Defense capability as a business model
The European defense market is experiencing historic growth. But capital alone does not create contracts.
We support established companies and technology leaders in the security sector.
From market strategy to German/European tenders
to industrial cooperation in Ukraine.
From the fighter jet hangar to Brussels: first-hand insights into systems, procedures, and decision-makers.
€343 billion defense budget (in the EU). Why is your innovation not reaching the troops?
The figures are impressive: Europe is investing more in defence than ever before. The European Defence Fund, NATO DIANA, the German special fund – billions are flowing into innovation and procurement.
But between your groundbreaking technology and the first contract lies a labyrinth of 27 national procurement authorities, thousands of pages of procurement law, years of certification and a network that newcomers are unfamiliar with.
78% of EU defence purchases recently went to non-European suppliers. Not because European innovators are inferior, but because market access seemed unattainable for them.
We are changing that. Now.
Real practical experience
Our team combines over 30 years of experience as officers and systems engineers in the Air Force, consultants for the Bundeswehr's in-house consulting service (BwConsulting) and the European Defence Agency (EDA).
We know how procurement really works – from the inside.
Speed-to-contract mentality
Start-ups die while traditional consultants are still writing analyses. We think in sprints, not annual plans.
Our goal: your first concrete meeting with the authorities in weeks, not years.
Ecosystem-Denken
As part of the tacct family, we combine consulting with financing. Successful consulting clients can access our investment platform directly.
A closed loop: strategy → market access → capital → scaling.
Not yesterday's consultants.
Real insiders for tomorrow's defense.
Who we fight for
Europe's defense market is the largest in history—and the most complex. We work with those who want to conquer it: start-ups with frontline ambition, SMEs with untapped defense potential, international suppliers on their way to Europe, and Ukrainian innovators whose technology has already been used in combat.
Defence Start-ups
"Garage to Government"
You have the technology that Europe needs. Now you need to find your way into procurement.
We translate your pitch deck into the language of procurement offices and open doors that are normally closed to start-ups.
Dual-Use KMUs
"Hidden Champions"
Your technology works in the civilian market.
The defence sector offers ten times the volume – but different rules. We accompany you on your journey from B2B to B2G and guide you through certification, export control and security requirements.
Non-EU Tech
"Welcome to Europe"
Europe wants to buy European. As a non-EU supplier, you need a localisation strategy.
We develop your Europeanisation plan – from EU establishment to compliance for
EDIP funding.
Ukraine Innovators
"Battle-Tested"
Battle-tested means: the world wants your technology.
Ukraine has become a drone superpower.
We transfer your innovations to the EU and NATO market – with the EDIP Ukraine Support Instrument as a catalyst.
The operational path to procurement capability
01
Strategic Market Intelligence
Identification of addressable budgets in special funds and NATO planning targets. Analysis of your portfolio for dual-use potential and definition of the go-to-market strategy, including export control check (BAFA).
02
Operational
Readiness
Establishing formal delivery capability (‘licence to operate’). We manage your registrations (NCAGE, AVPQ) and prepare your organisation for security clearance (SÜG / confidentiality) and IT security standards.
03
EU & NATO
Funding
Acquisition of R&D funding outside of procurement. We structure cross-border consortia for the European Defence Fund (EDF) and assist with applications for NATO DIANA or EUDIS innovation funds.
Capture
Management
Positioning your solution with the relevant stakeholders (WTDs, planning office) before the tender is published. The aim is to engage in technical dialogue to actively shape the service description.
05
Bid & Tender
Execution
End-to-end management of the procurement process (VgV/VSVgV). We assist in the preparation of legally compliant tenders, translate technical data into ‘official language’, manage bidder questions and provide support with price reviews.
06
Industrial
Scaling
Integration into the supply chains of system houses (primes) and development of lifecycle services. Support for joint ventures (e.g. Ukraine hubs) and compliance with AQAP quality standards in series production.
Consulting for the new reality
The defence sector has undergone fundamental changes since 2022. Traditional consulting approaches based on ‘fireside chats’ and years of paper studies are too slow for the new pace of procurement.
tacct offers an operational infrastructure designed for execution and measurable results.
The approach
Classic: Relationship-based. Based on personal contacts (‘phone book diplomacy’) and informal networks.
tacct: Process-based. Use of regulatory accelerators (BwPBBG) and digital platforms. Scalable and independent of individuals.
