Created in 2015 near Munich, Quantum Systems has become in less than ten years one of the most strategic players in autonomous aerial intelligence, an example of European dynamics in defense tech. The German company designs dual-use drones (civil and military) combining artificial intelligence, on-board computing with vertical take-off and landing (VTOL) capabilities. Its systems are field tested in Ukraine, where they provide real-time images for reconnaissance missions.
Quantum Systems does not limit itself to building drones, but develops sensors, embedded software, specialized cameras and complete autonomous aerial intelligence systems. The Vector AI model, for example, is a fixed-wing drone with an electric VTOL architecture and integrated computing power enabling automated missions in complex environments, while the Trinity Pro model has established itself as a high-precision mapping tool.
In 2025, Quantum Systems accelerated its development by joining forces with the American giant Planet, operator of the world’s largest fleet of observation satellites (Dove, SkySat, future Pelican). Together, they are launching a “Tip & Cue” intelligence service combining continuous satellite scanning and immediate verification by tactical drones. Concretely, Planet detects weak signals from orbit and Quantum Systems dispatches an aerial drone to the area concerned. This vertical integration creates a particularly effective ISR (Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance) chain.
The company aims to become the European leader in robotic aerial intelligence under the leadership of Sven Kruck and Florian Seibel, also co-founders of Stark Defense. Quantum System is managed in the United States by Dave Sharpin.
After a Series C of 160 million euros led by Balderton Capital, Quantum System has just raised an additional 180 million euros, tripling its valuation to exceed 3 billion euros. It thus becomes one of the most valuable German start-ups, supported by Porsche SE, Airbus Defense and Space, Bullhound Capital, HV Capital, Project A, Peter Thiel, DTCP, Omnes Capital and Notion Capital. The company now boasts more than 490 million euros raised since its creation. The company plans to finance acquisitions to accelerate its development and double its production capacities in Eastern Europe.
France is also seeing new companies emerge in the field, notably Harmattan AI, Seaber, and Alta Ares. The sector is also consolidating in terms of financing, driven by the emergence of specialized investment funds in France, such as OVNI or Defense Angels, and by the rise in power of similar vehicles among our European neighbors.
Charles Beigbeder, founder of the Quantonation investment fund, is enthusiastic about the development of the sector “ With the awakening towards greater European strategic autonomy, the €35 billion plan from the German Ministry of Defense, the French National Space Strategy – €20.2 billion over 2026-2030 including 4.2 billion for defense – announced by the PR on the occasion of the inauguration of the new Space Command in Toulouse on November 12 and finally the budget increase for 2026-2029 to €22.1 billion by the ESA ministerial meeting on Thursday, the year 2026 will be the year of new space, of European and French space in general, let the private sector seize it! Space is becoming an economic sector that is both “normal” and strategic! So much the better ! »
