GBAF Logo
Global Banking & Finance Awards® 2026 Nominations open, free to enter Nominate now →
Fourth sanctioned LNG tanker, Christophe De Margerie, at Russia's Arctic LNG 2 plant - Global Banking & Finance Review
The image showcases the Christophe De Margerie tanker docking at Russia's Arctic LNG 2, highlighting ongoing LNG export challenges amidst U.S. sanctions.
Finance

Tekever raises $580 million as investors back Ukraine-honed defence tech firm

Published by Global Banking & Finance Review

Posted on September 23, 2026

2 min read

· Last updated: September 23, 2026

Add as preferred source on Google

Tekever Secures $580 Million to Advance AI-Powered Defence Systems Globally

Tekever's Funding and Strategic Expansion

Major Series D Funding Round

Sept 23 (Reuters) - European autonomous systems developer Tekever said on Wednesday it had raised $580 million in the first close of a Series D funding round led by UC Investments and Baillie Gifford, valuing the defence technology company at $6.4 billion.

Planned Use of Funds

Tekever said it would use the funding to expand internationally, increase manufacturing and technology capabilities, pursue acquisitions and accelerate development of AI-powered autonomous systems.

Company Background and Market Position

Origins and Growth

Founded in Portugal in 2001 and now headquartered in Britain, Tekever has expanded as European governments ramp up defence spending and seek to build military technology capabilities closer to home.

Operational Experience and Military Programmes

It has been among a small group of European defence technology firms to convert operational experience in Ukraine into long-term military programmes, exemplified by its recent selection for the British Army's CORVUS drone surveillance programme following more than 50,000 operational flight hours flown in Ukraine since 2022.

Industry Recognition

Chris Evdaimon, an investment manager at Baillie Gifford, said Tekever's software-centric model and operational experience had helped it rapidly translate technology into deployable capabilities.

Tekever's Unique Value Proposition

The company has sought to position itself as a provider of autonomous surveillance systems rather than solely a drone manufacturer, combining aircraft, software and intelligence services.

Additional Information

($1 = £0.7523)

(Reporting by Maria Rugamer in Gdansk, editing by Milla Nissi-Prussak)

Key Takeaways

  • Tekever’s Series D round raises $580M at a $6.4B valuation, marking a significant leap since its unicorn status in May 2025. (observador.pt)
  • The funding partners include UC Investments—making its first direct European investment—and Baillie Gifford, underlining institutional confidence. (observador.pt)
  • Tekever will deploy the capital to expand internationally, boost manufacturing and tech capabilities, pursue acquisitions, and accelerate AI-powered autonomous surveillance systems. (observador.pt)

References

Frequently Asked Questions

How much funding did Tekever raise in its Series D round?
Tekever raised $580 million in the first close of its Series D funding round.
Who led Tekever's latest funding round?
UC Investments and Baillie Gifford led Tekever’s latest Series D funding round.
How does Tekever plan to use the new funds?
Tekever will expand internationally, increase manufacturing and technology capabilities, pursue acquisitions, and accelerate AI-powered autonomous system development.
What operational experience has bolstered Tekever’s reputation?
Tekever has over 50,000 flight hours in Ukraine and was recently selected for the British Army's CORVUS drone surveillance programme.
Where is Tekever headquartered?
Tekever was founded in Portugal but is now headquartered in Britain.

Tags

Related Articles

More from Finance

Explore more articles in the Finance category