Munich-based Quantum Systems has landed €160 million in new funding to fuel its mission of transforming aerial intelligence with AI-powered drones. This massive investment will help the company scale production, boost global expansion, and advance its cutting-edge autonomous drone platforms.
The Series C round was led by Balderton Capital, with strong backing from key players like Airbus Defence and Space, Hensoldt, Bullhound Capital, and LP&E AG. Existing investors such as Peter Thiel, HV Capital, DTCP, Project A, and Porsche SE also doubled down. This new capital injection raises Quantum Systems’ total funding to €310 million, reinforcing its status as a frontrunner in dual-use drone technology.
Building Smarter Drones for Global Defence and Industry
Founded in 2015 by aerospace engineer Florian Seibel and a team of robotics and AI experts, Quantum Systems set out to address the growing demand for sovereign aerial intelligence. From the start, the company focused on modular, autonomous drones capable of delivering real-time insights—even in GPS-denied or hostile environments.
Their latest drone platform, Vector AI, combines edge computing with intelligent ISR (intelligence, surveillance, reconnaissance) capabilities. It’s already being used by NATO-aligned forces in Ukraine and deployed across countries including Australia, New Zealand, Spain, and Germany.
Quantum Systems also recently acquired AirRobot in Germany and Nordic Unmanned UK, strengthening its defence capabilities. These strategic moves helped the company become a Tier-1 supplier to the UK Ministry of Defence.
Co-CEO Sven Kruck emphasized the impact of the new funding: “This investment lets us ramp up global production to meet skyrocketing demand. We’re also expanding into new regions, including Asia-Pacific.”
With over 550 employees across Germany, Australia, Ukraine, and Romania, Quantum Systems is preparing to grow even further. The company plans to boost hiring in R&D and engineering, enhance its AI and autonomy software, and launch next-gen drone models tailored for changing global needs.
Bridging Startups with Defence Innovation
Quantum Systems isn’t just winning investors; it’s gaining powerful strategic allies. Airbus and Hensoldt see the startup as a key partner in shaping the future of defence technology in Europe.
Airbus Defence and Space CEO Michael Schöllhorn said: “Europe’s defence depends on agile, multi-domain solutions. Collaborations like this are vital to staying ahead in autonomous flight and defence innovation.”
Hensoldt CEO Oliver Dörre echoed this view, adding: “We’re bridging the gap between traditional defence giants and nimble tech innovators. Quantum Systems represents the next generation of adaptive, modular solutions.”
Balderton Capital’s General Partner Rana Yared praised the team’s strategic vision and engineering excellence: “Quantum Systems is redefining aerial intelligence. They have what it takes to become a global leader in this critical space.”
The company’s reach goes beyond military use. In mining, agriculture, and infrastructure, its drones are already collecting vital data for organizations like RocketDNA and India’s Department for Science and Technology. These AI-powered platforms deliver results where legacy tools fall short.
Looking ahead, Quantum Systems plans to deepen its AI capabilities, enhance real-time data processing, and broaden its market footprint. With Europe and Asia-Pacific in focus, the company aims to become the go-to provider of autonomous drones for both defence and commercial missions.
