German deep-tech company INLEAP Photonics has raised approximately €20 million in a seed funding round led by UVC Partners to accelerate the expansion of its laser-based drone defense technology. The financing also included participation from HTGF, Balnord, Sentris, and Scale Capital, bringing together investors from Germany, Poland, Estonia, and Denmark. INLEAP Photonics plans to use the capital to scale production, advance product development, strengthen quality assurance, and expand its commercial presence across Europe.
Growing Demand for Drone Defense
The investment comes amid increasing concern over the threat posed by unmanned aerial vehicles to military installations and critical civilian infrastructure. Recent drone incidents, including an attack affecting Leipzig/Halle Airport, have highlighted growing demand for counter-UAS technologies capable of protecting airports, energy facilities, data centers, and other sensitive locations. INLEAP Photonics is targeting this market with laser-based systems designed to neutralize drones rapidly while supporting deployment across both defense and civilian environments.
Scaling Production and Operations
The company will direct a significant portion of the funding toward transitioning its technology into larger-scale series production and expanding manufacturing and testing capacity. Investments will include standardized assembly processes, stronger quality controls, more reliable supply chains, and expanded sales and customer support operations as commercial demand increases. CEO and founder Marius Lammers said INLEAP Photonics is experiencing strong order intake and intends to establish itself as a leading European provider of laser effectors.
Expanding the FASTLIGHT Platform
INLEAP Photonics develops high-precision, ultra-fast laser beam steering technology that allows its systems to target vulnerable points on drones and neutralize them within seconds. Its FASTLIGHT SHIELD platform is designed as a controlled, eye-safe laser defense system suitable for military applications and security-sensitive civilian environments, while FASTLIGHT HELD combines a laser effector with an unmanned ground vehicle and counter-UAS software for mobile operations. The company will use the new capital to further develop both product lines, enhance the underlying technology, and prepare the systems for broader operational deployment.
European Expansion and Partnerships
UVC Partners led the financing round, with the investor group expected to provide additional industry expertise, commercial relationships, and international networks as INLEAP Photonics expands across Europe. The company is already working with organizations including the German Federal Ministry of Defense and the Bundeswehr Cyber Innovation Hub, while a recently announced partnership with STARK Defence further strengthens its position within Germany's defense technology ecosystem. INLEAP Photonics also plans to establish additional locations in Germany and other European countries to improve customer access and deepen cooperation with public-sector and security organizations.
The €20 million seed round provides INLEAP Photonics with the resources to move its laser-based counter-drone systems toward larger-scale manufacturing and commercialization. Alongside production expansion, the company will invest in certifications, testing processes, research and development, customer support, and the infrastructure required for reliable deployment in industrial and security-critical settings. With European demand for sovereign counter-drone technologies increasing, INLEAP Photonics is positioning its FASTLIGHT portfolio for wider adoption across defense, critical infrastructure, and other high-security applications.