The investment expands BAE Systems’ long-standing approach to future technology. A total of 25 million euros will be invested into two funds led by Expeditions and Lakestar.
The two funds are working to support European defence innovation. They focus on founders and technologies intended to deliver next-generation capability for allies across the continent.
“As a large defence company, we’ve always valued the capability and ingenuity that early-stage founders can bring to the table and these latest investments show that we’re serious about supporting them as they look to play their part in delivering the technologies of tomorrow,” said Dave Ewing, Head of Technology Commercialisation, BAE Systems.
“Building on our long-standing investment in innovation, we recently set up Launchpad as a win-win, aiming to spin out some of our own defence technologies to commercial markets while also backing start-ups who can bring something new to defence. This latest step means we’re full steam ahead on making that a reality,” Ewing said.
“Europe is at a pivotal moment in redefining its security and technological sovereignty and supporting the next generation of defence-tech founders will be critical to that effort,” said Klaus Hommels, Founder and Chairman, Lakestar.
“BAE Systems’ investment is significant as it brings together capital, deep sector expertise and access to markets to accelerate the development and deployment of the capabilities Europe needs to remain secure in an increasingly complex world,” Hommels said.
“European defence-tech can drive the most transformative shift for our continent in a generation and Expeditions has been investing with this conviction for years. Our security can no longer be assumed; it has to be built. Its architects will be the founders deploying innovative products at scale, in weeks and months rather than years, drawing on lessons from the frontline,” said Dr Mikolaj Firlej, Co-Founder and General Partner, Expeditions.
“We are grateful to partner with BAE Systems in this endeavour. Our combined force, equipped with greater resources, will invest with the discipline and urgency our security demands,” Firlej said.
BAE Systems said Launchpad is intended to address the challenge of moving defence technologies beyond prototype development. The programme will fund early-stage ventures or spin technologies out into independent start-up businesses.
The company said the programme aligns with priorities across Europe, including in the UK. It cited the UK Defence Industrial Strategy, which called for “constant innovation at wartime pace” and more successful spinouts from UK-developed technologies.
Launchpad is designed to use BAE Systems’ position as a technology innovator to support national priorities. These include rapid technology incubation, sovereign capability and economic growth.
The programme also gives start-ups access to customers across a wider range of sectors. BAE Systems identified energy and advanced manufacturing as examples.
BAE Systems said the ambition is to continue growing Launchpad in line with its business priorities. The company said the programme will support new start-ups and accelerate new technology development.
