Project Q raises €15M as defence funding accelerates

Project Q has raised a €15M Series A only 11 months after its previous financing, reflecting how quickly European investors are moving into defence software and sensor infrastructure.

What happened

The round was led by security-focused investor Expeditions, with participation from German defence electronics group Hensoldt and investment firm Heliad. Project Q was founded in 2024 and is developing an open, AI-based sensor system that connects existing military and civilian infrastructure.

Its broader concept is described as an “Internet of Defence”: data from different sensors and systems can be combined to produce a more precise, real-time operational picture. The company is not trying to replace every existing platform. Instead, it aims to make equipment from different suppliers communicate and share information more effectively.

Project Q had previously raised €7.5M and has said it secured initial work with the German armed forces while engaging with larger European defence companies.

Why it matters

Modern defence operations depend on connecting data across radar, vehicles, drones, cameras and communications systems. European forces often operate equipment built by different countries and vendors, which can make interoperability difficult. A software and sensor layer that joins those systems could be more scalable than relying on one manufacturer to supply every component.

Hensoldt’s participation is particularly relevant because it brings an established sensor supplier into the cap table. That could help Project Q understand procurement requirements, integrate with existing equipment and reach customers that are difficult for young startups to access directly.

The bigger picture

European defence funding is shifting beyond hardware into the software that coordinates distributed systems. Investors increasingly view sensing, data fusion and interoperability as strategic infrastructure.

The rapid follow-on round also shows that defence startups can now raise at a pace closer to commercial software companies—provided they can demonstrate credible government demand and a route through complex procurement cycles.