Tekever Raises $580 Million Series D at $6.4 Billion Valuation
UC Investments and Baillie Gifford led the round as Tekever plans to expand globally and pursue acquisitions with the new capital.
- On Wednesday, European autonomous systems developer Tekever raised $580 million in a Series D round, valuing the company at $6.4 billion with backing from UC Investments and Baillie Gifford.
- Tekever has expanded as European governments increase defense spending, converting operational experience in Ukraine into long-term military programs including the British Army's CORVUS surveillance contract.
- CEO Ricardo Mendes said the investment provides resources to "move faster," while former UK Secretary of State for Defence Sir Ben Wallace praised the company's "combination of AI, Autonomy, operational experience and industrial ambition."
- Joining the round were Merlyn Advisors and existing shareholders Crescent Cove, Ventura Capital, and Iberis Capital, with Tekever expecting additional Series D closings in the coming months.
- German competitors including Helsing and Quantum Systems closed major rounds in July—$1.8 billion and €1 billion respectively—reflecting broader regional momentum in autonomous defense technology funding.
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Tekever Valuation 2026: Why a $6.4B Drone Maker Sells Eyes
Tekever's valuation climbed to $6.4 billion this week, roughly five times what it was worth in mid-2025. What makes the deal unusual is what the company sells: not bombs, but AI-powered surveillance drones and the data they collect, with more than 50,000 flight hours logged over Ukraine.
AI drone startup Tekever raises $580M at $6.4B valuation as Europe ramps up defense tech spending - Tech Startups
European autonomous systems startup Tekever has raised $580 million in the first close of a Series D round at a $6.4 billion valuation, giving the Portuguese-British company fresh capital as governments across Europe pour more money into drones, AI, and […] The post AI drone startup Tekever raises $580M at $6.4B valuation as Europe ramps up defense tech spending first appeared on Tech Startups.
Portuguese-British company Tekever, which develops drones controlled by artificial intelligence, has closed a $580 million investment round, which has raised its valuation to $6.4 billion, making it one of Europe's most valuable defense technology startups, CNBC reported. We will also cover similar topics at our Portfolio Investment Day conference on October 21. One of the biggest investment events of the year is coming, where professional exper…
Portuguese company of autonomous systems, known as drones, managed to attract the American UC Investments, which together with Baillie Gifford led this round of capital. More than 500 million euros were raised from international investors, which raises the value of Tekever to 5.5 billion euros. Ricardo Mendes admits new acquisitions and entry into the market
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