In a groundbreaking funding announcement, German drone manufacturer Quantum Systems has cemented itself as a significant player in the defense and technology landscape. With a whopping €180 million Series C Extension led by Balderton Capital, Quantum Systems has not only elevated its valuation past €3 billion but also set a record as the largest private capital raise in Europe’s dual-use sector in 2025. This puts Quantum Systems among the elite few privately-held "triple unicorns," an enviable position in the rapidly growing arena of dual-use autonomous systems.
As a serial entrepreneur with a keen interest in early-stage innovation, I find Quantum Systems' trajectory both inspiring and revealing. The combination of geopolitical demand, strategic foresight, and innovation in robotics and AI-powered systems explains their meteoric rise. Let’s delve into what makes this company stand out, what entrepreneurs can learn from it, and how its success is reshaping the dual-use sector.
Key Milestones of Quantum Systems
The company, founded in 2015, originally started as a producer of unmanned aerial systems for civilian purposes. However, Quantum Systems pivoted emphatically toward dual-use drones, applications with both civilian and military purposes, after analyzing Europe’s growing need for autonomous defense technologies. Their drones, featuring AI-driven autonomy, are now essential components for NATO forces in contested environments, particularly highlighting their indispensable role in Ukraine’s defense. Their innovative MOSAIC UXS software, a multi-domain platform, epitomizes cutting-edge data aggregation across air, land, and maritime systems.
1. Funding and Growth Trajectory
Quantum Systems was no stranger to investor confidence before the Series C Extension. In May 2025, a €160 million round brought them closer to scaling ahead of competitors. With the latest €180 million investment, Quantum Systems has raised a staggering €340 million in 2025 alone. Learn more about the pivotal role of investors like Balderton Capital in empowering Europe’s defense innovators.
Notably, Quantum Systems anticipates revenues of €300 million in 2025, scaling to €500 million by 2026. This hints at extraordinary confidence in its market position and scalability.
2. Strategic Decisions: Dual-Use Technology Focus
A strategic pivot into the dual-use lane has made Quantum Systems indispensable during turbulent geopolitical times. Dual-use systems assure wider applicability of drone platforms in both defense and civil sectors. Their Jäger and Braml drone lineups demonstrate capabilities in everything from aerial surveillance to combat situations where real-time intelligence is crucial.
This clarity of focus offers an important lesson for entrepreneurs in identifying a pain point, in this case, the need for sovereign, European-made autonomous systems amidst increasing geopolitical uncertainty.
Entrepreneurial Insights: What Can Founders Learn?
Quantum Systems’ 2025 story is a masterclass in leadership, mission alignment, and scaling innovation. Here are the top takeaways entrepreneurs can apply to their ventures:
1. Solve a REAL Problem
Quantum Systems’ success stems from addressing urgent defense demands across Europe, NATO, and beyond, especially as geopolitical tensions and questions surrounding traditional alliances rise. Founders often get caught up in solutions looking for problems; instead, create something indispensable where demand surpasses supply.
2. Go Beyond Local Markets
The company’s work is not limited to one region: from Ukraine to the United States to Australia, Quantum Systems works globally, integrating seamlessly into NATO’s operations. Entrepreneurs should think globally and design solutions that transcend borders, navigating regulatory challenges smartly.
3. Leverage Strategic Funding Sources
Venture funding in deeptech or dual-use sectors works differently from app-based markets. European investors like Balderton Capital increasingly seek sovereign innovation for its long-term value. Entrepreneurs should explore aligned investors opened to high-risk, high-reward partnerships when developing advanced innovations.
4. Stay Agile, and Be Willing to Pivot
Despite its initial focus on civilian drones, Quantum Systems shifted effortlessly to dual-use capabilities, the catalyst for its current valuation. Flexibility in business strategy, especially when rooted in global changes, is essential to thrive in a competitive environment.
A Cautionary Note: Common Pitfalls to Avoid
As a serial entrepreneur, I’ve observed startups often fail despite great ideas. Here’s what Quantum Systems avoided that you too can steer clear of:
1. Narrow Focus Without Scalability
Many businesses stick to one vertical instead of diversifying. Quantum Systems tackled this by expanding into air, land, and maritime technologies and building AI-fueled platforms to enhance usability across domains.
