During the debate over the German Armed Forces’ purchase of combat drones from a company that also has US investor Peter Thiel on its board, co‑founder Florian Seibel has entered the discussion. “Peter Thiel is a world‑class tech investor” Seibel told the Saturday edition of the “Frankfurter Allgemeine Zeitung”.
Seibel holds less than ten percent of Stark Defence. He launched Stark in 2024 together with two partners because his own company, Quantum Systems, was unable to build attack weapons. Quantum manufactures unmanned reconnaissance systems that are likewise being tested by the Bundeswehr. According to Seibel, Thiel’s stake in Quantum is below five percent, meaning the investor has no special rights or controlling influence.
Previously the Green Party criticized the Ministry of Defence’s plan to award a contract to a firm where Thiel is involved. Seibel stressed how vital the early‑stage financing from Thiel’s funds had been for his companies. “He stepped in when no other European was willing to finance us” he said. “This double standard bothers me”.