German drone manufacturer Quantum Systems has reportedly established an early foothold in the U.S. market, facilitated by CIA-affiliated investor In-Q-Tel (IQT).
Quantum’s Co-CEO, Sven Kruck, disclosed to Reuters that U.S. investors, including IQT, played a crucial role in their entry into Washington, securing contracts with the Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) and Federal Bureau of Investigation. “It made it easier to get started in the U.S. with clients CIA and FBI,” Kruck stated. He further noted that the business generated from a reconnaissance contract with U.S. intelligence agencies, albeit modest, helped to establish Quantum’s credibility.
Quantum Systems, a seller of reconnaissance, attack, and interceptor drones to countries such as Ukraine and Germany, is now one of the largest defense startups in Europe, with an estimated value of around $8 billion. However, like other defense firms, Quantum is restricted from selling technology developed in the U.S. to other countries without U.S. approval.
CIA and FBI did not immediately respond to Benzinga’s request for comments.
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