The focus
Classic: National. Think within the borders of Bonn, Koblenz and Berlin.
tacct: European & transatlantic. Integrate EDF (Brussels) and NATO (Luxembourg/Norfolk) into sales planning from day one.
The output
Classic: Paper. Provides market studies, expert opinions and recommendations for action.
tacct: Result. Provides ready-to-sign offers (bid writing), approved funding applications and audited security concepts.
The technology
Classic: Legacy hardware. Focus on heavy equipment (tanks, frigates) and classic armaments.
tacct: Software-defined defence. Deep understanding of AI, cyber, dual-use and the integration of civilian tech into military systems.
The investment opportunity in figures
€920 billion
EU funds
The EU is underpinning this transition with planned investments of up to €920 billion by 2030, giving the sector unprecedented financial stability and long-term planning security.
€800 million
Germany as the epicentre
With €805 million invested in defence in H1 2025 alone, Germany is the leading location in Europe, providing the ideal breeding ground for technology leaders such as Donaustahl.
+26%
VC investments
Venture capital for European defence start-ups rose by 26% to €946 million in the first half of 2025 alone.
+54%
investment deals
The number of venture capital deals in Europe rose by 54% in the first half of 2025 compared to the previous year.
German law (eWpG)
We operate on the basis of German regulations.
Digital securities
No crypto tokens or subordinated loans. Genuine, regulated electronic securities.
investor protection
The extensive verification processes (KYC & MiFID II) serve to protect you as an investor.
Donaustahl GmbH
Modular drone systems & electronic components
5.9% p.a. | up to 2.5% bonus | 36-month term
‘I don't want to have projects sitting in a drawer. I want to have products in my warehouses.’
Stefan Thumann, CEO & Chief Designer
Donaustahl is positioning itself as the future market leader and system provider for modern drone warfare. The company's vision is to become the leading European provider of cost-effective and scalable drone systems for defence purposes.
At the heart of its strategy is the development of modular platforms such as the ‘ALMP MAUS’, a flexibly adaptable loitering munition that can be adapted to various deployment scenarios. In parallel, Donaustahl is developing strategic electronic components, in particular the ‘Combat Stack’, a mass-producible control unit that is to be established as the standard for European FPV quadcopters. Through this vertically integrated value chain, the company aims to strengthen the defence capabilities of democratic states.
Secure & MiFID II compliant
RISEPORT Europe GmbH
AI-supported, passive sensor fusion for drone defence
6.0% p.a. | up to 2.0% bonus | 36-month term
‘Europe's arms industry and politicians have a moral and security policy obligation to ensure their defence capabilities through their own efforts.’
Emanuel Aprill, founder of RISEPORT Europe
RISEPORT adressiert die kritische Fähigkeitslücke bei der Abwehr moderner Drohnen, gegen die traditionelle RF-basierte Störsysteme (Jammer) wirkungslos sind. Die Vision ist die Wiederherstellung der Asymmetrie auf dem modernen Gefechtsfeld durch technologische Überlegenheit.
Das Kernprodukt, das "ARGOS" Active Protection System, basiert auf einer proprietären, KI-gestützten und passiven Sensorfusion. Statt nach Funksignalen zu suchen, detektiert das System die physische Präsenz von Bedrohungen durch eine Kombination aus Akustik- und Optik-Sensoren. Der zentrale Wettbewerbsvorteil liegt in der KI-Software : Neuronale Netze analysieren die Sensordaten, klassifizieren Bedrohungen in Echtzeit und filtern Fehlalarme heraus. Dieser passive Ansatz ist zukunftssicher, da er auch autonome sowie glasfasergesteuerte Drohnen erkennt und die eigene Position nicht durch aktive Signale preisgibt.
Sicher & MiFID II-konform
Skylance GmbH
Laser-guided, interference-resistant interception systems
6.0% p.a. | up to 2.0% bonus | 36-month term
‘The days when NATO was forced to use a sledgehammer to crack a nut are over.’
Philipp Bohne, founder of Skylance
The conflict in Ukraine has revealed a critical capability gap and a dangerous economic asymmetry: inexpensive, interference-resistant attack drones are encountering traditional air defence systems that cost hundreds of thousands to millions of euros to deploy. This discrepancy makes effective defence against mass threats economically unviable. Skylance GmbH, based in Hürth, Germany, is addressing this gap with the DroneHammer, a guided missile developed in Germany for close-range defence (100-1200 metres). The system is the first solution to combine true cost symmetry with the ability to intercept agile drones even under jamming conditions.
