Resilience Media has completed a seed funding round from investors spanning six countries, establishing the company as a media platform dedicated to NATO’s defense technology sector. The London-based startup secured backing from mission-aligned investors across the UK, US, Germany, Israel, the Netherlands, and Poland.
The company was founded by Leslie Hitchcock, former Director at TechCrunch, and tech entrepreneur Dr. Tobias Stone. Their venture aims to shape narratives within the defense tech space while supporting sector growth through specialized media coverage and events.
Editorial Team and Mission
Resilience Media has assembled an editorial team comprising seasoned former TechCrunch journalists, bringing established tech journalism expertise to the defense sector. The platform focuses on security-related technology developments and serves as a communication bridge between defense tech startups, customers, investors, and strategic partners.
“The journalistic experience we’re bringing into Resilience Media correlates directly to the importance of our mission to convene the defence tech startup [community] with customers, investors and partners” ~ Leslie Hitchcock, co-founder of Resilience Media.
Defense Tech Investment Landscape
The timing of Resilience Media’s launch coincides with significant capital flows into defense technology. Venture capital investment in defense tech reached $5.2 billion in 2024, reflecting growing investor interest in companies developing military and security applications.
This investment surge comes as global conflicts highlight the importance of rapidly deployable technology solutions in modern warfare scenarios. The defense tech sector has gained prominence as traditional military procurement processes adapt to incorporate startup innovations.
Resilience Conference 2025
Beyond media operations, the company will host Resilience Conference 2025, bringing together leaders from NATO, AUKUS, the European Union, and Ukraine. The conference agenda covers critical defense technology topics including autonomy systems, hypersonics development, and resilient supply chain management.
“Ukraine has shown that rapidly iterated and innovative technology will be fundamental in this new era of conflict and startups and investors have a key role to play in defence and national security” ~ Dr. Tobias Stone, co-founder of Resilience Media.
London Defense Tech Week
Complementing the conference, Resilience Media will launch London Defense Tech Week, featuring multiple industry events. The week includes the European Defense Tech Hackathon, Future Forces Demo Day, and various partner events designed to foster collaboration between different sector participants.
These events represent an effort to concentrate defense tech activity in London, potentially establishing the city as a hub for European defense innovation. The initiative comes as European nations increase defense spending and seek technological solutions to security challenges.
Strategic Timing
The company’s formation reflects broader geopolitical shifts driving defense technology investment. Current global conflicts have demonstrated the strategic value of innovative military technologies, particularly those developed by agile startup companies rather than traditional defense contractors.
Resilience Media’s international investor base suggests recognition of defense tech as a cross-border priority among allied nations. The platform’s focus on NATO and allied defense technologies aligns with efforts to strengthen technological cooperation among democratic nations facing shared security challenges.