SE3 Raises $30 Million for Drone Software That Works Across Manufacturers
SE3's GPS-free drone navigation has shipped in the thousands. Its CEO says the fleet-command software the pitch rests on needs one to two more years.
SE3's GPS-free drone navigation has shipped in the thousands. Its CEO says the fleet-command software the pitch rests on needs one to two more years.
Munich-based SE3 raised $30 million in a Series A led by Accel, with Keen, Lakestar and Seedcamp participating, the company announced Nov. 12.
The round comes less than five months after SE3, which recently dropped "Labs" from its name, emerged from stealth with €5.5 million ($6.1 million) in seed funding.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much did SE3 raise and who invested?
SE3 raised $30 million in a Series A led by Accel, with Keen, Lakestar and Seedcamp participating, the company announced on Nov. 12, 2026.
What does SE3's software do?
It fuses video and sensor feeds from drones and ground vehicles made by different manufacturers into a shared 3D picture, runs on the vehicles without a cloud connection and takes voice commands, according to the company.
Which parts of the product are fielded?
CEO Lukas Köstler told Fortune that GPS-free self-localization for drones has been delivered thousands of times. He said the fleet-command software is less mature and needs one to two more years of work.
Who are SE3's customers and partners?
The company says it is working on multiple contracts with Ukraine and Germany's Bundeswehr and names Rheinmetall, Hensoldt, Auterion and ERC System as partners. It has not published contract values.
What will the money pay for?
Köstler told Fortune the company plans to grow from roughly 40 employees to about 120 and open offices in London, Berlin, the Nordics and Baltics, and Poland.
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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.