Us in Media - SmartCap

SmartCap in International Media:

The Opening Trade: Geopolitical tensions have increased interest in the European defence industry

On Bloomberg’s show The Opening Trade, SmartCap’s Sille Pettai explained that geopolitical tensions have significantly boosted interest in investing in the European defence industry, pushing the sector’s stock up by over 50%. Since Estonia lacks a traditional defence industry, a unique opportunity has emerged to leverage the country’s strong tech sector to bring innovative, scalable, and cost-effective solutions to the market.

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Bloomberg: Estonian startups see an opportunity to reboot Europe

Bloomberg reported that Estonian startups have seized the opportunity to develop the country’s defence industry, as Russia’s aggression in Ukraine and declining U.S. support have forced Europe to rapidly increase defence spending. To support this, the Estonian government created a €100 million Defence Fund, managed by SmartCap, which invests in startups and defence investment funds.

Sifted: Meet the LP which won’t back VCs unless they can back weapons

Sifted wrote about how SmartCap has begun supporting venture capital funds that invest in startups developing products and services linked to lethal force, emphasizing the importance of this step for promoting security and defense innovation in Europe.

Reuters: Estonian tech investors take defence into their own hands

The article states that Estonia has quickly become a leader in defence tech investments in Central and Eastern Europe due to the war in Ukraine, launching a €100 million Defence Fund. The sector’s rapid growth stems from the region’s intensified security environment and the urgent need to develop new defence solutions, such as drone software and cybersecurity.

Les Echos: The European country that decided to ban funds that exclude defense

SmartCap is allocating €100 million to invest in European defence sector funds and companies. In an interview with Les Echos, SmartCap’s fund manager Sille Pettai explained why the focus is primarily on funds and companies also associated with lethal force.

Startup Online: What does the war in Ukraine offer European defense tech companies and what does Trump’s anti-Ukraine pivot mean?

Funding for the European defence industry has rapidly increased due to the war in Ukraine, and investing in defence technologies is no longer taboo. Estonia is in a leading position, having created the €100 million SmartCap Defense Fund, which invests in defence technology development and encourages startups to create quickly producible and affordable solutions.

The Pinnacle Gazette: Estonia strengthens defence through innovation and partnerships

The Pinnacle Gazette highlighted how Estonia is strengthening its defence capability through technological innovation and international collaborative projects, in a time of rising security threats. The country recently established a €100 million SmartCap Defence Fund to invest in startups, funds, and attract international investors.

Emerging Europe: Estonia’s new Defence Fund has an impact beyond its borders

Emerging Europe analyzed how Estonia’s Defence Fund impacts not only Estonia but also the broader European defence sector and strategic investments. The fund strengthens Estonia’s defence industry, encourages private sector investment, and boosts the country’s competitiveness and defence capabilities – offering Europe a model for the strategic development of the defence industry and national security.