Nick Blair, son of former British Prime Minister Sir Tony Blair, has founded a defence technology start-up named Pyra and is in talks to raise roughly $200mn in funding. The London-based company, incorporated last November, is developing technology to integrate disparate systems into a unified platform. A spokesperson stated Pyra aims to support the security interests of the UK and its allies.

The venture underscores growing momentum in Europe’s defence tech sector, driven by increased government spending and demand for sovereign capabilities. Pyra’s website indicates a summer 2026 launch. Blair previously co-founded and chairs Skyral, a UK software firm focused on modelling and simulation for defence clients, which raised $20mn last year.

His brother Euan recently secured $70mn for edtech start-up Multiverse, valuing it at $2.1bn. The defence tech landscape is heating up, with Cambridge Aerospace raising $300mn at a $3.4bn valuation. Industry data shows defence tech start-ups globally secured $12.3bn in VC funding by mid-2026, nearly double the prior year.

Investors anticipate new UK Chancellor John Healey will prioritise military expenditure.