Warsaw-based Orbotix secures €6.5M to build AI-driven autonomous drone systems

Poland-based Orbotix has secured fresh funding to advance AI-driven autonomous drone systems and expand operations across the EU.

Warsaw-based Orbotix, a European defence technology company developing AI-powered autonomous drone systems, has raised €6.5M in a funding round to expand its operations. 

The round was led by BVVC Fund, with participation from Gustav Söhne Verwaltung GmbH & Co. KG and Leryon Global Holdings.

Joe Musselman, Founder & Managing Partner of Bravo Victor Venture Capital, says, “Swarm autonomy will decide outcomes on tomorrow’s battlefields. Orbotix is building it now, in Europe, at scale, and under allied control. Their distributed production model and operator-first design deliver the sovereign capacity NATO needs to prevail in a contested world.”

“At BVVC, we back founders who compress timelines and move capability from prototype to throughput at a wartime pace. Orbotix embodies that ethos. We are proud to back companies that move at a no-fail pace and understand that the United States and our allies must grow stronger together and win.”

Jan Dirk Elstermann, chairman of the Gustav Söhne Group, adds, “Orbotix’s capacity to revolutionise modern defence by combining cutting-edge AI technology with unparalleled innovation in autonomous drone systems, as well as the management standing behind Orbotix, have convinced us to invest in the company.”

“Family-owned Gustav Söhne, established 1884, is thereby adding to its successful portfolio in the maritime defence field a new promising participation, as we see it necessary to defend our values of freedom, freedom of expression and tolerance.”

Building defence and security technology to save lives

Over the past decade, defence innovation has shifted toward faster, software-driven approaches. In the US, initiatives like the Defence Innovation Unit challenged traditional procurement and created opportunities for agile defence tech companies. A similar trend is now emerging in Europe, where startups are developing sovereign, mission-focused capabilities.

Orbotix embodies this shift. The company develops AI-driven autonomous drone systems with modular and interoperable designs, aiming to enhance European defence autonomy and adaptability. Its venture-backed model allows it to scale quickly and respond to evolving security needs.

Founded in 2023 by Bogdan Ochiana (Romania) and Sebastian Straube (Poland), Orbotix operates in the European Union and focuses on defence and security technology. The company is headquartered in Poland and has operational offices in Romania and Spain. 

Orbotix develops hardware and software systems for air, sea, land, and space domains. Its technology is designed to enhance operator safety, increase operational efficiency, and support mission success.

In addition to technological development, Orbotix emphasises ethical standards, aligning with regulatory requirements such as the EU AI Act. Its approach is human-centric, aiming to empower decision-makers and ensure technology is used responsibly. The company works with an international team and partners to improve its systems through feedback and collaboration.

The company’s long-term goal is to provide autonomous defence solutions that support global security, protect populations, and anticipate future conflicts.

Capital utilisation

Orbotix will use the funds to enhance Europe’s technological and operational capabilities in autonomous drone systems. 

The company plans to accelerate the development of AI technologies, including drone swarming solutions, and expand micromanufacturing facilities across the European Union, supporting its goal of strengthening Europe’s technological and operational independence in defence.

Bogdan Ochiana, co-founder and CEO, says, “This investment is more than just capital — it’s a signal that the EU is ready to elevate defence to its full potential. Our generation will be measured by how we rise to the challenge now, not tomorrow, and we are proud to be among the innovators safeguarding the peace and prosperity our forefathers fought to achieve.”

Sebastian Straube, co-founder and Chief Strategy Officer, adds, “This marks not only a milestone for Orbotix, but also underscores the strategic importance of building such capabilities within Europe, with the emergence of a company like ours on the Eastern Flank ensuring that the region most exposed to modern threats leads in developing the technologies that will safeguard Europe’s future.”