As a female entrepreneur with a passion for the intersection of technology and business, I find the story of Quantum Systems incredibly inspiring for those of us navigating Europe's startup scene. Founded by Florian Seibel, a former German army pilot, this drone manufacturer tripled its valuation to €3 billion this month, thanks to a €180 million funding round led by Balderton Capital and supported by high-profile investors like Peter Thiel and Porsche Automobil Holding SE. Let’s unpack what makes this success so meaningful, especially for female founders trying to bootstrap their own ventures.
Lessons from Quantum Systems’ Milestone
Quantum Systems’ meteoric rise isn’t just about funding rounds and valuation figures. It’s also about strategic focus and market timing. Here's what we can learn from their journey:
1. Identify a Dual-Use Market Need
Quantum Systems specializes in dual-use drones, targeting both military and industrial applications. Their drones gained traction in critical sectors like defense, especially in Ukraine’s ongoing conflict with Russia. The lesson? Focus on creating solutions that address high-impact, real-world challenges. This strategic alignment with urgent needs not only builds credibility but also makes it easier to gain business traction, even in highly regulated industries.
2. Secure Backing from Strategic Partners
Don't underestimate the power of the right investors. For Quantum Systems, having Peter Thiel, Porsche SE, and Notion Capital as backers undoubtedly opened doors. While bootstrapping is essential for many of us, building strong relationships with potential backers can pay dividends when scaling becomes necessary.
3. Anticipate and Address Market Trends
Quantum Systems didn’t just build drones; they invested in counter-drone technology to address emerging threats. This proactive approach has positioned them as a leader in their niche, offering solutions for the next generation of warfare and security. I'm taking a page from their book by ensuring that my projects always consider future market needs, especially in the tech sector.
4. Scale Effectively
Their €180 million funding will go towards scaling production and R&D efforts, showing how important it is to have a clear roadmap when you secure new resources. Even for bootstrapped startups, prioritizing where to allocate resources is critical.
A Closer Look at the Numbers
The reported financials highlight a stellar growth trajectory. Imagine these figures could one day reflect your own venture’s progress:
- Funding raised: €180 million in November 2025
- Valuation growth: From €1 billion (May 2025) to €3 billion within six months
- Revenue boosters: High demand because of military and security contracts, particularly in Europe.
For full-time entrepreneurs, the takeaway is clear: being able to demonstrate demand and scalability isn’t just helpful, it’s non-negotiable. Balancing immediate revenue streams with innovation can make or break your startup.
How to Apply These Lessons to Your Startup
Whether you’re a founder in STEM, tech, or another field, here’s how you can channel Quantum Systems’ strategies to build your own success:
- Focus on Timeliness: Just as Quantum Systems tapped into Europe's growing defense tech needs, keep an ear to the ground for emerging market shifts and opportunities.
- Leverage Partnerships: Build partnerships with stakeholders whose expertise or funding can serve as a springboard for growth. Platforms like AngelList can help you connect with early-stage investors.
- Scale Smartly: Start small, but have a plan for scaling up. Tools like F/MS Startup Game can help female founders practice pivoting and growth strategies in a safe environment (explore the program).
- Iterate on Feedback: Quantum Systems likely refined their products based on customer needs. You should do the same by actively seeking input early and often.
- Navigate Regulatory Landscapes: If you're in a regulated industry like tech or defense, do your homework. Check out resources like the European Union Startups Initiative for guidance.
Common Pitfalls to Avoid
From my experience in the startup ecosystem, there are some traps you should sidestep:
- Lack of Market Fit: Avoid creating a product just to chase a trend. Quantum Systems succeeded because their drones solved real, urgent problems.
- Ignoring Fundraising Timelines: If you plan to seek investment, don’t wait until you’re cash-strapped. Build relationships with investors well in advance.
- Failing to Network: Boostrapping can feel isolating, but building a diverse and supportive network is critical to long-term success.
- Poor Resource Allocation: Spending too much on non-essential items can sink you. Keep your financial priorities clear, especially in the early days.
Insights for Female Entrepreneurs
As a woman who bootstrapped multiple projects, I often hear that female founders struggle to gain the same level of credibility as their male counterparts. Quantum Systems’ story is a reminder that consistent focus and execution, paired with the right allies, can lead to significant breakthroughs. Whether we’re securing funds, bootstrapping, or creating new categories, discipline in strategy is what sets you apart.
