Danish DefenseTech startup Shotling has closed an oversubscribed pre-seed funding round, securing $828K against a $591K target. The investment will advance its specialized kinetic short-range counter-unmanned aerial system (C-UAS) technology. This milestone highlights growing investor confidence in solutions designed to combat the increasing threat of hostile drones.
Strategic Investment in a Growing Market
The financing was led by Myriad Defense Fund, with co-investment from IPO CLUB’s Fund II America 2030. A non-dilutive match-loan from the Export and Investment Fund of Denmark (EIFO) also contributed to the round. This diverse backing underscores the strategic importance of Shotling's mission against FPV drones and loitering munitions.
Investors are targeting a global counter-UAS market projected to exceed $10 billion by 2030. Edoardo Zarghetta of America 2030 noted the strong momentum in the kinetic defense segment, which is growing at over 25% annually. Shotling's technology is well-positioned to address this rapidly expanding sector's needs.
Advanced Kinetic Defense Technology
At its core, Shotling's offering is an electrically driven, rotary-style shotgun system designed for high-impact, close-range defense. The system achieves a firing rate of up to 3,000 rounds per minute using standard 12-gauge shells. Its primary function is to defeat FPV drones by creating a dense field of fragments for maximum hit probability.
A key innovation is the system's patent-pending, high-capacity magazine, which allows for over 30 engagements before requiring a reload. This feature is valuable for integration on unmanned platforms where reloading during a mission is impractical. The design ensures sustained defensive capability against persistent threats or drone swarms.
Designed for Modern Battlefield Flexibility
The system boasts a cost-to-kill ratio better than 1:10 against inexpensive FPV drones, offering an economical solution. Its short safety range permits deployment on units operating in close proximity, while its unrestricted elevation is crucial for engaging steep vertical targets. These features make it ideal for protecting both mobile and fixed assets.
Engineered for modularity, the system offers versatile integration options across various platforms. It can serve as the primary armament on small Remote Weapon Stations (RWS) or as a secondary system on larger configurations. Furthermore, it can be deployed manually on tripods, ring mounts, and mobile vehicles like 4x4s and ISVs.
European Defense Tech Momentum
Shotling's funding is part of a larger trend of capital flowing into European defense and autonomous systems technologies. Other notable raises in 2025 include those by Monopulse, Orbotix, and Rift, signaling a robust innovation ecosystem. This investment wave highlights a strategic focus on sovereign defense capabilities across the continent.
The company's concept has already gained significant recognition, being selected as a finalist in the 16th NATO Innovation Challenge. Adding to its credibility, Shotling has reportedly received support from Ukrainian frontline units and defense companies. These endorsements validate the real-world applicability and urgency of its C-UAS solution.
With its successful pre-seed round and advanced technology, Shotling is poised to become a key player in the kinetic C-UAS domain. The company's innovative rotary shotgun system directly addresses the critical and evolving threat posed by kamikaze drones. This strategic investment and early recognition position Shotling for significant growth and impact within the global defense industry.