Dutch VC firm Keen Venture Partners Raises EIF Backing For €40M Defence Tech Fund

With rising global tensions and growing focus on tech independence, this investment is a key step toward strengthening Europe’s defence innovation ecosystem.

Alexander Ribbink and Giuseppe Lacerenza, Partners at Keen Venture Partners say: “The team at Keen has a long commitment to and investments in defence and defence technology. The opportunity to add the power of tech entrepreneurs with the full support of venture capital to the European defence ecosystem is huge. A stronger and safer Europe needs the resourcefulness and grit that only entrepreneurs can bring. We are proud to be at the forefront of this trend, and to be strongly supported by the EIF“.

Its new European Defence and Security Tech Fund will tap into Keen’s network of military experts, industry leaders, and policymakers to drive innovation in key defence technologies.

The fund will focus on early-stage startups across Europe, especially in areas like cybersecurity, AI, robotics, autonomous systems, and space tech. It aims to support breakthroughs in satellite communications, space asset protection, and imagery analysis.

Read Also - Kota Funding News- Irish HRTech Startup Kota Raises $14.5M In Series A Round

Investments will span the UK, Turkey, and Norway, showing a united European push to modernise defence.

This €40 million EIF commitment is the first equity deal under its new Defence Equity Facility and is backed by the InvestEU Space mandate—part of the EU’s broader strategy to strengthen tech and defence capabilities.

Marjut Falkstedt, Chief Executive of the EIF, stated, “Our investment in the Keen European Defence and Security Tech Fund underscores our commitment to strengthening the European security landscape. By supporting innovative companies in this critical sector, we are not only fostering technological advancements but also enhancing Europe’s overall security and resilience.”

This investment follows the EIB Group’s recent move in March to expand the types of defence and security projects it supports—marking a major shift in its funding strategy.

Executive Vice-President for Prosperity and Industrial Strategy Stephane Séjourné said: “Strengthening Europe’s defence technological and industrial base is about securing our strategic autonomy and protecting our citizens—on land, at sea, in the air, in cyberspace, and in space. It’s about ensuring that European companies can deliver the technologies we need. We are moving from declarations to delivery, with investments to match our ambition.”

Keen already backs 30+ startups and scale-ups across Europe. With the new EIF support, the firm is set to strengthen its position as a key force driving Europe’s strategic tech leadership.

About Keen Venture Partners

Keen Venture Partners, founded in 2016, is known for backing DeepTech startups with a strong, research-driven approach. Operating from Amsterdam and London, the firm works closely with European tech founders—often well before investing.