The landscape of European security and defense technology is heating up, and at the forefront is Expeditions, a leading early-stage investor that has just announced a significant boost to its Fund II. The NATO Innovation Fund (NIF) has come on board as a key Limited Partner (LP), signaling a major endorsement for Expeditions' thesis on the future of European defensive and economic security.
This strategic investment from the NIF will help propel Fund II toward its targeted €150 million final close, currently slated for the end of 2025.
Backing Europe's Dual-Use Deep Tech Pioneers
Founded in 2021 by a team of seasoned defense and technology experts, Expeditions focuses on ambitious European founders working at the critical intersection of security and deep tech. Their portfolio targets dual-use companies across a spectrum of vital fields, including cybersecurity, intelligence, autonomy, AI, quantum, communication solutions, and space.
As Europe embarks on a necessary period of reindustrialisation, these are the companies that will define the continent's competitive edge and defensive strength for decades to come. Expeditions isn't just a financial backer; its partners have been actively involved in shaping the ecosystem, encouraging policymakers, LPs, and industry to take a more proactive role in fostering domestic innovation.
A Proven Track Record and Strong Support
The commitment from the NATO Innovation Fund is a testament to Expeditions' established reputation. The firm launched its Fund I in 2021, quickly becoming a well-known name in defense investing. That first fund backed several pioneering startups, including Alpine Eagle, Blackwall, Comand AI, Disruptive Industries, Labrys, and Nu Quantum.
Expeditions’ investment strategy has been highly effective: the firm has already backed an impressive 30% of the top 30 most well-funded defense startups in Europe.
The success of Fund I and the promise of Fund II have attracted a diverse and high-caliber group of LPs. Alongside the NATO Innovation Fund, key investors include the Polish Development Fund and influential early executives from global tech giants like Skype, Wise, Bolt, and Snowflake.
Fund II is already active, having made seven investments to date in companies such as Lendurai, Orasio, and Q.
With the NATO Innovation Fund now on board, Expeditions is even better positioned to capture the immense opportunity in European security tech and reinforce the continent’s technological sovereignty. This investment marks a significant milestone not just for Expeditions, but for the wider European defense innovation community.
What are your thoughts on the role of VCs like Expeditions in bridging the gap between defense agencies and early-stage deep-tech companies?
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