European venture capital eyes defence sector but concerns remain

05 May 2026 | News

Survey finds investors are increasingly open to defence technologies, but rarely as a standalone investment strategy

Photo credits: Anelo / BigStock

A growing number of venture capital and private equity fund managers in Europe are considering investing in defence companies, a recent survey from the European Investment Fund (EIF) has found. The majority, however, plan to use existing instruments rather than create dedicated defence funds, suggesting that reservations about the sector remain.

The technologies chosen for investment also indicate caution, with funds preferring dual-use over dedicated weapons systems.

Out of 693 fund managers surveyed as part of the EIF’s quarterly equity barometer, a quarter said they had invested in defence-related companies in the last five years, while half would consider doing so in the next two years.

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