In recent news that’s bound to shake up the European startup scene, Germany-based Quantum Systems has officially crossed the €3 billion valuation mark following a €180 million Series C extension. As someone who has bootstrapped her startups and seen the inside of an accelerator more times than I can count, this story caught my eye. Why? Because it’s not just about hitting a stunning valuation, it’s about strategy, diversification, and bold moves in times of global uncertainty. These are lessons every entrepreneur, especially women founders like myself, can draw inspiration from.
Let’s explore how Quantum Systems has positioned itself as a powerhouse for dual-use technology, delivering products that cater to both defense and civil markets and riding a global wave of interest in autonomy and artificial intelligence.
Quantum Systems: The Basics Every Entrepreneur Should Know
Originating in Germany, Quantum Systems specializes in unmanned systems, with their flagship solutions serving air, land, and sea-based applications. From innovations in AI-driven software such as their MOSAIC UXS platform to creating drones deployed for NATO and operations in Ukraine, it’s clear that this company isn’t just following demand, they’re defining the needs of the future.
Here’s a snapshot to get us grounded in their story:
- Founded: 2015 by Florian Seibel, a former German army pilot.
- Employees: Approximately 1,000 in multiple countries, including the US, Australia, Ukraine, and more.
- Funding: Raised a total of €340 million in 2025, including the €180 million extension in November.
- Recent acquisitions: AirRobot, Nordic Unmanned, and Spleenlab, all aimed at broadening their multi-domain offerings.
How Did They Get to €3 Billion?
Being valued as a triple-unicorn doesn’t happen by luck. It’s a combination of timing, market readiness, and clear execution. Below are some important lessons I believe European female founders can take away from Quantum Systems’ success:
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Understand Market Needs in Real-Time
Quantum Systems didn’t just offer any drones, they tailored their innovations to address immediate high-stakes problems, working on both defense and civilian challenges. This bespoke approach earned them a foothold in massive government contracts, including deployments in Ukraine and with NATO allies.For emerging founders, the message is simple: market validation doesn’t have to stop after the prototype stage. Continuously seek ways your product fits into pressing gaps, whether they’re global conflicts or under-optimized processes in a niche market.
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Tap into “dual-use” Opportunities
Dual-use technologies, products applicable in both consumer and defense spaces, have unique growth potential. Investors are paying attention to solutions that operate across civil and military sectors, as the current geopolitical climate has highlighted the need for robust, local technological capabilities.If you’re a European-based entrepreneur, think about how your product might solve problems across more than one sector. This could position you for global relevance while opening doors to diverse funding options.
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Leverage Strategic Acquisitions
In the span of just a year, Quantum Systems snapped up three key companies to strengthen their product portfolio and technological prowess. For instance, AirRobot brought additional drone expertise, while Spleenlab expanded AI capabilities.Now, I know what you’re probably thinking, acquisitions seem out of reach when you’re juggling a barely-funded startup. But hear me out: collaboration doesn’t have to mean a full acquisition. Perhaps you co-develop a feature or service with another startup. The key here is knowing your gaps and strategically filling them.
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Focus on Multi-Domain Integration Early
I find their focus on operating across air, land, and sea incredibly insightful. Quantum Systems didn’t restrict itself, which allowed them to tap into larger markets and bigger budgets. For startups, consider if your product or service can extend into wider applications than initially imagined.
Common Mistakes Startups Make While Scaling
Having been deep in the trenches of building businesses, I’ve seen these common traps too many founders, women included, can fall into:
- Skipping global opportunities: Many early-stage founders restrict their markets geographically. Quantum Systems, on the other hand, has operations spanning continents, which is allowing them to grow at this breakneck pace.
- Underestimating market shifts: Global events shouldn’t be feared but embraced as opportunities for pivoting or expanding. The defense market, for example, isn’t a usual choice for startups but remains highly lucrative.
- Waiting too long for acquisitions: Entrepreneurs often wait for funding rounds to collaborate with or acquire potential partners. Sometimes, early collaboration unlocks surprising opportunities.
