Join Capital Leads European Defense Strategy Seminar in Seoul, Spotlighting Dual-Use Technologies and Global Cooperation
Berlin-based venture firm underscores Europe’s role in the next wave of defense innovation, alongside Intralink Korea and the ECCK
Sept. 26, 2025 — Seoul. Join Capital, a leading early-stage venture capital firm investing in deep tech, industrial, and defense technologies, hosted the European Defense 2030 strategy seminar in collaboration with Intralink Korea and the European Chamber of Commerce in Korea (ECCK).
The event brought together policymakers, investors, and industry leaders to explore how dual-use technologies, technology sovereignty, and international cooperation are reshaping the global defense ecosystem.
Tobias P. Schirmer, Founding Partner of Join Capital, and Moritz Pichler, Principal at Join Capital, presented insights into Europe’s defense innovation landscape, investment trends, and the growing role of venture capital in strengthening technology sovereignty.
“Geopolitical shifts, expanding defense budgets, and technology innovation are creating new opportunities in the defense sector,” said Tobias Schirmer. “Defense technology has become a promising field for venture-scale investment. Opening procurement and capital markets further enhances the growth potential of dual-use startups.”
Moritz Pichler added: “Venture capital plays a key role in securing technology sovereignty and accelerating dual-use innovation. Stronger Korea–Europe cooperation is needed to identify and support startups that can serve both commercial and defense markets.”
Dual-Use and Advanced Technologies Reshaping the Defense Landscape
The seminar, titled “European Defense 2030: Dual-Use Technologies and the New Defense Tech Ecosystem”, examined how dual-use innovation is blurring the lines between civilian and military applications — making technology sovereignty and international collaboration strategic imperatives for both Europe and Asia.
More than 40 participants attended the event at Intralink Korea’s Seoul office on September 23.
Jonathan Alex Cleave, CEO of Intralink Korea, and ECCK Vice President Kim Boseon opened the session, highlighting the importance of transnational dialogue and cooperation.
“Defense industry innovation can no longer be pursued in isolation,” said Cleave. “Technology sovereignty and international cooperation are now strategic imperatives.”
Kim Boseon added: “This seminar deepened understanding of dual-use technologies and the evolving defense-tech ecosystem, while expanding the foundation for closer Korea–EU collaboration. We hope to see such exchanges continue in the future.”
DAPA Highlights Technology Sovereignty and Global Cooperation
The first session featured Colonel Seo Yong-won of the Republic of Korea Army, Head of International Cooperation Project Development at the Defense Acquisition Program Administration (DAPA).
He outlined key Korea–Europe defense cooperation initiatives since 2024 and emphasized the importance of linking government, defense, and civilian sectors to accelerate dual-use and cutting-edge technologies.
“Government support to connect companies closely with both defense and civilian sectors is critical for advancing dual-use and cutting-edge technologies,” Seo said.
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About Join Capital
JOIN Capital is an early-stage, pan-European venture capital fund with offices in Berlin, London, and Milan. Since 2017, JOIN has backed founders whose technologies strengthen Europe’s resilience and strategic autonomy through an asymmetric technological advantage.
The firm focuses on deep tech across enterprise, industrial, space, and defense sectors — building companies that secure critical infrastructure and create enduring strategic strength.
JOIN Capital currently invests from its second fund generation, managing over €150 million in assets. Investors include NATO Innovation Fund (NIF), Isomer Capital, KfW Capital, and Cassa Depositi e Prestiti (CDP), among others. To date, JOIN has backed 31 portfolio companies and achieved five successful exits.
About Intralink Korea
Headquartered in the UK, Intralink provides consulting services to companies worldwide seeking global market entry. It supports Korean companies in accessing international markets by connecting them with overseas tech firms. With networks across Europe, North America, and Asia, Intralink identifies and links emerging technologies and innovative products, acting as a local base for its clients. It accelerates market entry and revenue generation through strategic partnerships, distribution channels, investment, and acquisitions.