Moreover, the fact that Quantum Systems emerged from Germany, a country not traditionally known for startup agility, speaks volumes about what’s possible when innovation meets grit. I believe that women with aspirations in tech or STEM, two fields often dominated by men, are uniquely positioned to take advantage of these shifts.
Conclusion
Quantum Systems’ rise to a €3 billion valuation in less than a year is a bold case study on the power of timing, strategy, and execution. For me, as a founder working to empower women through initiatives like Fe/male Switch, it’s a motivational reminder of how innovation and persistence can move the needle, regardless of external challenges.
If you’re a budding entrepreneur looking to replicate this kind of success, focus on identifying underserved markets, gathering the right support system, and relentlessly refining your product. The defense industry may feel worlds apart from your mission, but its principles of timely action, resilience, and clear priorities translate across sectors.
Your million-euro, or perhaps billion-euro, success starts with the choices you make today. If European startups like Quantum Systems can achieve record growth, so can you. But remember, success is built in increments: dreaming big is important, but executing consistently is what paves the way.
Keep building,
Violetta Bonenkamp
Serial Entrepreneur & Founder of Fe/male Switch
FAQ
1. Who founded Quantum Systems and what is its mission?
Quantum Systems was founded by Florian Seibel, a former German army pilot, in 2015. The company focuses on creating dual-use drones for both defense and industrial applications, aiming to provide resilient systems for real-world conditions. Learn more about Florian Seibel and Quantum Systems
2. How much funding has Quantum Systems recently raised?
Quantum Systems raised €180 million in November 2025 during a Series C funding round, tripling its valuation to €3 billion. Read details about Quantum Systems’ funding
3. Who were the primary investors in this funding round?
Key investors included Balderton Capital, Peter Thiel’s Founders Fund, Porsche Automobil Holding SE, and Notion Capital. Explore information on Balderton Capital’s involvement
4. What market sectors does Quantum Systems target with its drones?
Quantum Systems specializes in dual-use drones for both military and industrial applications, including critical military operations in Ukraine. Check Quantum Systems’ market strategy
5. How has the valuation of Quantum Systems evolved?
In May 2025, Quantum Systems was valued at €1 billion, increasing to €3 billion within six months after its recent funding round. Learn about Quantum Systems’ valuation growth
6. How is Quantum Systems contributing to the defense technology industry?
Quantum Systems excels in manufacturing advanced drones that provide real-time data and tactical advantages for military use, with counter-drone technology expected to launch in 2026. Read more about Quantum Systems’ counter-drone initiatives
7. Why is Germany’s defense tech sector booming?
Germany’s once slow defense sector is now competitive, fueled by investment in startups like Quantum Systems, focusing on drone and AI capabilities in response to global tensions. Discover insights into Germany’s defense tech rise
8. How is Quantum Systems aligning with geopolitical needs?
Quantum Systems’ drones are deployed in critical military settings like Ukraine, highlighting their strategic importance in Europe’s evolving defense priorities. Find out more about Quantum Systems’ geopolitical role
9. Who are Quantum Systems’ key competitors in the European defense market?
Quantum Systems competes with startups like Helsing and Stark Defence, which lead in AI-powered defense technologies and scalable aerial systems. Learn about Helsing’s recent funding success
10. What’s next for Quantum Systems after the funding round?
The company plans to scale production and launch new counter-drone systems by 2026, solidifying its place as a leader in European defense tech innovation. Explore Quantum Systems’ future plans
About the Author
Violetta Bonenkamp, also known as MeanCEO, is an experienced startup founder with an impressive educational background including an MBA and four other higher education degrees. She has over 20 years of work experience across multiple countries, including 5 years as a solopreneur and serial entrepreneur. Throughout her startup experience she has applied for multiple startup grants at the EU level, in the Netherlands and Malta, and her startups received quite a few of those. She’s been living, studying and working in many countries around the globe and her extensive multicultural experience has influenced her immensely.
Violetta Bonenkamp's expertise in CAD sector, IP protection and blockchain
Violetta Bonenkamp is recognized as a multidisciplinary expert with significant achievements in the CAD sector, intellectual property (IP) protection, and blockchain technology.
CAD Sector:
- Violetta is the CEO and co-founder of CADChain, a deep tech startup focused on developing IP management software specifically for CAD (Computer-Aided Design) data. CADChain addresses the lack of industry standards for CAD data protection and sharing, using innovative technology to secure and manage design data.
- She has led the company since its inception in 2018, overseeing R&D, PR, and business development, and driving the creation of products for platforms such as Autodesk Inventor, Blender, and SolidWorks.