The technological superiority of the DroneHammer is based on passive, digitally coded laser guidance that is immune to electronic jamming and a revolutionary CO₂ splitter warhead. This generates a lethal cloud of shrapnel that neutralises targets with high efficiency and drastically reduces collateral damage. In the market environment of ‘turning points’ and a global C-UAS market that is expected to grow to USD 5.8 billion by 2030, the need is evident. Skylance already has documented interest from strategic anchor customers such as the British Armed Forces and state police forces. The capital from this corporate bond will be used to accelerate development to series maturity (TRL 8) and finance the implementation of the first paid pilot projects.
Secure & MiFID II compliant
Successfully financed
Selected issues for subscription
Our investment opportunities are carefully curated by industry experts.
Step 1
Inform
Read the basic information sheet (BIB) and make your investment decision.
Step 2
Register & Identify
Create an account via the OmniPersona app (iOS/Android). Secure KYC process (e.g. PostIdent) to protect your data.
Step 3
Digital drawing
Complete the investor protection questionnaire (MiFID II) in the tacct app and subscribe to securities online.
Become a defence tech investor in three steps.
Innovation & Demand
(The Future)
Function: This is where tomorrow's capability gaps are defined. Those who are visible here shape the tender before it is written (‘shaping’).
Network partners: Cyber Innovation Hub (CIH), NATO DIANA, ArsenalX, Bundeswehr Planning Office.
Our added value: We validate your technology directly at the interface with the user (‘warfighter’) in order to demonstrate its operational added value before the office gets involved.
Procurement & Regulation
(Gatekeeping)
Function: This is where budgets are approved and contracts are signed. The realm of forms, deadlines and compliance.
Network partners: BAAINBw (Koblenz), NATO NSPA (Luxembourg), OCCAR, BMWK (export control).
Our added value: We speak the ‘official language’. We guide you through CPM processes, AVPQ listings and the Foreign Trade Act (AWG/AWV) to prevent formal exclusions.
Scaling & Alliance
(The Market)
Function: This is where national projects become European standards. The lever for large quantities and R&D grants.
Network partners: European Defence Fund (EDF), EUDIS, EDA (Brussels).
Our added value: We structure cross-border consortia to secure access to the billion-pound budgets of EU collaborative projects – without diluting your shares.
Так.
Державні контракти підлягають ціновій регуляції – ваша «ринкова ціна» часто не приймається; натомість застосовується собівартість.
Ми готуємо ваші розрахунки таким чином, щоб вони витримували аудит. Це запобігає тому, що орган контролю за цінами через кілька років вимагатиме повернення прибутку – ризик, який багато новачків недооцінюють.A critical issue.
In teaming agreements with primes (Rheinmetall, Airbus, KNDS), there is a risk of becoming an “extended workbench.”
Our solution: We structure contracts in such a way that your background IP remains protected. Only project-specific adaptations (foreground IP) are shared. For software solutions, we often use “black box” concepts that protect your core code from disclosure.
For getting started: No. For scaling: Yes.
Many digitalization projects are classified as VS-NfD (Classified – For Official Use Only). Without a security clearance notice, you will not receive access to the documents. The problem: You cannot apply for the security clearance (SÜG) yourself – the classic “chicken-and-egg” problem.
We solve this by establishing the necessary “need-to-know” status through our network and initiating the process with the German Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Climate Action (BMWK) on your behalf.
Massive opportunities for rapid market entry.
The law allows the BAAINBw to waive Europe-wide tenders in cases of ‘essential security interests’ (Art. 346 TFEU). We help you position your solution so that it falls under this exemption (‘sole source justification’).
Result: The procurement process is shortened from years to months.
Yes.
Public contracts are subject to pricing regulations – your ‘market price’ is often not accepted; instead, the cost price applies. We prepare your calculations in an audit-proof manner. This prevents the price monitoring authority from reclaiming profits years later – a risk that many newcomers underestimate.
Not exclusively – and for good reason.
Purely success-based award consulting creates conflicts of interest. Our model is hybrid: a monthly retainer for operational work (bid writing, process control) plus a success component in the event of a contract award or funding win (e.g. EDF applications).
This guarantees full commitment – on both sides.
Realistically: 15–25% for the European Defence Fund (EDF), depending on the consortium and topic. For NATO DIANA, the acceptance rate is around 3% – comparable to Y Combinator.
The good news: We know both systems from the inside. We understand which evaluators pay attention to which formulations, how consortia are best structured, and when an application is worthwhile – and when it is not.
