Christoph Keese joins as Co-Founder
The European defence platform BASED is entering a new growth phase and expanding its leadership team, according to Commvisory: media entrepreneur and investor Christoph Keese will become Co-Founder.
The platform emerged from the Munich Security Breakfast in 2024 and connects defence and dual-use start-ups, industry, investors, and public procurers to bring innovations to application more quickly.
Strategic importance for Europe's security
BASED sees itself as an operational infrastructure for building a high-performing European defence ecosystem, according to Commvisory. The aim is to strengthen Europe's technological sovereignty, resilience, and defence capability in the face of growing geopolitical tensions.
With the support of the Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Energy and the Federal Ministry for Digital and Public Service Modernisation, the platform is to function as de:hub Security & Defense.
Experience and network for the next growth phase
Christoph Keese brings extensive experience from the media, digitalisation, and venture capital sectors. He was formerly editor-in-chief of Financial Times Deutschland and Die Welt, and was also instrumental in shaping POLITICO Europe.
His entry is intended to expand BASED's strategic reach, mobilise capital, and scale innovations in the European security and defence sector.
Networking as the key to the defence ecosystem
BASED was initiated by Lippold von Oldershausen. The platform's long-term aim is to create a structured network that connects politics, industry, research, and investors.
With the expansion of the platform, BASED aims to accelerate innovations and establish one of Europe's most impactful defence ecosystems.
Source: Christian Fischer and COMMVISORY