The NATO Innovation Fund announces its first investments from the EUR 1 billion fund for the development of these sectors

The NATO Innovation Fund (NIF), an independent venture capital firm backed by 23 NATO members, announced on Tuesday its first investments in advanced technologies from the €1 billion fund.

This investment aims to increase defense, security and resilience by transforming manufacturing, improving air travel, developing artificial intelligence and enabling autonomous robotic solutions.

“Enabling capital and support for strategic technologies is key to ensuring a secure and prosperous future for the Alliance’s 1 billion citizens. Today, we are proud to share that we have invested in innovative solutions that can help address some of our greatest challenges and spur growth, strengthening the defense, security and resilience of our nations for generations to come,” says Andrea Traversone, Managing Partner, NATO Innovation Fund

Direct investments in emerging deep-tech start-ups

The Fund’s direct investments include:

• ARX ​​robotics is a manufacturer of scalable robotic systems for mass use in defense, commercial and humanitarian applications.
• Fragile is developing transformative computing technology to enhance the collective capabilities of artificial intelligence, enabling the largest and most powerful neural networks today and in the future to operate faster, more efficiently and sustainably.
• iCOMAT is an advanced composites company that produces lighter, stronger and more sustainable structures for aerospace and automotive vehicles, all quickly and cost-effectively.
• Space Forge is a company that leverages the space environment to produce advanced semiconductor materials for critical infrastructure, providing more efficient and resilient capabilities in the telecommunications, aerospace and quantum industries.

“We congratulate the NIF investment team on achieving this significant milestone,” says Dr. Klaus Hommels, Chairman of the NATO Innovation Fund. “This initial investment portfolio exemplifies NIF’s mission to advance defense, security and resilience and promote the development of dual-use ecosystems across the NATO Alliance.”

He supports venture capital fund managers

The NATO Innovation Fund supports venture capital fund managers investing in early-stage deep technologies, with a focus on civilian, defense, security and resilience markets.

This support helps expand capacity in regions with high funding demand, such as Southern and Eastern Europe, and develop deep tech startup ecosystems such as the Nordics.

The fund aims to support expertise and interest in a wide range of deep tech solutions, from space technology to quantum cryptography and artificial intelligence.

• Alpine space ventures is an early-stage fund investing in the space sector, drawing on over 50 years of experience in the industry. The fund has a focused portfolio and aims to support selected startups in delivering important space-related opportunities.
• OTB ventures is an early growth fund (Seed and Series A) based in Central Europe, focusing on investments in space technologies, enterprise automation and artificial intelligence, cybersecurity and fintech infrastructure.
• Join Capital is a venture capital fund based in Berlin that focuses on investments in advanced technologies in the field of industrial and enterprise technologies.
• Vsquared ventures invests in early-stage deep technology companies that are developing breakthrough technologies to address some of the most pressing challenges facing society, with a focus on next-generation artificial intelligence and software, energy transition, new computing and sensors, new space, robotics and production and bio-technology.

“The European deeptech sector, powered by a rich talent pool, is ready to tackle global challenges with advanced technologies. Investing in deeptech takes time and skills, but it brings enormous opportunities. The establishment of the NATO Innovation Fund (NIF) highlights the key role of these investments and provides the know-how to introduce them to new markets and applications” – Adam Niewinski, co-founder and managing partner of OTB Ventures

NATO Innovation Fund: what you need to know?

Supported by 24 NATO Allies, the NATO Innovation Fund funds innovators in a wide range of emerging technology sectors, including energy, quantum computing, artificial intelligence, autonomy, novel materials, space, biotechnology, hypersonic systems and next-generation communications.

Building on this initial investment portfolio, the fund will provide deep tech entrepreneurs with the support they need for up to 15 years, as well as the confidence and flexibility needed to commercialize and deploy their solutions at scale.