Investment Focus

Three priority domains.
Selective mission enablers.

Velaris focuses on technologies that address identifiable operational needs in defence, security and resilience.

Our primary investment focus covers three domains: Autonomous Action, Secure Backbone, and Sense & Connect. Complementary technologies enter our scope when they address a critical bottleneck affecting these capabilities.

S1Autonomous Action

Trusted AI, Mission Autonomy & Robotics

Technologies that help operators understand their environment, make decisions and carry out defined tasks under demanding conditions.

Our focus includes edge AI, physical AI, human-machine teaming, autonomous systems, counter-UAS capabilities and AI-enabled battlefield management.

We assess their operational relevance, robustness and ability to integrate into the user’s mission.

Computing infrastructure inside a data centre

S2Secure Backbone

Sovereign Digital Infrastructure & Cyber

Digital infrastructure that enables critical systems to communicate and operate securely, including when networks are disrupted or contested.

Our focus includes resilient communications, sovereign cloud and edge infrastructure, cyber defence and quantum-secure networks.

We examine the dependencies, interfaces and continuity requirements that determine whether the capability can support its intended users.

The Effelsberg radio telescope in Germany

S3Sense & Connect

Space Systems, ISR & Orbital Infrastructure

Capabilities that provide reliable sensing, positioning and connectivity across operational environments.

Our focus includes positioning, navigation and timing; intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance; space situational awareness; satellite communications; and photonics supporting sensing and connectivity.

We assess how the information or service reaches the operator and contributes to the required mission effect.

Photo credits

S4–S6

Selective mission enablers

These domains complement our primary mandate. Opportunities must demonstrate a specific contribution to the mission.

Advanced Materials & Microelectronics

Materials, chips and sensors that address critical performance or supply-chain dependencies.

Energy, Water & Resources

Technologies that sustain operational continuity and support the resilience of core capabilities.

Human-Machine Performance

Tools that help operators remain effective as autonomy and information complexity increase.

Investment criteria

What we look for

Stage: Our intended focus is on Seed and Series A companies, with selective Series B participation.
Technology and execution: We look for validated underlying technology with a credible path through qualification, integration and industrialisation.; Full operational deployment is not a prerequisite: the remaining work must be identifiable and supported by a realistic execution plan.
Geography: Our primary geographic focus is the European Union, with selective opportunities in eligible allied or partner markets.
Mission Criticality: All opportunities are subject to our Mission Criticality assessment and ethical exclusions.

Ethical framework

Ethical exclusions

Velaris excludes lethal offensive weapon systems, fully autonomous lethal weapons, and biological or chemical weapons.

All opportunities must fit our ethical framework and applicable legal requirements.

How We Work Introduce Your Company

Three priority domains.Selective mission enablers.