Startup Europe — The Sifted Podcast Meet Europe’s ‘other’ defence tech unicorn: Tekever
Aug 14, 2025
Freya Pratty, a senior reporter and investigations lead at Sifted, dives into the world of Tekever, a Lisbon-based defense tech unicorn known for its innovative surveillance drones. She discusses Tekever's impressive global contracts, including key roles in Ukraine and initiatives across Europe. The company’s recent €70 million funding and ambitious £400 million investment plan in the UK are explored, showcasing its commitment to creating jobs and enhancing defense capabilities. The uniqueness of Tekever's growth strategy compared to competitors also makes for a compelling listen.
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Surveillance-First Strategy
- Tekever focuses on surveillance drones and supporting software rather than weaponised strike drones.
- Their systems feed battlefield intelligence to other weapons rather than carrying out strikes themselves.
How Tekever Entered Ukraine
- Tekever's tech moved into Ukraine in 2022 where their surveillance drones operated from the front line to find targets.
- The drones provided reconnaissance while other systems executed strikes.
Maturity As A Competitive Edge
- Tekever combines long-term maturity and profitability with continuous product iteration.
- The company positions its bootstrapped history as a competitive advantage versus fast-scaling rivals.