European Deep Tech Boosted as OTB Ventures Secures €170 Million from NATO Innovation Fund

• OTB Ventures secures €170 million from NATO Innovation Fund to boost European deep tech
• Investment backed by NATO Innovation Fund, European Investment Fund, CEE entrepreneurs, and notable Limited Partners
• OTB Ventures specializes in deep tech investments across space technology, AI, fintech, and cybersecurity
• NATO Innovation Fund recognizes OTB Ventures’ alignment with its mission of investing in emerging technologies
• OTB Ventures plans to allocate new fund to Series A investments, with focus on supporting disruptive deep tech startups in Europe

European Deep Tech Investment Landscape

In a significant development for the European deep tech ecosystem, OTB Ventures, a prominent venture capital firm hailing from Poland, has recently secured a substantial €170 million investment. This funding, sourced from the NATO Innovation Fund (NIF) in collaboration with the European Investment Fund (EIF) under the InvestEU Fund, marks a pivotal moment for OTB Ventures and the startups it supports.

OTB Ventures: A Pioneer in European Deep Tech

Established in 2017, OTB Ventures has carved a niche for itself in the realm of deep tech investments, focusing on key verticals such as space technology, artificial intelligence, fintech infrastructure, and cybersecurity. The firm’s strategic emphasis on late Seed, Series A, and B rounds highlights its commitment to providing growth capital to innovative startups poised for success. With a strong presence in Warsaw and Amsterdam, OTB Ventures has solidified its position as a prominent VC fund originating from Central and Eastern Europe, managing a substantial €323 million.

The backing from the NATO Innovation Fund underscores OTB Ventures’ alignment with cutting-edge technologies essential for maintaining NATO’s technological edge amidst evolving security threats and geopolitical risks. The NIF, with its €1 billion fund deployment, targets investments in startups and funds focusing on transformative technologies like defense tech, AI, quantum computing, and biotechnology, recognizing the pivotal role of startups in driving technological advancements.

Related Video

Published on: December 6, 2023 Description: The Deep Tech Finder is the newest member on our list of free tools that aims to link investors with high-tech startups with ...

What is the Deep Tech Finder?

Strategic Investment Allocations and Impacts

With the recent funding injection, OTB Ventures plans to allocate a significant portion to Series A investments, reflecting its confidence in scaling promising startups to the next level. Notably, the firm also reserves a portion for seed funding and follow-on investments, showcasing its commitment to nurturing startups across various stages of growth. Since the initial close of the fund, OTB Ventures has already made impactful investments in notable startups like KYP.ai, SEMRON, and ClearSpace, spanning diverse sectors such as productivity platforms, AI chip production, and space technology.

One noteworthy investment led by OTB Ventures is in Kurs Orbital, an Italian space startup focused on developing cutting-edge technology for in-space satellite servicing. This investment exemplifies OTB Ventures’ dedication to supporting dual-use technologies with applications in both civilian and defense sectors, underlining the firm’s strategic vision for driving innovation across diverse domains.

Paving the Way for European Deep Tech Innovation

As the European deep tech ecosystem continues to flourish, with substantial investments totaling nearly $15 billion in 2023, OTB Ventures stands at the forefront of identifying and supporting the most promising startups driving technological advancements across the continent. The firm’s strategic collaboration with the NATO Innovation Fund and a robust network of partners positions it as a key player in shaping the future of European deep tech innovation.

Adam Niewinski, co-founder and managing partner of OTB Ventures, aptly summarizes the firm’s vision, stating, “Our new fund empowers us to further our mission of supporting disruptive deep tech startups that are leveraging Europe’s outstanding tech talent pool — the biggest natural resource that our continent can offer.” This sentiment underscores OTB Ventures’ dedication to fostering innovation and propelling the growth of deep tech startups with transformative potential.

OTB Ventures’ recent €170 million funding secured from the NATO Innovation Fund not only highlights the firm’s pivotal role in the European deep tech landscape but also underscores the collaborative efforts driving innovation and technological advancements across the continent. With a strategic focus on key verticals, impactful investment allocations, and a strong network of partners, OTB Ventures is poised to catalyze the next wave of deep tech innovation in Europe, setting the stage for transformative growth and development in the realm of emerging technologies.