Sapient Perception announced it has secured €2 million in pre-seed funding to accelerate the development of its software-defined cameras and AI framework designed for mission-critical UAV operations.
The round was co-led by Balnord and FORWARD.one, with proceeds allocated toward advancing product development, expanding the engineering team, and supporting initial deployments across defense, security, and emergency response sectors.
Founded in Copenhagen, Sapient Perception is developing next-generation 10K sensor systems that significantly expand the field of view for drones while maintaining high-resolution imaging. The company’s technology addresses a core challenge in UAV operations, where bandwidth constraints typically force tradeoffs between coverage and resolution.
Sapient’s sensors enable up to 100 times greater area coverage in a single frame compared to conventional systems, while its edge-based AI processing pipeline delivers real-time insights directly onboard. This approach reduces latency, minimizes bandwidth limitations, and enhances operator decision-making in time-sensitive environments.
The company is already collaborating with Dropla Tech to integrate its perception systems into UAVs used in frontline operations. Sapient’s imaging technology is also being incorporated into platforms supporting the Ukrainian Ministry of Defence, where it is used to process real-time drone video for detecting threats such as ambush drones and landmines.
Beyond battlefield applications, Sapient Perception is working with partners deploying its sensors on high-altitude and stratospheric platforms for wide-area intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance use cases, demonstrating the flexibility of its technology across multiple operational environments.
The investment highlights growing demand for advanced edge AI solutions capable of processing large volumes of sensor data in real time, particularly in defense and security contexts where speed and accuracy are critical.
KEY QUOTES:
“In mission-critical situations, the ability to make fast, informed decisions determines outcomes. Our perception layer enables persistent situational awareness through a far wider lens, while delivering the important details to operators in real time. Having this whole picture means decisive action can be taken faster and with a higher level of confidence.”
Anthony Garetto, Chief Executive Officer And Co-Founder, Sapient Perception
“Modern defense and security operations are not taking advantage of the most advanced sensors and the vast data they generate. Sapient Perception addresses this challenge with a highly differentiated edge AI approach that we believe will become foundational to next-generation systems.”
Jarek Pilarczyk, Partner, Balnord
“In the environments Sapient Perception serves, every second matters. Their technology turns high-quality sensor data into real-time insights at the edge, enabling 100× greater coverage than today’s systems. It’s a clear step change — built by a team that knows how to move fast and deliver.”
Cailin Greiner, Investment Manager, FORWARD.one
