Portugal’s Tekever Secures $74M for Dual-Use Drone Platform in Ukraine
Tekever Secures €70 Million to Leap into New Skies
When it comes to drones, the big players have long been the established giants. But the latest big splash comes from Tekever, a clever startup that’s re‑writing that rulebook. They just raised €70 million—about $74 million— to push their cutting‑edge tech into more markets, with a big eye on the U.S. market.
Why This Matters
“Who would have guessed that a small, tech‑driven company could raise such a hefty sum?” you might ask. The answer lies in the newfound pace of drone innovation—fuelled largely by the urgent demands of the war in Ukraine.
- Recent European drone startups are getting big bucks, like Origin, which just secured funding for its precision‑strike system now active in that region.
- A growing trend of dual‑use drones is turning the defense market—usually dominated by huge “primers”—on its head.
Who’s Putting the Money In?
The €70 million round was spearheaded by:
- Baillie Gifford & Co. – Yes, the same folks who back SpaceX.
- The NATO Innovation Fund – A €1 billion defense‑tech venture tied to NATO, aimed at high‑tech defense, security, and resilience startups.
What Exactly Does Tekever Do?
- Founded in Portugal but flying high across the U.K., France, and beyond.
- Its drones have already seen real‑world use—tracking migrant smugglers across the English Channel.
- They boast a flagship ARX drone that can call a squadron of smaller drones to pat down any terrain—land, sea, or battlefield.
Unlike the usual aerospace juggernauts that outsource most of their gear, Tekever runs the entire show—from the airframe design & assembly to payloads, avionics, software, data, and AI. Their promise? Rapid adaptability to customer needs and the ever‑shifting world of modern warfare.
CEO’s Take
“Europe’s gotta step up, especially with Ukraine right on our doorstep and Europe still lagging in tech growth,” said CEO Ricardo Mendes (a Bloomberg handle).
History Snapshot
- Bootstrapped until 2022.
- Series A: €20 million from Ventura Capital and Iberis Capital.
- Now soaring to a staggering €70 million.
All in all, Tekever is proving that smart innovation, a flexible approach, and a dash of daring can make even a small startup soar above the big names. Cheers to the new frontier of drone tech!
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Netflix, ElevenLabs, Wayve, Sequoia Capital — just a few of the heavy hitters joining the Disrupt 2025 agenda. They’re here to deliver the insights that fuel startup growth and sharpen your edge. Don’t miss the 20th anniversary of TechCrunch Disrupt, and a chance to learn from the top voices in tech — grab your ticket now and save up to $675 before prices rise.
Sky‑High Funding: Tekever’s Drones Soar into Europe’s Defense Landscape
The startup is quietly making headlines—no valuation was disclosed, but a fresh Series B injection is already in motion. For a quick rundown: the drone juggernaut is grabbing the attention of big‑names across the continent.
Who’s Backing the Buzz?
- NATO Innovation Fund – Patrick Schneider‑Sikorsky says Europe’s drone market exploded since 2022, and Tekever’s tech has both civilian and military appeal.
- Baillie Gifford – Chris Evdaimon praises the company’s “software‑centric, vertically integrated” drone strategy.
- UK’s National Security Strategic Investment Fund – swooping in to strengthen homeland security.
- Silicon Valley’s Crescent Cove Advisors – out of breath from rocket‑fueled growth in Europe.
- Existing backers Iberis Semper and Cedrus Capital – hang on for the ride.
The Real‑World Roll‑out
Tekever’s drones aren’t just on paper – they’re already buzzing in Ukraine, supporting the European Maritime Safety Agency, and aiding the UK’s Home Office. When the sky is no longer the limit, it’s clear the drones are hitting important beats.
Why It Matters
Rapid innovation means actual safety, faster ISR (Intelligence, Surveillance & Reconnaissance), and a sharper edge for defense tech. The partners, both agency‑level and private, want a flying future that’s both efficient and cost‑effective.
In short, Tekever is stitching both software and hardware into a seamless, nu‑geared kit that keeps rising over Europe’s tech‑skyline. And if you thought drones were all about flight, think again—there’s also an entire financial storm brewing underneath.
