NATO Innovation Fund Reshapes Its Leadership as Defense Momentum Grows
Two years after raising over €1 billion from 24 NATO member nations, the NATO Innovation Fund (NIF) has reorganized its investment leadership. Amid record growth in defense-focused startup funding, NIF welcomed two new partners and confirmed a shift to a streamlined, three-partner model.
New Faces Behind the Tech Push
The new partners joining NIF are Ulrich Quay, formerly head of corporate venture investments at BMW and founder of BMW i Ventures, and Sander Verbrugge, a Dutch Nobel-level technologist-turned-Venture Capitalist with deep expertise in molecular biophysics and semiconductors. London-based Patrick Schneider‑Sikorsky remains as the last remaining original founding partner.
Founding Leaders Depart Amid Talent Shake‑Up
Original partner Kelly Chen is set to depart by August to start her own fund, marking the fourth senior exit at NIF within a year. Earlier in 2025, founding partners Chris O’Connor, Thorsten Claus, and Managing Partner Andrea Traversone also exited, citing new opportunities in deep tech and venture investing.
Why the Shake‑Up? Matching Geopolitical Urgency
This restructuring coincides with a surge in venture capital for European defense and resilience technologies—up to 10% of all VC funding last year, per Dealroom and NIF data. The Ukraine war and rising security tensions have fueled momentum—investors and NATO alike feel pressure to accelerate adoption of dual-use technologies like robotics, AI, biotech, quantum, and autonomous systems.
Sharper Vision, Broader Strategy
With the new team in place, NIF aims to strengthen its involvement in NATO’s Rapid Adoption Action Plan—a program focused on bringing emerging tech to military use faster. It has also expanded its Mission Platform Group, including the appointment of John Ridge as Chief Adoption Officer, to help startups more effectively navigate defence procurement pathways.
Looking Ahead: Startup Support and Scale
Since launch, NIF has made 19 investments—seven into VC funds and twelve directly into startups such as Space Forge, ARX Robotics, and Tekever. The refreshed team is expected to accelerate new deployments and deepen engagement with startups developing scalable deep tech to meet Alliance-wide resilience and security needs.
Final Takeaway
NIF’s leadership overhaul comes at a critical inflection point: Europe is solidifying its deep-tech investment ecosystem, while strategic needs demand speed and coherence. With industrial and scientific leaders now on board, the fund is positioning itself to deliver technology that supports NATO’s evolving mission—and the defense and resilience of over a billion citizens.
