Inleap Photonics raises early VC round for laser drone defence, hits €20M total

What's the deal? German startup Inleap PhotonicsDealroom has a profile for this one. Try Dealroom → has raised an early-stage VC round led by Munich-based UVC PartnersDealroom has a profile for this one. Try Dealroom → to develop laser-beam systems for drone defence and industrial manufacturing. The round brings the company's total raised to €20 million since its founding roughly three years ago.

What's the endgame? Inleap builds laser-beam systems aimed at neutralising drones, alongside applications in industrial production. Founder Lammers, a career-changer to the sector, wants to establish laser-based drone defence in Germany.

What's held back? Lammers declined to disclose the exact amount raised in the current round, revenue figures, or the company's valuation.

The signal: Drone defence has become a priority for European governments and investors, and laser systems offer a low-cost-per-shot counter to cheap aerial threats. UVC Partners' backing signals continued appetite for German defence-tech startups tackling the problem.

Read more: handelsblatt.com