INLEAP Photonics, a German startup based in Hanover, raised approximately €20 million in a seed funding round led by UVC Partners. ^[1] INLEAP Photonics, a Hannover-based DeepTech company, closed a €20 million seed funding round to accelerate the scaling of its laser-based drone defense technology for defense applications and critical infrastructure protection. ^[2] The funding round was completed shortly after a drone carrying explosives closed down Leipzig/Halle Airport for several hours, an event INLEAP aims to prevent with its technology. ^[3] The INLEAP FASTLIGHT SHIELD system requires less than 10 kilowatts of power, whereas conventional systems need 50 to 100 kilowatts for the same distance. ^[4] UVC Partners, a Munich- and Berlin-based firm managing €800 million in assets, led the investment alongside early investor HTGF and new participants Balnord, Sentris, and Scale Capital. ^[5] Amanda Birkenholz, Partner at UVC Partners, noted that drone defense is no longer purely a military issue and that INLEAP Photonics is the only team whose technology meets the dual requirements of being eye-safe for civilian use and robust enough for conflict zones. ^[6] Dr.-Ing. Marius Lammers, CEO and founder of INLEAP Photonics, stated that the company's technology has reached the market and is seeing strong order intake, prompting investments in manufacturing, quality assurance, sales, and service. ^[7] The funding round was led by UVC Partners, with participation from HTGF, Balnord, Sentries, and Scale Capital. ^[8]