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"It just so happens that the most secure sources of energy are cleaner," Patrick Schneider-Sikorsky, a NATO Innovation Fund partner, tells Axios.

Why it matters: The alliance's €1 billion deeptech fund backs climate-oriented startups alongside more conventional defense tech developers.

The big picture: The NATO Innovation Fund (NIF) invests up to €15 million in seed through Series B rounds, typically as lead investor.

The fine print: It's not a corporate venture arm but instead an independent firm funded by 24 European NATO countries. 

Driving the news: As climate startups look toward defense agencies for funding amid a pullback in venture investment, we talked with Schneider-Sikorsky to learn what NIF's tracking in green investment.

What gap was NATO aiming to fill when it launched NIF in 2022?

"A lack of deeptech investment funds in Europe with patient time horizons and deep pockets. Adoption is the main goal, but it's also early insights.

They were looking at deeptech companies in the U.S.: AI, autonomy, quantum. Europe excels in research and talent, but there was a lack of funding to get these companies to the scale."

The U.S. isn't one of NIF's funders. Why should U.S. investors and founders pay attention?

"We're investing in things that make Europe stronger and a good ally. There's also huge opportunity: Government is committing to spending much more on defense. There's a lot of capital going into these technologies."

Where does energy and climate tech fit in?

"These companies reduce our reliance on other nations for energy, for critical minerals. There are also tons of second-order effects from climate change that drive conflict. 

I'm looking personally at unmanned systems, Earth observation technologies, fusion and fission."

How are policy changes, and the changing U.S. relationship to NATO, influencing or affecting NIF's work?

"The U.S. is a major NATO ally. Regardless of the administration of the U.S., the U.S. plays a critical role in NATO, and that's still the case."

Q&A: NATO sets its sights on energy security

We talk with partner Patrick Schneider-Sikorsky.

Photo illustration of Patrick Schneider-Sikorsky surrounded by abstract shapes. 

Photo illustration: Axios Visuals. Photo: Courtesy of NATO Innovation Fund

&quot;It just so happens that the most secure sources of energy are cleaner,&quot; Patrick Schneider-Sikorsky, a NATO Innovation Fund partner, tells Axios.Why it matters: The alliance&#x27;s €1 billion deeptech fund backs climate-oriented startups alongside more conventional defense tech developers.

Q&A: NATO sets its sights on energy security

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