations. Her extensive educational journey includes a Master of Arts in Linguistics and Education, an Advanced Master in Linguistics from Belgium (2006-2007), an MBA from Blekinge Institute of Technology in Sweden (2006-2008), and an Erasmus Mundus joint program European Master of Higher Education from universities in Norway, Finland, and Portugal (2009).
She is the founder of Fe/male Switch, a startup game that encourages women to enter STEM fields, and also leads CADChain, and multiple other projects like the Directory of 1,000 Startup Cities with a proprietary MeanCEO Index that ranks cities for female entrepreneurs. Violetta created the “gamepreneurship” methodology, which forms the scientific basis of her startup game. She also builds a lot of SEO tools for startups. Her achievements include being named one of the top 100 women in Europe by EU Startups in 2022 and being nominated for Impact Person of the year at the Dutch Blockchain Week. She is an author with Sifted and a speaker at different Universities. Recently she published a book on Startup Idea Validation the right way: from zero to first customers and beyond, launched a Directory of 1,500+ websites for startups to list themselves in order to gain traction and build backlinks and is building MELA AI to help local restaurants in Malta get more visibility online.
For the past several years Violetta has been living between the Netherlands and Malta, while also regularly traveling to different destinations around the globe, usually due to her entrepreneurial activities. This has led her to start writing about different locations and amenities from the POV of an entrepreneur. Here’s her recent article about the best hotels in Italy to work from.
About the Publication
Fe/male Switch is an innovative startup platform designed to empower women entrepreneurs through an immersive, game-like experience. Founded in 2020 during the pandemic “without any funding and without any code,” this non-profit initiative has evolved into a comprehensive educational tool for aspiring female entrepreneurs.The platform was co-founded by Violetta Shishkina-Bonenkamp, who serves as CEO and one of the lead authors of the Startup News branch.
Mission and Purpose
Fe/male Switch Foundation was created to address the gender gap in the tech and entrepreneurship space. The platform aims to skill-up future female tech leaders and empower them to create resilient and innovative tech startups through what they call “gamepreneurship”. By putting players in a virtual startup village where they must survive and thrive, the startup game allows women to test their entrepreneurial abilities without financial risk.
Key Features
The platform offers a unique blend of news, resources,learning, networking, and practical application within a supportive, female-focused environment:
- Skill Lab: Micro-modules covering essential startup skills
- Virtual Startup Building: Create or join startups and tackle real-world challenges
- AI Co-founder (PlayPal): Guides users through the startup process
- SANDBOX: A testing environment for idea validation before launch
- Wellness Integration: Virtual activities to balance work and self-care
- Marketplace: Buy or sell expert sessions and tutorials
Impact and Growth
Since its inception, Fe/male Switch has shown impressive growth:
- 5,000+ female entrepreneurs in the community
- 100+ startup tools built
- 5,000+ pieces of articles and news written
- 1,000 unique business ideas for women created
Partnerships
Fe/male Switch has formed strategic partnerships to enhance its offerings. In January 2022, it teamed up with global website builder Tilda to provide free access to website building tools and mentorship services for Fe/male Switch participants.
Recognition
Fe/male Switch has received media attention for its innovative approach to closing the gender gap in tech entrepreneurship. The platform has been featured in various publications highlighting its unique “play to learn and earn” model.