NATO Innovation Fund closes new EUR 1 billion fund

A total of 23 partner countries are participating. Sweden has expressed great interest in participating in NIF, but this will only become effective upon joining the Alliance.

NATO Innovation Fund closes €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 boost innovative capacity across the Alliance.

Innovation in emerging and disruptive technologies must be responsible and guided by fundamental principles: Security, freedom and human empowerment. All 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 strengthening the Alliance, not only through our geostrategic location and military capabilities, but also through a vibrant security and defense industry that promotes innovation and development of cutting-edge technology. This will be further enabled through participation in the NATO Innovation Fund," said Pål Jonson, Minister of Defense of Sweden.

Mr. David van Weel, NATO Assistant Secretary General for Emerging Security Challenges, welcomed Sweden's future participation and stated: "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."

Focus on AI, deep tech, quantum and space

The NATO Innovation Fund is the world's first multi-sovereignty venture capital fund and will invest in start-ups 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 from the government, venture capital, innovation and defense sectors. The fund will make direct investments in start-ups in any 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.

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