Munich-based Quantum Systems has raised $1.2bn in Series D funding at an $8bn valuation, with Blackstone, Airbus SE, Noteus and Advent co-leading the round. The autonomous drone maker, founded in 2015, makes unmanned aerial and land drones and recently announced expansion into maritime applications. Existing investors Balderton Capital and HV Capital also participated.

The funding arrives amid speculation about a potential merger with Stark, the German strike drone startup founded by Quantum co-CEO Florian Seibel in 2024. Stark raised €500m last month and was created separately due to weapons restrictions from some Quantum investors. Seibel dismissed IPO rumors as 'misunderstanding' but confirmed the board ordered an IPO readiness review. He said the company might raise another round or pursue acquisitions instead.

Quantum plans to double revenues this year, building on €300m from last year while maintaining double-digit EBITDA margins. The company has acquired autonomous trucking startup Fernride and works with governments across Germany, Ukraine, Australia, New Zealand, the US, Romania and Spain. Seibel emphasized the company's focus on international expansion, targeting investors from Asia and the US.

Beyond defense applications, Quantum is exploring robotics and humanoids as growth areas. Seibel noted these represent 'open playing fields where European answers are necessary and needed.' The company's consolidation strategy positions it to acquire competitors in the crowded defense drone market while diversifying into new technological domains.