Published on April 15, 2026
Norwegian startup Stendr, led Larsen, is stepping into the defence technology sector with a focus on AI-driven drone detection. Larsens’ impressive background as co-founder of Sky Mavis, known for the blockchain game Axie Infinity, set the stage for this ambitious pivot. The startup has officially raised $5.4 million in a pre-seed round, drawing interest from a variety of European defence and tech investors.
The decision to venture into counter-drone technology follows a significant cybersecurity incident that saw Larsen and his team survive a massive $620 million hack attributed to North Korean hackers. This experience highlighted the growing threats in the digital landscape and underscored the need for advanced protective measures, particularly in defence sectors across Europe.
Stendr aims to leverage cutting-edge AI to detect and track drones that may pose security risks, addressing a critical gap in current defence capabilities. With the funding secured, Stendr is poised to enhance capabilities that can potentially safeguard urban and sensitive areas against drone-related threats. The technology promises real-time monitoring and swift response times, key factors in rapidly evolving security scenarios.
The successful funding round signals strong investor confidence in Stendr’s mission. As drone technology becomes increasingly accessible, the need for robust countermeasures has never been greater. This shift in focus not only reflects Larsen’s resilience in the face of adversity but also highlights the expanding intersection between technology and national security.
Related News
- Chauvet Cave Paintings Debut in Stunning 6K IMAX
- HeyGen CLI Transforms Content Creation with Command-Line Innovations
- Transforming Workflows: The Rise of Genuine AI Collaboration
- Tech Update
- Meta Faces EU Threat Over WhatsApp's AI Restrictions
- US Declines in Vaccination Could Lead to $7.8 Billion Measles Crisis