Aims to strengthen its defense technology portfolio by acquiring a 70% stake in Tekne and accelerating global expansion.
NUBURU, Inc., an emerging player in the global defense and security sector, has taken a major step forward in its strategic transformation by signing a new binding Letter of Intent with the shareholders of Tekne SpA. The agreement outlines NUBURU’s plan to acquire a 70% controlling stake in Tekne, effectively reviving and restructuring a transaction framework that was initially announced in 2025 but later paused due to regulatory considerations.
This renewed agreement signals a critical milestone in NUBURU’s evolution from a specialized technology provider into a fully integrated military and security platform. The company has been actively repositioning itself to capitalize on the growing global demand for advanced defense technologies, particularly in areas such as non-kinetic effects, directed energy systems, electronic warfare, and AI-driven defense software. By combining its core capabilities with Tekne’s long-established expertise in military engineering, NUBURU aims to create a robust and scalable platform capable of addressing modern security challenges across multiple regions.
Tekne brings to the partnership decades of experience in military mobility platforms, electronic warfare systems integration, and critical defense infrastructure. The company has built strong relationships with government and security clients, positioning it as a trusted partner in the defense ecosystem. Its specialized capabilities are particularly relevant in today’s geopolitical climate, where armed forces are increasingly focused on operational resilience, rapid deployment, and countering emerging threats such as unmanned aerial systems (UAVs).
The agreement follows extensive institutional discussions with representatives of the Italian government, reflecting the strategic importance of the transaction. Because Tekne operates in a sensitive defense sector, the acquisition is subject to Italy’s Golden Power regulatory framework, which governs foreign investments in industries deemed critical to national security. The new authorization process is expected to begin in April 2026, after the formalization of long-term agreements between the parties. This regulatory pathway was a key factor in the earlier suspension of the deal, underscoring the need for alignment with national strategic priorities.
Over the past year, NUBURU and Tekne have worked closely with advisors and government stakeholders to design a revised transaction structure that satisfies both commercial objectives and regulatory requirements. As part of this collaborative approach, NUBURU has already acquired a 2.9% equity stake in Tekne and provided significant financial support to strengthen the company’s industrial base. This phased strategy reflects a broader effort to build trust, demonstrate commitment, and ensure that the partnership contributes to Italy’s domestic defense capabilities.
The newly structured transaction is based on a reference valuation of approximately €52 million for Tekne and outlines a multi-step process through which NUBURU will ultimately achieve a 70% ownership position. To date, NUBURU has provided €13 million in equity financing and has committed an additional €3.692 million, bringing total financing to €16.692 million. This investment is expected to convert into roughly 32.1% of Tekne’s share capital.
Following regulatory approval, NUBURU plans to subscribe to a further €13 million capital increase in Tekne, which would represent an additional 25% stake. In parallel, the company intends to acquire another 10% directly from existing shareholders for €6 million. Upon completion of these steps, NUBURU will consolidate approximately 70% ownership, enabling it to integrate Tekne fully into its broader defense platform.
Importantly, the revised agreement departs from the original 2025 structure, which involved issuing NUBURU shares as part of the acquisition consideration. Under the new framework, no such share issuance will occur. Instead, the capital deployed by NUBURU will be directed primarily toward Tekne’s industrial development and the expansion of joint capabilities. This approach reflects a stronger emphasis on long-term value creation and operational growth rather than financial engineering.
The strategic rationale behind the acquisition is closely tied to the accelerating demand for advanced military technologies worldwide. Defense agencies across the United States, Europe, the Middle East, and the Asia-Pacific region are investing heavily in next-generation systems to enhance their readiness and adaptability. These include counter-drone solutions, electronic warfare platforms, and mobile defense systems capable of operating in complex and rapidly changing environments.
Tekne’s capabilities are particularly well aligned with these needs. Its mobility platforms and electronic warfare integration systems are designed to address the challenges posed by low-cost drones and hybrid warfare tactics, which have become increasingly prevalent in modern conflict zones. The company’s technologies have already been deployed in operational environments, including support for defense and security initiatives in Ukraine, providing real-world validation of their effectiveness.
The combination of Tekne’s field-proven systems with NUBURU’s expertise in directed energy technologies and AI-driven software orchestration is expected to create a powerful and differentiated offering. This integrated platform will enable enhanced sensor interdiction, improved threat detection, and more efficient mission execution, giving defense agencies a comprehensive toolkit for addressing emerging security threats.
Beyond operational capabilities, the partnership also focuses on industrial development and production expansion. Plans are underway to enhance Tekne’s manufacturing capacity, particularly at its facilities in the Abruzzo region of Italy. The companies are evaluating the potential integration of modular and containerized production systems, which would enable flexible and rapidly deployable manufacturing of drones and related technologies. This initiative aligns with broader trends in defense manufacturing, where agility and scalability are becoming increasingly important.
NUBURU’s financial commitment will also support Tekne’s restructuring efforts, strengthening its relationships with suppliers and financial partners while improving overall operational efficiency. These investments are expected to position the combined entity for sustained growth and competitiveness in the global defense market.
From a leadership perspective, executives at NUBURU have emphasized the strategic significance of the agreement. They view the acquisition as a turning point that validates the company’s long-term vision and reinforces its commitment to building a comprehensive defense technology ecosystem. By aligning closely with national interests and leveraging complementary strengths, NUBURU and Tekne aim to establish a strong presence in NATO and allied markets.
Looking ahead, the successful completion of the transaction will mark a new phase in NUBURU’s development. The combined platform is expected to generate substantial revenue growth, with Tekne projecting approximately €50 million in revenue in 2026 and exceeding €100 million in 2027. More broadly, the integration of capabilities across mobility systems, electronic warfare, directed energy, and AI software will create a scalable and versatile defense solution.
In an increasingly complex global security environment, the ability to deliver integrated, adaptive, and technologically advanced systems is becoming a key differentiator. Through its renewed acquisition strategy and deepening partnership with Tekne, NUBURU is positioning itself to meet these demands and play a significant role in shaping the future of military and security technologies.
