<div id="readability-page-1"><div><p><span>Airbus (EADSY) and Blackstone </span><span> are in talks to become leading investors in a roughly 600 million funding round for Quantum Systems, a German drone startup backed by Peter Thiel. The discussions could value Quantum Systems at as much as 7 billion, according to people familiar with the matter, suggesting another possible valuation step-up for a defense technology company that was valued at 3 billion in November. Balderton Capital, one of Quantum Systems' existing backers, is also in discussions to participate, adding another familiar investor name to a round that appears tied to rising interest in European defense technology.</span></p><p><span>The financing structure appears weighted toward primary fundraising, with a smaller portion connected to stock sales by existing investors. Discussions remain ongoing, and the final terms could still change, meaning investors may need to treat the reported valuation and round size as possible outcomes rather than settled figures. Spokespeople for Balderton, Blackstone and Quantum Systems declined to comment, while Airbus did not immediately respond to queries.</span></p><p><span>For investors, the potential deal could be another sign that German drone and defense startups are gaining attention as European military spending rises. Quantum Systems, founded in 2015 by former German army pilot Florian Seibel, won a 210 million contract in December to supply surveillance drones to the German military, a figure equal to three-quarters of the company's estimated revenue last year. The company had already raised 180 million at a 3 billion valuation in November, with HV Capital, DTCP and Project A also among its backers.</span></p></div></div>

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<p>Airbus and Blackstone are negotiating to lead a $600 million funding round for German drone startup Quantum Systems, potentially valuing the company at $7 billion. This follows a previous valuation of $3 billion in November. Balderton Capital may also participate in the round, reflecting growing interest in European defense technology. Quantum Systems, founded in 2015, recently secured a $210 million contract with the German military for surveillance drones. The funding structure is primarily focused on new investments, with ongoing discussions about final terms.</p>

Airbus, Blackstone Eye 600 Million Quantum Systems Funding Round