Yes – and that is new.
Since 2025, Ukrainian companies have been eligible for EUDIS (EU Defence Innovation Scheme). The EDIP Ukraine Support Instrument provides an additional €300 million.
The challenge: NATO standardisation, quality documentation and IP protection must meet European requirements. We accompany Ukrainian tech companies through this adaptation process – and match them with EU partners for joint production.
That depends on the entry point:
-
Fastest route (3-6 months): Cyber Innovation Hub, experimental testing, direct award under BwBBG
-
Traditional route (12-24 months): Participation in tender, framework agreement
-
EU funding programs (6-18 months): EDF project with subsequent procurement option
In the first week, we analyze which path is the fastest for your solution.
-
Three things:
1. Origin: We come from within the system – 16+ years in the Air Force and the European Defence Agency, not from consulting.
2. Speed: No 200-page studies. We deliver in sprints and measure ourselves in days until the first relevant meeting with the authorities.
3. Ecosystem: tacct is not an isolated consultancy. We are part of ArsenalX and connect strategy directly with financing (‘cycle’).
A critical issue.
In teaming agreements with primes (Rheinmetall, Airbus, KNDS), there is a risk of becoming an “extended workbench.”
Our solution: We structure contracts in such a way that your background IP remains protected. Only project-specific adaptations (foreground IP) are shared. For software solutions, we often use “black box” concepts that protect your core code from disclosure.
-
That depends on the entry point:
-
-
Fastest route (3-6 months): Cyber Innovation Hub, experimental testing, direct award under BwBBG
-
Traditional route (12-24 months): Participation in tender, framework agreement
-
EU funding programs (6-18 months): EDF project with subsequent procurement option
-
In the first week, we analyze which path is the fastest for your solution.
-
Three things:
1. Origin: We come from within the system – 16+ years in the Air Force and the European Defence Agency, not from consulting.
2. Speed: No 200-page studies. We deliver in sprints and measure ourselves in days until the first relevant meeting with the authorities.
3. Ecosystem: tacct is not an isolated consultancy. We are part of ArsenalX and connect strategy directly with financing (‘cycle’).
For getting started: No. For scaling: Yes.
Many digitalization projects are classified as VS-NfD (Classified – For Official Use Only). Without a security clearance notice, you will not receive access to the documents. The problem: You cannot apply for the security clearance (SÜG) yourself – the classic “chicken-and-egg” problem.
We solve this by establishing the necessary “need-to-know” status through our network and initiating the process with the German Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Climate Action (BMWK) on your behalf.
Massive opportunities for rapid market entry.
The law allows the BAAINBw to waive Europe-wide tenders in cases of ‘essential security interests’ (Art. 346 TFEU). We help you position your solution so that it falls under this exemption (‘sole source justification’).
Result: The procurement process is shortened from years to months.
Yes – and that is new.
Since 2025, Ukrainian companies have been eligible for EUDIS (EU Defence Innovation Scheme). The EDIP Ukraine Support Instrument provides an additional €300 million.
The challenge: NATO standardisation, quality documentation and IP protection must meet European requirements. We accompany Ukrainian tech companies through this adaptation process – and match them with EU partners for joint production.
Not exclusively – and for good reason.
Purely success-based award consulting creates conflicts of interest. Our model is hybrid: a monthly retainer for operational work (bid writing, process control) plus a success component in the event of a contract award or funding win (e.g. EDF applications).
This guarantees full commitment – on both sides.
Realistically: 15–25% for the European Defence Fund (EDF), depending on the consortium and topic. For NATO DIANA, the acceptance rate is around 3% – comparable to Y Combinator.
The good news: We know both systems from the inside. We understand which evaluators pay attention to which formulations, how consortia are best structured, and when an application is worthwhile – and when it is not.
Yes – sustainably.
The defense market is countercyclical: While civilian markets fluctuate, framework contracts with the German Armed Forces (Bundeswehr), which typically run for 5–10 years, provide a predictable base workload.
The barriers to entry are high. But that is precisely your advantage: Once certified and listed, competition is significantly lower than in civilian markets. We call this the “moat effect” – it protects your investment in the long term.
Yes.
Public contracts are subject to pricing regulations – your ‘market price’ is often not accepted; instead, the cost price applies. We prepare your calculations in an audit-proof manner. This prevents the price monitoring authority from reclaiming profits years later – a risk that many newcomers underestimate.