SWARM Biotactics, a developer of bio-robotic systems using living insects, has secured €10 million in seed funding, bringing its total capital raised to €13 million. The funding round, oversubscribed and backed by a global consortium of investors, marks a significant step in transitioning its proprietary technology from lab-based research to operational deployment.
The round was led by Vertex Ventures US, with participation from Possible Ventures and Capnamic, the latter having also invested in the company’s €3 million pre-seed round. Several early-stage investors increased their stakes, reflecting growing confidence in SWARM’s vision of reshaping robotics through biologically integrated systems.
Founded in 2024 and headquartered in Kassel, Germany, with a U.S. subsidiary in San Francisco, SWARM Biotactics is creating a new class of intelligent robotic platforms. Unlike traditional drones or ground robots, SWARM’s systems are built around fully controllable cockroaches fitted with custom-designed “backpacks” equipped with sensors, neural interfaces, and secure communication tools. These bio-robots are designed for persistent intelligence and real-time data gathering in inaccessible, high-risk, or politically sensitive environments—such as collapsed infrastructure, denied zones, and complex terrain.
“We’re entering a decade where access, autonomy, and resilience define geopolitical advantage,” said Stefan Wilhelm, CEO of SWARM Biotactics. “This funding takes us beyond deep tech and into deployment—delivering systems where no drone or robot can reach.”
The company plans to use the fresh capital to scale its operations across Europe and North America. Key initiatives include launching pilot programs with defense, security, and emergency response agencies; ramping up production of its proprietary sensor platforms; expanding R&D and international engineering hubs; and recruiting top-tier talent across insect neurobiology, embedded AI, and field robotics.
“Our goal is to build a scalable, dual-use intelligence platform adaptable to any terrain, mission, or threat,” said Moritz Strube, CTO and co-founder. “This investment validates that mission and brings in the right global partners to help us scale responsibly.”
