British-German defence startup Hypersonica raises €100M

British-German defence startup Hypersonica has secured €100 million in funding to develop hypersonic long-range missiles, it announced today. The Series B funding round, co-led by US investors Lightspeed and General Catalyst, saw participation from existing investors Plural and 201 Ventures. The Munich-based startup, with a subsidiary in London, aims to produce military technology more efficiently and cost-effectively than traditional defense firms while ensuring Europe possesses a sovereign long-range strike capability.

Hypersonica, founded in 2023, will utilize the funds to accelerate deep-strike missile development, enhance testing, expand operations across Europe, and create hundreds of engineering and manufacturing jobs in the UK and Germany. The startup is part of the UK-Germany Trinity House Agreement, which seeks to jointly develop long-range conventional weapons, including hypersonic systems with ranges surpassing 2,000 kilometers.

CEO Dr. Philipp Kerth and CTO Dr. Marc Ewenz stated that the debate on Europe's need for hypersonic deep-strike capability has been settled, as governments have acknowledged the requirement and initiated funding programs. The challenge now lies in delivery. Europe requires credible hypersonic long-range capability and a better return on investment.

Hypersonica has demonstrated that next-generation hypersonic systems can be developed in Europe more swiftly and affordably than previously believed. The startup is proud to have investors who share their conviction that Europe should be capable of developing and producing advanced strategic capabilities independently.