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201 Ventures is an early-stage venture capital firm based in Madrid, Spain, that invests in European startups developing intelligence, defense, and dual-use technologies. The firm focuses on seed-stage companies operating in areas of gray zone competition, specifically targeting hardware and software solutions like autonomous systems, maritime surveillance, advanced manufacturing, and hypersonic vehicles. As of May 2025, the firm has closed a $22 million fund and completed eight initial investments across the European defense technology sector. To execute its investment strategy, the firm receives financial backing from the NATO Innovation Fund to support its deployment of capital into emerging security enterprises. Additionally, the organization established the European Defense Investor Network to connect institutional capital providers with defense technology founders. 201 Ventures was founded by Eric Slesinger.
Key people at 201 Ventures.
201 Ventures primarily invests in early-stage companies developing intelligence, defense, and dual-use technologies, with a focus on European defense tech startups.
201 Ventures primarily invests in early-stage companies developing intelligence, defense, and dual-use technologies, with a focus on European defense tech startups.
Key people at 201 Ventures.
201 Ventures is a venture capital firm founded in 2023 and headquartered in Madrid, Spain. The firm's core mission is to advance freedom and autonomy throughout Europe by investing in critical technological sectors. It specializes in providing capital to early-stage companies engaged in the development of intelligence, defense, and dual-use technologies. This strategic focus aims to support innovation that enhances European capabilities.
The firm's investment strategy is specifically geared towards seed-stage European defense tech startups. 201 Ventures actively seeks out companies that are developing solutions to address challenges related to gray zone competition. This targeted approach reflects a commitment to fostering a robust technological ecosystem that can contribute to national security and strategic independence within the European context.
Through its investment vehicle, 201 Ventures Fund I, the firm deploys capital to promising ventures. The fund supports companies that are innovating in areas such as advanced R&D, secure communications, and specialized industrial applications. Examples from their portfolio include Arctic R&D, Isembard, Andrenam, Deep Earth, Hypersonica, Ionlace, and Delian Alliance Industries, showcasing a broad yet focused interest in deep tech and defense-related innovations.
A significant milestone for the firm was the recent closing of a $22 million fund. This capital infusion is dedicated to backing European defense tech startups, providing them with the necessary resources to scale their operations and accelerate product development. The firm's founder, Slesinger, has played a key role in establishing 201 Ventures as a specialized investor in this evolving market.
201 Ventures has 2 tracked investments across 2 companies. The latest tracked deal is $2.7B Series A in Hypersonica in February 2026.
| Date | Company | Round | Lead Investor(s) | Co-Investor(s) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Feb 10, 2026 | Hypersonica | $2.7B Series A | Plural | General Catalyst, The Federal Agency For Disruptive Innovation |
| Apr 1, 2025 | Isembard | $9.0M Seed | Notion Capital | Amadeus Capital Partners, Antler, Atlantic Labs, Chalfen Ventures, Entrepreneur First, Hoxton Ventures, Khosla Ventures, Prototype Capital, Sequoia Capital, Mandeep Singh, Paul Forster, Andreas Klinger, Charles Delingpole, Joshua Western, Salar AL Khafaji, Basis Capital, Forward Fund, Material Ventures, Never Lift Ventures, NP Hard Ventures |
