TEKEVER

About TEKEVER

TEKEVER is a Portuguese-founded defence and aerospace company providing AI-powered autonomous unmanned aerial systems (UAS) and surveillance-as-a-service for military and civilian missions. Founded in 2001 by engineering students from Instituto Superior Técnico in Lisbon and led by CEO Ricardo Mendes, TEKEVER combines aircraft, sensors, communications, AI/data processing and ground-control software so customers can collect and analyse intelligence in real time. Flagship platforms include the modular AR3/AR3 EVO and the larger AR5 (up to around 20 hours endurance and about 50 kg payload), used for battlefield intelligence, maritime patrol, border surveillance, search and rescue and monitoring illegal activity at sea. The company has expanded internationally with operations including the United Kingdom, United States and France. In September 2026 TEKEVER announced the first close of a $580 million Series D valuing the company at $6.4 billion, led by UC Investments and Baillie Gifford, with Merlyn Advisors as a new strategic investor and continued backing from Crescent Cove, Ventura Capital and Iberis Capital; the raise follows selection for the British Army’s CORVUS surveillance programme worth up to £400 million over ten years. Proceeds support international expansion, industrial and technology scale-up and strategic acquisitions. Sources: Tech.eu 23 Sep 2026; tekever.com.