
Fault Lines #14 - Dr. Tobias Brune - Neutralizing Drones with Light, Building Europe's Defense Shield
In this episode of Fault Lines, Emily Eisenblätter sits down with Dr. Tobias Brune, founder of Ground A, to explore how the German defense-tech startup is building laser-based systems to detect, track, and intercept drones. After raising €9 million in just eight months and rapidly moving from prototype to field validation, Tobias explains why the growing drone threat requires a new generation of mobile, scalable, and cost-effective defense systems, and why speed and real-world testing matter more than impressive theoretical specifications.
Tobias also shares his unconventional path from materials engineer and corporate technology leader to defense-tech founder, the challenges of building a deep-tech company in Germany, and how Ground A grew from three founders to a team of 25 in a matter of months. He and Emily discuss working with governments and military partners, navigating Europe’s defense ecosystem, choosing the right investors, and why understanding a problem at a deep technical level should come before fundraising. They also look beyond Ukraine at the broader implications of drone technology for critical infrastructure, security, and Europe’s technological sovereignty.
[00:00:00] From Engineer to Defense Tech Founder
[00:01:51] Why Ground A Was Founded
[00:04:04] How Laser-Based Drone Interception Works
[00:06:13] What Really Matters in Drone Defense
[00:09:56] Building for Real-World Military Needs
[00:11:32] Testing Fast and Moving from Prototype to Product
[00:12:39] Lasers and the Layered Defense Approach
[00:14:48] Ground A’s Customers and Commercial Strategy
[00:17:56] The Reality of Becoming a Founder
[00:20:32] Building a Defense Startup in Europe
[00:23:47] Advice for Deep Tech Founders
[00:25:48] What Happens to Defense Tech After the War?
[00:27:33] Europe’s Next Deep Tech Opportunities
[00:29:35] Expanding Ground A Beyond Germany
Fault Lines Podcast is for informational and entertainment purposes only. Nothing in this podcast constitutes investment, financial, legal, or tax advice, nor a recommendation to buy, sell, or hold any security or pursue any investment strategy. Nothing here is an offer to sell or a solicitation of an offer to buy any security or interest in any fund. The views expressed are those of the host and guests in their personal capacity and do not represent the views of OVNI Capital LLC, OVNI Capital SAS, or any affiliated entity. Opinions expressed by guests are their own. Information is believed accurate as of the recording date but is not guaranteed. Listeners should consult their own professional advisors before making any financial decisions.
Hosted by Audiomeans. Visit audiomeans.fr/politique-de-confidentialite for more information.
Altri episodi di "Fault Lines"



Non perdere nemmeno un episodio di “Fault Lines”. Iscriviti all'app gratuita GetPodcast.








