Earlybird and AVP launch E2D, a €500M defence and dual-use growth fund

2026-06-18 · Source: Tech.eu - Tech.eu · Field: Finance & Economics — Capital Markets & Investment Management, Emerging Technologies & Innovation · Depth: Fundamental Awareness, quick

Summary

Earlybird and AVP have launched E2D, a new €500 million growth fund dedicated to European defence and dual-use technologies. This fund aims to address a long-standing funding gap for European startups in the sector, which have historically relied on overseas investors. The launch coincides with a significant increase in European defence spending, including France's €76 billion commitment, Germany's €152 billion, and the European Union's €800 billion defence plan. E2D, a collaboration combining AVP's growth-stage and transatlantic experience with Earlybird's deeptech investing track record, plans to invest in approximately 20 growth-stage companies, with an average ticket size of around €25 million. Investments will target key domains such as space, air, land, maritime, and subsurface technologies. Beyond capital, the fund will offer portfolio companies access to a network of technology experts, defence leaders, military procurement channels, and an international strategic committee. Its first close is scheduled for June 30.

Key takeaway

For European deeptech entrepreneurs developing defence or dual-use technologies, this €500 million E2D fund signals a significant new capital source. You should prepare for growth-stage funding rounds, focusing on demonstrating applications in space, air, land, maritime, or subsurface domains. This initiative provides not just capital but also critical access to military procurement channels and industry leaders, potentially accelerating your market entry and scaling within Europe.

Key insights

European defence and dual-use tech is attracting significant growth capital to foster regional sovereignty.

Principles

• European defence tech needs dedicated capital.
• Dual-use technologies bridge defence and commercial markets.
• Strategic partnerships enhance investment reach.

In practice

• Target growth-stage European deeptech.
• Focus on space, air, land, maritime, subsurface.
• Provide network access beyond capital.

Topics

• Defence Technology
• Dual-Use Technologies
• Growth Capital
• European Startups
• Deeptech Investing
• Venture Capital Funds

Best for: Investor, Entrepreneur, Executive

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Editorial summary, takeaway, and curation by AIssential. Original article published by Tech.eu - Tech.eu.