Eric Slesinger, a former CIA officer, is leveraging his intelligence background to invest in defense startups across Europe as nations increase military budgets amid shifting geopolitical dynamics.
The Former C.I.A. Officer Seizes Opportunities in Europe's Defense Sector
The Former C.I.A. Officer Seizes Opportunities in Europe's Defense Sector
As Europe ramps up military spending, venture capitalist Eric Slesinger navigates a booming defense technology landscape.
During a recent trip to Copenhagen, Eric Slesinger's packed schedule involved meetings with engineers developing maritime drones, war-planning software creators, and NATO advisors. Previously, he dined with a senior British intelligence official in London and planned a venture to the Arctic to explore tech suited for harsh climates. This fast-paced work has transitioned him from a CIA officer to an influential venture capitalist focusing on defense and national security in Europe.
Slesinger has invested in eight defense startups and strategized with many more. As the future of transatlantic relations hangs in the balance, European governments are preparing to allocate substantial budgets, possibly amounting to hundreds of billions of euros, for weapons, missile-defense, and advanced satellite systems to bolster their military capabilities.
Years ago, Slesinger moved to Madrid, foreseeing the necessity for heightened defense spending in Europe and predicting that U.S. military protection could no longer be taken for granted. His forecasts now resonate with current realities, especially following significant political shifts following President Trump’s election. His administration stirred tensions by labeling European allies as "pathetic" and "military mooches," fostering a sense of urgency among European leaders to strengthen their defense measures.
Slesinger has invested in eight defense startups and strategized with many more. As the future of transatlantic relations hangs in the balance, European governments are preparing to allocate substantial budgets, possibly amounting to hundreds of billions of euros, for weapons, missile-defense, and advanced satellite systems to bolster their military capabilities.
Years ago, Slesinger moved to Madrid, foreseeing the necessity for heightened defense spending in Europe and predicting that U.S. military protection could no longer be taken for granted. His forecasts now resonate with current realities, especially following significant political shifts following President Trump’s election. His administration stirred tensions by labeling European allies as "pathetic" and "military mooches," fostering a sense of urgency among European leaders to strengthen their defense measures.
