The Nato Innovation Fund (NIF), the world’s first multi-sovereign venture capital fund focused on defence, security and resilience, has appointed Ulrich Quay and Sander Verbrugge as investment partners. This move follows the strategic direction set at the 2025 Nato Summit which prioritises faster adoption and scaling of critical technologies across the alliance.

Both investors bring extensive experience in deep tech and industrial innovation. Quay previously led Corporate Investments at BMW and founded BMW iVentures, a €500m fund backing companies in AI, automotive technology, manufacturing and supply chains. His investments have contributed to strengthening Europe’s industrial foundation.

Verbrugge joins from Innovation Industries, a €900m European deeptech venture capital fund. He also held roles at NXP, a semiconductor design and manufacturing company. With a PhD in molecular biophysics and hands-on experience supporting startups through scale-up stages, he combines scientific depth with operational expertise.

Supporting Nato’s strategic tech agenda

Their arrival reinforces the fund’s capacity to deliver on Nato’s technological agenda. “We warmly welcome Ulrich and Sander to the fund’s partnership,” said Dr Klaus Hommels and Professor Dame Fiona Murray, Chair and Vice Chair of the Nato Innovation Fund. “They bring experience and wisdom in adoption and scaling to founders and to other fund managers.”

Quay and Verbrugge will contribute to the work of the fund’s Mission Platform Group, led by chief adoption officer John Ridge. The group serves as a bridge between startups and defence ministries, accelerating the deployment of new technologies, protecting strategic capabilities and supporting their long-term integration.

Their appointment comes as the fund intensifies efforts to close the gap between innovation and operational use. Over the past two years, the NIF has built a broad defence, security and resilience ecosystem across Nato member states, with the goal of maintaining the alliance’s technological edge in an increasingly volatile geopolitical landscape.

Reinforcing the fund’s operational capacity

“It’s an incredible time to be joining the Nato Innovation Fund,” commented Quay. “I’m confident that we are well-positioned to strengthen the foundations of the alliance’s defence and security while also helping revitalise the industrial base of allied nations.”

Verbrugge echoed that outlook, saying: “I’m looking forward to working with some of the alliance’s boldest entrepreneurs to unlock the potential of innovative technologies.”

The fund also announced the departure of founding team partner Kelly Chen, who is stepping away to launch a new venture. “We would also like to thank Kelly for her contribution to the fund’s first two years,” the team stated. “She will remain a valued member of the extended Nato Innovation Fund community.”

With a sharpened strategy and a reinforced team, the Nato Innovation Fund aims to address urgent capability needs while supporting emerging technologies that can scale efficiently across allied defence and industrial systems.