about the German drone start-up Stark's fundraising plans:
· Funding Round & Valuation: Stark is in talks to raise at least €300 million in a new round, which would value the company at approximately €2.5 billion.
· Rapid Growth & Backing: Founded in 2024 and backed by U.S. billionaire Peter Thiel, the Berlin-based company had already surpassed a €1 billion valuation earlier this year.
· Core Technology: Its primary product is the "Virtus" single-use autonomous attack drone, designed as a so-called "kamikaze" drone that strikes targets and explodes on impact.
· Market Position & Contracts: The move highlights growing investor interest in European defense tech amid increasing government military spending. In February, Stark was one of three companies selected to supply attack drones to the German armed forces.
· Challenges & Controversy: The Virtus drone encountered difficulties during trials last year, which the company sees as part of its innovation process. Meanwhile, Thiel's stake (under 10%) has drawn scrutiny in Germany as European countries seek to reduce U.S. security dependence.