Insights for Female Entrepreneurs in Europe
As an entrepreneur, and especially as a woman bootstrapping her way through the startup world, stories like this offer untapped wisdom:
- Think beyond traditional funding models: Quantum Systems raised capital strategically, appealing directly to sectors with guaranteed spending. While bootstrapping has been my path, certain markets require planned investments. Explore grants, public-private partnerships, or targeted programs for women in tech.
- Be proactive with your network: Scalable dreams don’t come to life in a vacuum. Quantum Systems worked with NATO and other allies early and often. Start investing in meaningful partnerships now, even on a smaller scale.
- Don’t box yourself in: It’s tempting to stick with a single product or audience. For instance, my F/MS Startup Game started as a tool for founders but has evolved into an incubator platform. If a founder can think big, the possibilities multiply.
What’s Next for Quantum Systems?
Quantum Systems isn’t resting on its €3 billion valuation. They’re expected to fast-track AI and software development thanks to the added funding. The multi-domain solutions market is projected to grow exponentially as AI becomes standard across industries.
But for me, the most fascinating part is how geopolitical turbulence appears to fuel their innovation. Startups like this know how to situate themselves as problem-solvers when the stakes are their highest.
If you’re a European entrepreneur, especially a female founder, the Quantum Systems story is an invitation to think bolder. Build for scale, work with purpose, and seek opportunities as much as funding. Also, remember, strong company culture and mission drive long-term success. I write this not just as an observer but as someone who believes companies like these set the pace we should be willing to keep.
FAQ
1. What is Quantum Systems and what do they specialize in?
Quantum Systems is a German-based company that specializes in unmanned systems, specifically dual-use technologies for defense and civilian applications. Their solutions include drones and AI-powered platforms designed for air, land, and maritime domains. Explore Quantum Systems
2. How much did Quantum Systems raise in their Series C extension round?
Quantum Systems raised €180 million in their Series C extension round, led by Balderton Capital. This was part of their total €340 million funding in 2025. Check out the Series C funding details
3. What is the current valuation of Quantum Systems?
As of November 2025, Quantum Systems has a valuation exceeding €3 billion, earning it "triple-unicorn" status. Learn about Quantum Systems’ record-breaking valuation
4. Who led the €180 million Series C extension for Quantum Systems?
The Series C extension was led by Balderton Capital, a prominent global investment firm. Learn about Balderton Capital’s involvement
5. What recent acquisitions has Quantum Systems made?
In 2025, Quantum Systems acquired AirRobot, Nordic Unmanned, and Spleenlab to enhance their capabilities in drone technology, unmanned systems, and AI. Discover AirRobot | Learn about Nordic Unmanned | Check out Spleenlab
6. Why is Quantum Systems considered significant in the dual-use technology sector?
Quantum Systems is the first European triple-unicorn in the dual-use technology sector, creating solutions for both civilian and defense needs, particularly in times of rising global security challenges. Explore Quantum Systems’ dual-use tech impact
7. How does Quantum Systems utilize AI-powered technology?
Quantum Systems uses their proprietary MOSAIC UXS software to integrate and coordinate unmanned systems for air, land, and sea applications, leveraging AI to enhance decision-making and automation. Learn more about MOSAIC UXS
8. How has Quantum Systems benefited from geopolitical challenges?
The company has experienced a surge in demand for its technologies due to its significant role in providing unmanned solutions for NATO allies and supporting operations in Ukraine. This has solidified its strategic importance globally. Discover Quantum Systems’ defense contributions
9. What future plans does Quantum Systems have for expansion?
With its new funding, Quantum Systems plans to accelerate AI, hardware, and software development and expand globally across air, land, and maritime domains. Read more about Quantum Systems’ growth strategy
10. Why is Quantum Systems a significant example for entrepreneurs?
Quantum Systems effectively capitalized on dual-use technology opportunities, identifying real-time market needs and leveraging strategic acquisitions. This is a model for scalability and innovation in high-stakes industries. Learn from Quantum Systems’ success
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.
