Keen Venture Partners Launches €125 Million Fund for Defense and Security Startups

On 14 January, the Dutch Venture Capital firm Keen Venture Partners announced the launch of the 'European Defence and Security Tech Fund'. With an ambitious target of €125 million, Keen hopes to support 20 to 25 European startups in their development from early-stage to Series B capital rounds. Enabling the development of innovative dual-use defense and security solutions to address pressing geopolitical and security challenges.

This fund will be the first of its kind in the Benelux region and aims to become one of the largest defence tech investment funds in Europe. It will focus on fostering innovative, dual-purpose technologies in European NATO countries, aligning closely with the European Defence Fund and NATO strategies. The venture capital firm also benefits from an advisory board composed of military, political, and policy experts, reinforcing its strategic vision.

Alexander Ribbink, partner at Keen Venture Partners: “The shifting geopolitical landscape has created a critical need for Europe to become more self-reliant in defence and security. There is a real opportunity to build a stronger European defence industry. We are convinced that entrepreneurs and venture capital can strongly contribute to the safety of Europe. They are well-positioned to build and scale the innovative and cost-efficient solutions we need. Venture capital is essential to support and fuel entrepreneurship in the European defence industry, which will have lasting benefits far beyond the defence sector itself.”

Dual-use

Keen Ventures' fund focuses on dual-use of defence and security technology in European NATO countries. The defence industry is undergoing a significant transformation, shifting from complex, low-volume systems to solutions that prioritise software, scalability, and cost-effectiveness. This evolution creates an opportunity for startups to lead innovation in “dual-use” technologies, serving both military and civilian purposes. These include drones and radar systems, which can also support disaster response or environmental monitoring.

Keen Venture Partners was founded in 2016, with a portfolio made up of investments in companies like EclecticIQ, Perciv.AI, and Avalor AI. 

Photo: Alexander Ribbink (L) en Giuseppe Lacerenza. Source: Keen Venture Partners

More info in Dutch: MT/Sprout

Source: EU Startups