Hadean, a London-based defence startup that uses AI to simulate conflict scenarios, has secured a bridge round as it works towards its Series B.
Founded in 2017, Hadean through a combination of spatial computing and AI creates simulations for defence organisations, government agencies and businesses to rehearse, train and plan for combat scenarios in live and virtual environments.
With new funding secured, the company will look to deepen deployments with the Ministry of Defence as well as the US’s Department of War, with the US in particular representing a key market for the company.
“This funding brings together investors who deeply understand defence, sovereignty, and what it takes to scale mission-critical technology,” said Hadean chief executive Craig Beddis.
“Their collective support enables us to accelerate delivery for the UK, the US, an allied NATO partners at a time when operational readiness and technological advantage matter more than ever.”
Hadean did not specify the size of the bridge round, which followed its $30m (£22.4m) Series A in 2022, however, one of the backers, the UK government-owned British Business Bank, confirmed it has invested £2.1m as part of the round.
“The current geopolitical environment has sharpened the demand for defence capability, presenting a clear opportunity for UK innovators and investors,” said British Business Bank’s chief investment officer Leandros Kalisperas.
“Our role is to ensure that high-potential companies operating in this critical sector have access to the capital they need to develop and deploy their technology.”
The development bank generally supports the defence tech sector through specialist venture capital funds, however, as part of its recent strategic shift, it is increasingly taking direct stakes in companies working in “areas of strategic importance”.
Other investors include Booz Allen Ventures, Entrepreneur First (EF) and Twin Track Ventures.
