NATO Innovation Fund closes new EUR1 billion fund

A total of 23 partner countries are participating. Sweden expresses strong interest in participating in NIF, but it will not take effect until it joins the Alliance.

NATO Innovation Fund Finalizes €1 Billion Flagship Fund Officially, 23 NATO Allies have become Limited Partners of the NATO Innovation Fund (NIF), which is preparing to make its first investments later this year. Participating Allies* have also welcomed Sweden's interest in joining the NIF. Sweden's participation will take effect upon accession to the North Atlantic Treaty. Sweden's contribution will increase the current €1 billion venture capital fund and strengthen the investable capital of the NATO Innovation Fund, as well as strengthen innovative capacity across the Alliance.

Innovation in emerging and disruptive technologies must be responsible and guided by fundamental principles: Security, Freedom, and Empowerment. All of these values are synonymous with NATO's democratic values and the NIF's mission.

NDREA TRAVERSONE, MANAGING PARTNER NIF

"As a member of NATO, Sweden will contribute to the strengthening of the Alliance, not only through our geostrategic location and military capabilities, but also through a vibrant security and defense industry that fosters innovation and development of advanced technology. This is further enabled through participation in the NATO Innovation Fund," said Mr. Pål Jonson, Minister of Defense of Sweden.

Mr. David van Weel, NATO Assistant Secretary General for Emerging Security Challenges, welcomed Sweden's future participation, stating, "This year's summit has put Sweden further on the path to becoming the 32nd country to join our Alliance, and this historic step will pave the way for Sweden to participate in the NATO Innovation Fund and contribute to its important mission."

AI, deeptech, quantum and space in focus

The NATO Innovation Fund is the world's first multi-sovereignty venture capital fund and will invest in startups developing cutting-edge technology solutions to harness the potential for commercial innovation to address critical defense and security challenges. The fund's Limited Partners include 23 NATO allies at the government level and from the venture capital, innovation and defense sectors. The fund will make direct investments in startups in one of the 23 participating allies, as well as indirect investments in funds with transatlantic influence in deep tech. It will provide patience capital to meet the needs and timelines of deep tech innovators and ensure a sustainable future for the alliance's 1 billion citizens.

*Participating NATO Allies: Belgium, Bulgaria, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Slovakia, Spain, Turkey, United Kingdom.

More information can be found on the fund website Nif.Fund