Deep tech, including defence technology and quantum computing, emerged as one of Europe’s most heavily funded categories in 2025. According to Atomico, Dealroom, and Sifted, deep tech captured a record share of venture capital as governments, corporates, and investors prioritised strategic autonomy, national security, and long-term technological advantage.
This article covers the top deep tech companies in Europe by funding in 2025, with a focus on defence, aerospace, and quantum computing. Each company profile includes funding details, investors, and recent developments.
1. Helsing (Germany) – Defence AI
Total funding in 2025: €600 million Series D
Helsing is Europe’s most valuable defence AI company and a central player in the continent’s push for sovereign military technology.
Key funding details:
- Series D: €600 million
- Lead investor: Prima Materia (Daniel Ek)
- Participating investors: Lightspeed Venture Partners, Accel, Plural, General Catalyst
- Strategic partner: Saab
What the company does:
- Develops AI software for defence systems
- Builds autonomous strike and surveillance platforms
- Integrates AI into existing military hardware
Recent updates:
- Launched the HX-2 strike drone designed for mass production and electronic warfare resilience
- Expanded manufacturing capacity across Germany
- Announced plans to open a US operations centre
2. Destinus (Netherlands, Europe-wide operations) – Autonomous and Hypersonic Systems
Total funding in 2025: €190 million across equity and debt facilities
Destinus develops autonomous aerial systems for defence and dual-use applications, with long-term ambitions in hydrogen-powered hypersonic flight.
Key funding details:
- €50 million Commerzbank financing facility
- €140 million in convertible instruments and shareholder loans
- Investors include private European defence-focused funds
What the company does:
- Manufactures autonomous UAV platforms including LORD, RUTA, and Hornet
- Develops AI-driven avionics and flight autonomy
Recent updates:
- Acquired Swiss AI avionics firm Daedalean
- Shifted focus from hypersonic passenger aircraft to deployable defence systems
- Expanded industrial-scale manufacturing in Europe
3. Quantum Systems (Germany) – Defence Drones
Total funding in 2025: €160 million Series C
Quantum Systems is a leading European manufacturer of AI-powered reconnaissance drones used by NATO-aligned forces.
Key funding details:
- Series C: €160 million
- Lead investors: Balderton Capital, HV Capital
- Strategic investors: Airbus Defence and Space
What the company does:
- Builds vertical take-off and landing ISR drones
- Provides battlefield data fusion and AI analytics
Recent updates:
- Expanded drone deployments in Eastern Europe
- Opened new production facilities in Bavaria
- Signed long-term contracts with European defence ministries
4. IQM Quantum Computers (Finland) – Quantum Hardware
Total funding in 2025: €128 million
IQM is Europe’s leading quantum hardware company, specialising in superconducting quantum computers.
Key funding details:
- Mixed public and private funding
- Backed by Maki.vc, Tencent, MIG Capital
- Supported by the Finnish government
What the company does:
- Builds full-stack quantum computers
- Works with research institutions and governments
Recent updates:
- Deployed quantum systems to national labs in Europe
- Expanded manufacturing capacity in Finland and Germany
- Announced roadmap toward fault-tolerant quantum computing
5. Isar Aerospace (Germany) – Space Launch Systems
Total funding in 2025: €155 million
Isar Aerospace is developing small satellite launch vehicles to strengthen Europe’s independent access to space.
Key funding details:
- Series C extension: €155 million
- Investors include Earlybird, Airbus Ventures, Lakestar
What the company does:
- Builds orbital launch vehicles for small satellites
- Operates launch facilities in Norway
Recent updates:
- Conducted advanced engine testing in 2025
- Preparing first commercial orbital launch
- Secured contracts with European space agencies
6. Pasqal (France) – Quantum Computing
Total funding in 2025: €110 million
Pasqal focuses on neutral-atom quantum processors aimed at industrial optimisation problems.
Key funding details:
- Investors: Quantonation, Bpifrance, Temasek
What the company does:
- Develops quantum processors using neutral atoms
- Works with energy, logistics, and manufacturing firms
Recent updates:
- Opened a quantum research centre in France
- Expanded partnerships with European utilities
- Demonstrated improved qubit coherence times
7. Northrop Grumman European Ventures (UK-linked deep tech spinouts)
Total funding in 2025: €100 million allocated across spinouts
Several UK-based deep tech companies received investment linked to defence primes expanding European R&D.
Key focus areas:
- Secure communications
- Autonomous systems
- Defence-grade AI
Recent updates:
- Increased collaboration with NATO-aligned startups
- Expanded R&D facilities in the UK
8. Multiverse Computing (Spain) – Quantum and AI
Total funding in 2025: €189 million Series B
Multiverse Computing combines quantum algorithms with classical AI for optimisation problems.
Key funding details:
- Series B: €189 million
- Investors include Bullhound Capital, HP Tech Ventures
What the company does:
- Develops quantum-inspired algorithms
- Targets finance, logistics, and energy sectors
Recent updates:
- Expanded operations in North America
- Launched new enterprise optimisation platform
9. Rhea Group (Belgium) – Space and Defence Engineering
Total funding in 2025: €95 million
Rhea Group provides engineering services for space, defence, and critical infrastructure.
Key funding details:
- Backed by European institutional investors
Recent updates:
- Secured long-term ESA contracts
- Expanded cyber-physical security capabilities
10. Preligens (France) – Defence Intelligence AI
Total funding in 2025: €220 million including acquisition
Preligens applies AI to satellite imagery and defence intelligence.
Key funding details:
- Investors include Partech, 360 Capital
- Acquired by Safran in 2024, with 2025 expansion funding
Recent updates:
- Integrated into Safran’s defence systems
- Expanded AI analytics capabilities
Why Deep Tech Funding Surged in 2025
Key drivers behind Europe deep tech funding in 2025 include:
- Rising defence budgets across Europe
- Strategic autonomy and security concerns
- Government-backed funding programmes
- Increased demand for quantum and aerospace technologies
Deep tech is now one of Europe’s most strategic investment categories, with long-term capital replacing short-term growth bets.
Also Read: Europe AI Funding 2025: Top 10 Companies That Raised Record Investment
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