Defense tech startup Orbotix Industries has raised 6.5 million euros ($7.5 million) to scale its AI-powered unmanned aerial systems (UAS) and boost Europe’s edge in the skies.
Founded by Bogdan Ochiana of Romania and Sebastian Straube of Poland, the company specializes in drone swarming — fleets of UAS that move and coordinate as one.
Headquartered in Warsaw, with operations in Romania, Spain, Ukraine, and Estonia, Orbotix plans to use the new funding to advance its AI development and expand micromanufacturing sites across the EU.
Orbotix’s growing lineup includes the Autonomous Target Acquisition System for real-time threat tracking and Wasper-1, a drone swarming solution built to penetrate enemy defenses at lower cost.
Straube, also serving as the firm’s chief strategy officer, said the milestone underscores the need to strengthen Europe’s defense tech base, adding that having companies like Orbotix on the eastern flank helps the region most exposed to modern threats take the lead in building the tools that will protect its future.
Strategic Backing From Defense Heavyweights
The round was led by Bravo Victor Venture Capital (BVVC), in partnership with Gustav Söhne Verwaltung GmbH & Co. KG and Leryon Global Holdings.
BVVC, an Illinois-based venture firm specializing in national security, described Orbotix as a key player in Europe’s defense transformation.
“Swarm autonomy will decide outcomes on tomorrow’s battlefields,” said Joe Musselman, BVVC founder and managing partner. “Orbotix is building it now, in Europe, at scale, and under allied control.”
Jan Dirk Elstermann, chairman of Germany-headquartered Gustav Söhne Group, added that the investment will also expand his firm’s long-standing defense portfolio.
“Orbotix’s capacity to revolutionize modern defense by combining cutting-edge AI technology with unparalleled innovation in autonomous drone systems as well as the management standing behind Orbotix have convinced us to invest in the company,” Elstermann stated.
