Dutch VC Keen to raise €125m defence tech fund

Alexander Ribbink

Amsterdam-based Keen Venture Partners plans to raise a €125 million fund dedicated to defence and security technology startups in Europe.

It will be the first defence tech investment fund based in the Benelux region and aims to become one of the largest of its type in Europe.

The Dutch venture capital firm plans to support up to 25 startups from the seed stage to Series B.

“The shifting geopolitical landscape has created a critical need for Europe to become more self-reliant in defence and security,” said Alexander Ribbink, partner at Keen Venture Partners.

“There is a real opportunity to build a stronger European defence industry.

“We are convinced that entrepreneurs and venture capital can strongly contribute to the safety of Europe. They are well-positioned to build and scale the innovative and cost-efficient solutions we need.

“Venture capital is essential to support and fuel entrepreneurship in the European defence industry, which will have lasting benefits far beyond the defence sector itself.”