SENNA

German Drone Startup Quantum Systems Raises $180 Million, Valuation Hits $3 Billion

Berlin, Germany - In a major boost for Germany's thriving startup ecosystem, Quantum Systems, a leading developer of military and commercial drones, has secured 180 million euros in fresh funding, propelling its valuation to 3 billion euros.

The Series C extension round was led by existing investor Balderton Capital, along with participation from Hensoldt, Airbus Defence and Space, and other undisclosed backers. This comes just months after Quantum Systems raised 160 million euros earlier this year, valuing the company at 1 billion euros at the time.

The additional capital will support strategic acquisitions aimed at strengthening and expanding Quantum Systems' multi-domain offering, the company said in a statement. The startup, founded in 2015 by Florian Seibel, Michael Kriegel, Tobias Kloss and Armin Busse, has already snapped up several competitors, including AirRobot, Nordic Unmanned, and Spleenlab.

Quantum Systems' drones combine proven hardware, AI, and interoperable software to deliver persistent, reliable intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance capabilities across military and civilian applications. The company reported revenues of 36.4 million euros in 2023, up from 18.9 million euros the previous year, with a net profit of 1.3 million euros.

"The additional capital will allow us to accelerate our growth strategy and solidify our position as a leading provider of advanced drone solutions," said Florian Seibel, CEO of Quantum Systems. "We see significant opportunities to expand our technology and market reach through selective M&A."

The fundraise underscores investor appetite for innovative drone technologies with dual-use applications. Quantum Systems' rapid ascent also highlights Germany's emergence as a hub for aerospace and defense startups, challenging the traditional dominance of the U.S. and Israel in this sector.

Separately, Sonia, a Hamburg-based startup developing AI-powered software for medical documentation and billing, raised 12 million euros in a round led by Lucid Capital, UVC Partners, Blue Lion and others. The fresh capital will enable Sonia to scale its technology across the European healthcare market, as physicians and hospitals seek to streamline administrative burdens.