Europe’s First VC Bet on Pure Defense Tech from Ukraine

Darkstar VC backs pure military tech from Ukraine’s war zones, breaking the European taboo on defense-only startups.

Matilda

Europe’s First VC Bet on Pure Defense Tech from Ukraine

Why Pure Defense Tech Investment in Ukraine Is Shaping Europe’s VC Future The once-taboo topic of pure defense tech investment is now rapidly gaining traction across Europe — and Ukraine is at the center of this transformation. With traditional venture capital firms long avoiding direct military technology in favor of dual-use solutions, Estonia’s Darkstar VC is flipping the script. The firm is boldly investing in combat-ready innovations developed on the front lines of Ukraine’s war zones. This shift answers growing investor and political demand for security resilience in a volatile geopolitical climate. But how does this new wave of military-only innovation fit into Europe’s venture landscape, and what does it mean for the future of both startups and defense? Let’s break it down. Image Credits:Darkstar Europe’s Defense Tech Taboo and the Rise of Darkstar For decades, European venture capitalists have steered clear of backing companies that exclusively serve the defense sector. Most stuc…

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