2. Lack of Strategic Partnerships
Not partnering with key industry stakeholders, whether local governments or large international coalitions, can hurt scalability. Quantum Systems’ collaboration with NATO was a bold yet strategically aligned choice. Partnerships with major institutions lend credibility and structure to your startup’s roadmap.
3. Neglecting R&D in Scaling Phases
While expanding, startups often reallocate budgets toward aggressive marketing, leaving R&D underfunded. Quantum Systems’ dedication to expanding its MOSAIC UXS and upgrading drone autonomy ensures the company stays ahead technologically.
How to Build an Impactful Startup in Dual-Use Sectors
Stepping into sensitive markets like defense-tech might seem daunting, even for seasoned founders. Here’s a simple guide to crack the code:
- Understand Complex Markets: Grasp regulations, security policies, and government procurement processes if entering highly-regulated sectors such as defense or health.
- Focus on Data-Driven Development: Ground your innovation not in trends but necessity. Autonomous technologies deployed by NATO, for instance, must undergo rigorous real-life validation. Create something adaptable.
- Approach Environment Consciousness Boldly: The drones aren’t all about war. Think beyond military applications, think renewable energy inspections, smart cities, or agriculture (precision crop spraying). Double-market solutions multiply revenue streams.
- Plan Your Scaling Timeline Realistically: Tackle markets in stages, starting in regions with the highest barriers. By conquering the difficult first, you’ll gain reputability and clout.
Impact Beyond the Financials
The rise of Quantum Systems mirrors broader trends in sovereignty-based innovation, where government policymakers and private investors move to invest in indigenous technologies. Across Europe, startups like these serve as crucial pillars in revamping defense ecosystems, solving critical infrastructure flaws, and inspiring tech founders to think about purpose alongside profits. Their impact serves as a reminder that entrepreneurship can be as much about progress as profit margins.
It’s exciting to watch Europe incubate companies like Quantum Systems, a living proof of how innovation paired with robust geopolitical support can not only lead to business success but also redefine the continent's technological sovereignty. Entrepreneurs aspiring to drive significant global impact should look no further for a model to follow.
FAQ
1. What is Quantum Systems known for?
Quantum Systems is a German drone manufacturer recognized for its dual-use unmanned aerial systems, combining civilian and military applications through cutting-edge AI technologies. Their products are used by NATO forces and feature superior AI-powered autonomy. Visit Quantum Systems for more
2. What was Quantum Systems' recent funding milestone?
Quantum Systems secured €180 million in a Series C Extension funding round, pushing its valuation past €3 billion and earning "triple unicorn" status. This marked the largest private capital raise in Europe's dual-use sector in 2025. Explore Quantum Systems secures €180M from Balderton Capital
3. What makes Quantum Systems' technology stand out?
Quantum Systems developed MOSAIC UXS software, an advanced AI-driven multi-domain platform that integrates data across air, land, and maritime systems. Learn more about their innovative products at Quantum Systems’ official website.
4. How has Quantum Systems contributed to NATO's operations?
The company’s AI-driven drones have been deployed in contested environments, like Ukraine, providing indispensable real-time intelligence and autonomous surveillance for NATO forces. Discover their NATO deployments
5. How much funding has Quantum Systems raised overall in 2025?
Quantum Systems raised a total of €340 million in 2025 alone, including €160 million earlier this year and the recent €180 million Series C Extension. Read more about their record funding
6. What is Quantum Systems’ projected revenue growth?
The company anticipates revenues of €300 million in 2025, scaling to €500 million by 2026, solidifying its market leadership. Learn more about their growth trajectory
7. What strategic pivot helped Quantum Systems achieve success?
Quantum Systems transitioned from civilian drones to dual-use technology after identifying the need for sovereign, European defense innovation amidst geopolitical uncertainties. Explore their strategic pivot
8. Who led Quantum Systems’ €180 million funding round?
The funding round was led by Balderton Capital, known for investing in sovereign innovation within Europe’s defense-tech sector. Find out more about Balderton Capital
9. What entrepreneurial lessons can be learned from Quantum Systems?
Key lessons include solving real problems, thinking globally, exploring high-risk funding sources, and staying flexible to market demands. Learn more about entrepreneurial insights
10. What trends are shaping Europe’s defense tech sector?
Europe is experiencing increased VC activity in dual-use technology, driven by geopolitical tensions and demands for locally-made autonomous systems. Explore regional trends at EU Startups
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.