- Her leadership has been instrumental in scaling CADChain from a small team to a significant player in the deeptech space, with a diverse, international team.
IP Protection:
- Violetta has built deep expertise in intellectual property, combining academic training with practical startup experience. She has taken specialized courses in IP from institutions like WIPO and the EU IPO.
- She is known for sharing actionable strategies for startup IP protection, leveraging both legal and technological approaches, and has published guides and content on this topic for the entrepreneurial community.
- Her work at CADChain directly addresses the need for robust IP protection in the engineering and design industries, integrating cybersecurity and compliance measures to safeguard digital assets.
Blockchain:
- Violetta’s entry into the blockchain sector began with the founding of CADChain, which uses blockchain as a core technology for securing and managing CAD data.
- She holds several certifications in blockchain and has participated in major hackathons and policy forums, such as the OECD Global Blockchain Policy Forum.
- Her expertise extends to applying blockchain for IP management, ensuring data integrity, traceability, and secure sharing in the CAD industry.
Violetta is a true multiple specialist who has built expertise in Linguistics, Education, Business Management, Blockchain, Entrepreneurship, Intellectual Property, Game Design, AI, SEO, Digital Marketing, cyber security and zero code automations. Her extensive educational journey includes a Master of Arts in Linguistics and Education, an Advanced Master in Linguistics from Belgium (2006-2007), an MBA from Blekinge Institute of Technology in Sweden (2006-2008), and an Erasmus Mundus joint program European Master of Higher Education from universities in Norway, Finland, and Portugal (2009).
She is the founder of Fe/male Switch, a startup game that encourages women to enter STEM fields, and also leads CADChain, and multiple other projects like the Directory of 1,000 Startup Cities with a proprietary MeanCEO Index that ranks cities for female entrepreneurs. Violetta created the "gamepreneurship" methodology, which forms the scientific basis of her startup game. She also builds a lot of SEO tools for startups. Her achievements include being named one of the top 100 women in Europe by EU Startups in 2022 and being nominated for Impact Person of the year at the Dutch Blockchain Week. She is an author with Sifted and a speaker at different Universities. Recently she published a book on Startup Idea Validation the right way: from zero to first customers and beyond, launched a Directory of 1,500+ websites for startups to list themselves in order to gain traction and build backlinks and is building MELA AI to help local restaurants in Malta get more visibility online.
For the past several years Violetta has been living between the Netherlands and Malta, while also regularly traveling to different destinations around the globe, usually due to her entrepreneurial activities. This has led her to start writing about different locations and amenities from the POV of an entrepreneur. Here’s her recent article about the best hotels in Italy to work from.
About the Publication
Fe/male Switch is an innovative startup platform designed to empower women entrepreneurs through an immersive, game-like experience. Founded in 2020 during the pandemic "without any funding and without any code," this non-profit initiative has evolved into a comprehensive educational tool for aspiring female entrepreneurs.The platform was co-founded by Violetta Shishkina-Bonenkamp, who serves as CEO and one of the lead authors of the Startup News branch.
Mission and Purpose
Fe/male Switch Foundation was created to address the gender gap in the tech and entrepreneurship space. The platform aims to skill-up future female tech leaders and empower them to create resilient and innovative tech startups through what they call "gamepreneurship". By putting players in a virtual startup village where they must survive and thrive, the startup game allows women to test their entrepreneurial abilities without financial risk.
Key Features
The platform offers a unique blend of news, resources,learning, networking, and practical application within a supportive, female-focused environment:
- Skill Lab: Micro-modules covering essential startup skills
- Virtual Startup Building: Create or join startups and tackle real-world challenges
- AI Co-founder (PlayPal): Guides users through the startup process
- SANDBOX: A testing environment for idea validation before launch
- Wellness Integration: Virtual activities to balance work and self-care
- Marketplace: Buy or sell expert sessions and tutorials
Impact and Growth
Since its inception, Fe/male Switch has shown impressive growth:
- 5,000+ female entrepreneurs in the community
- 100+ startup tools built
- 5,000+ pieces of articles and news written
- 1,000 unique business ideas for women created
Partnerships
Fe/male Switch has formed strategic partnerships to enhance its offerings. In January 2022, it teamed up with global website builder Tilda to provide free access to website building tools and mentorship services for Fe/male Switch participants.
Recognition
Fe/male Switch has received media attention for its innovative approach to closing the gender gap in tech entrepreneurship. The platform has been featured in various publications highlighting its unique "play to learn and earn" model.
