Quantum Systems raises $1.2 billion, doubling to an $8 billion valuation
The Munich reconnaissance-drone maker more than doubled its valuation in under a year, and its co-CEO says the cash is for acquiring rivals in a crowded European market.
The Munich reconnaissance-drone maker more than doubled its valuation in under a year, and its co-CEO says the cash is for acquiring rivals in a crowded European market.
Quantum Systems closed a $1.2 billion Series D at about an $8 billion valuation, Sifted reported on Thursday, more than double what the Munich drone maker was worth late last year.
The round was co-led by Blackstone, Airbus, Advent and Noteus, with Balderton and HV Capital returning, per TechFundingNews. Blackstone runs more than $1.3 trillion, mostly in real estate and credit, and rarely backs European drone startups. Its Tactical Opportunities unit called the round a bet on a "structural shift" in the European defense market.
Quantum builds vertical-takeoff reconnaissance drones. Its Vector aircraft flies with the militaries of Ukraine, Germany, Australia, the United States, Romania and Spain, according to Sifted. The new money goes first to MOSAIC UXS, a software layer that ties the company's drones, sensors, counter-drone systems and launch ports into one network, alongside a deeper Airbus Defence partnership on the sensor-to-shooter chain, the company said.
CFO Jonas Jarosch said the round deliberately drew in Asian and US investors to build a "neoprime based in Europe." Co-CEO Florian Seibel said "the winners of tomorrow already do exist," and that Quantum now has the money to acquire them. Seibel is weighing a merger with Stark, the strike-drone maker he founded as a separate company in 2024 after some Quantum investors barred it from building loitering munitions. Stark raised €500 million last month, and Seibel valued the two together "north of $10 billion." Quantum's revenue, about €300 million in 2025, is on track to double this year, he said.
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Subscribe Free →Munich rival Helsing raised the same $1.2 billion in May at an $18 billion valuation, TechFundingNews noted, and US firm Anduril is reportedly seeking more than $60 billion. Europe now has at least three drone unicorns competing for the same NATO contracts, and Seibel said the coming months will decide which rivals Quantum buys.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much did Quantum Systems raise, and at what valuation?
Quantum Systems closed a $1.2 billion Series D at roughly an $8 billion post-money valuation, more than double its worth late last year, per Sifted and TechFundingNews.
Who led the round?
It was co-led by Blackstone, Airbus, Advent and Noteus, with returning backers Balderton and HV Capital, TechFundingNews reported. Blackstone's Tactical Opportunities unit framed it as a bet on a "structural shift" in European defense.
What does Quantum Systems make?
Vertical-takeoff reconnaissance drones, led by its Vector aircraft, which Sifted reported flies with the militaries of Ukraine, Germany, Australia, the United States, Romania and Spain. New funds go first to its MOSAIC UXS software platform.
What is the Stark merger talk about?
Co-CEO Florian Seibel is weighing a merger with Stark, the strike-drone startup he founded separately in 2024, which raised €500 million last month. Seibel put the two companies' combined value "north of $10 billion," per Sifted.
How does this compare with Helsing and Anduril?
Munich rival Helsing raised the same $1.2 billion in May at an $18 billion valuation, and US firm Anduril is reportedly chasing more than $60 billion, TechFundingNews reported. Europe now has at least three drone unicorns competing for the same NATO contracts.
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Marcus Schuler
Marcus Schuler edits BattlePolicy, a daily defense-technology brief connecting the companies and capabilities behind modern war to the contest among Europe, the US, Russia, and China.