Klaus Hommels Steps Down as Chair of NATO Innovation Fund Amid Governance Concerns
In September 2025, German investor Klaus HommelsDealroom has a profile for this one. Try Dealroom → stepped down as chairman of the €1 billion NATO Innovation FundDealroom has a profile for this one. Try Dealroom → after two turbulent years marked by governance challenges and questions over potential conflicts of interest. Hommels, who also leads the venture capital firm Lakestar, will remain involved with the NIF as chair of a newly created geopolitical and strategic advisory council.
The NIF, launched in 2023 with backing from 24 NATODealroom has a profile for this one. Try Dealroom → allies, was designed to support technologies with both civilian and defence applications. Its mandate spans deeptech-focused venture funds and startups across defence, robotics, new materials, and spacetech. Former vice chair Fiona MurrayDealroom has a profile for this one. Try Dealroom → will now lead the fund as its new chair.
Hommels’ dual role at Lakestar and the NIF drew scrutiny after it emerged that both organisations backed companies such as ARX Robotics and Isar Aerospace. Lakestar has also been raising capital for a defence-focused fund this year, reportedly citing Hommels’ NIF position in its fundraising pitch.
The leadership change comes amid wider instability within the NIF, which has seen the departure of four of its five original partners in the past year. Two new partners have recently been appointed as the fund works to restore continuity and credibility.
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