Europe is increasingly recognizing the importance of defense investment, with Lithuania leading the charge by committing 5% to 6% of its GDP to military spending and supporting defense startups. Coinvest Capital, Lithuania’s sovereign VC fund, has been a pioneer in this area, investing €6.8 million in defense and dual-use startups since 2023. Managing partner Viktorija Trimbel emphasizes co-investment with business angels to enhance the ecosystem. The urgency for defense funding stems from Lithuania’s historical experiences with Soviet occupation and the ongoing war in Ukraine. Trimbel’s advocacy extends beyond defense, focusing on societal mobilization and resilience amid geopolitical threats.