Airbus Defence and Space, Anchor Investor in the €500M E2D Fund
Airbus Defence and Space has signed an agreement to become the anchor investor in the E2D fund, dedicated to defense technologies and dual-use in Europe. With a fundraising goal of €500 million, this fund represents a major Franco-German collaboration in the technology sector.
A Strategic Fund to Strengthen the European Defense Ecosystem
Airbus Defence and Space has announced its role as anchor investor in the E2D fund, launched in June 2026 by AVP and Earlybird. Michael Schoellhorn, CEO of Airbus Defence and Space, justified this choice by stating that 'European defense is facing a reality that requires scale and speed,' adding that the investment is part of a global strategy 'to expand the European technological ecosystem, keeping capital, talent, and intellectual property on the continent'. The fund targets about 20 companies with an average investment size of €25M. Its scope covers critical areas: space, air, land, maritime, and subsurface, focusing on companies with modern operational models and native or dual-use defense applications.
E2D Initiates Investments with Alta Ares
The E2D fund has already announced its first investment: Alta Ares, a French company specializing in artificial intelligence solutions for Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance (ISR) as well as anti-drone warfare. This investment is accompanied by a memorandum of understanding between Airbus Defence and Space and Alta Ares aimed at co-developing and integrating next-generation anti-drone solutions into Airbus's battle management suite.
Two Pan-European Managers at the Helm of the Fund
AVP, an investment platform based in Paris since 2016, manages over €2.5 billion dedicated to high-growth technology companies. Earlybird, founded in 1997, also holds €2.5 billion under management and supports early-stage growth companies through its financial resources and strategic pan-European network.
