Defence start-up valued at €12bn to become one of Europe’s most valuable tech groups
European group aims to capitalise on western countries’ interest in reconnaissance capabilities
Savvy newcomers can overcome challenges with the right tech and credibility with government stakeholders
Company says it can produce tens of thousands of weapons a year at lower cost than current autonomous systems
Ministers want to deepen government links with tech companies and start-ups
Silicon Valley investors Accel and Lightspeed part of latest fundraising round talks that would raise almost $500mn
€209mn deal is latest example of sector defying VC downturn amid Ukraine war, and rising tensions between China and west
Defence start-up will use AI to build live battlefield maps in ‘ethical, responsible and transparent’ way