Your questions, answered

What is NSSIF?

The National Security Strategic Investment Fund (NSSIF) is the UK Government's deep tech venture capital fund for National Security and Defence. It is a partnership between the NS&D community and the Department for Science, Innovation and Technology (DSIT) that invests in pioneering dual-use technologies to rapidly accelerate development to secure the UK's future security and prosperity.

What can NSSIF do for me?

We provide investment and funding opportunities, via direct equity stakes and indirectly (via our fund-of-funds programme with aligned venture capital funds), for start-ups developing dual-use technologies relevant to NS&D.

We enable partnerships with government customers, which can give you a pathway to trial, test, and deploy your technology within government, and can be a significant boost for growth and credibility.

We offer market insight and strategic guidance, which can help you align with real demand or evolve your investment thesis.

We crowd-in private investment. NSSIF backing can make it easier for your start-up to attract other investors and for our Partners to join your funding round.

What sort of technologies does NSSIF fund?

NSSIF backs technologies that address current and future needs across the UK’s National Security and Defence (NS&D) landscape. Our focus spans four strategic themes:

• AI & Data
• Quantum, Semiconductors & Advanced Compute
• Space & Communications
• Emerging Technologies - including areas such as engineering biology and advanced materials.

We assess opportunities across Horizons 1, 2 and 3, investing in dual-use technologies with both commercial viability and strategic relevance.

Does NSSIF collaborate with other government departments?

Yes. NSSIF works closely with a range of government departments to ensure our investments are strategically aligned and deliver cross-government value. Collaboration is central to our mission.

How does NSSIF select companies to invest in?

We invest in companies that align with National Security priorities and demonstrate strong commercial potential. Each opportunity is evaluated on its technological innovation, strategic relevance, scalability, and ability to deliver real-world impact.

Our selection process combines rigorous due diligence with insights from government and industry experts. We aim to ensure every investment strengthens the UK’s NS&D innovation ecosystem - supporting technologies that matter and businesses that can scale.

What stage of companies does NSSIF invest in?

Our focus is on early-stage ventures - typically at Seed or Series A - with the potential to transform NS&D capabilities. We usually invest as minority syndicate members and do not tend to lead rounds.

As companies grow, we support them in navigating NS&D procurement pathways and accessing further capital. We work closely with other government investors, such as the British Business Bank, to help founders secure the funding they need to scale.

How do I get in touch with NSSIF?

We’re always seeking exciting companies to collaborate with and we’re intentional about who we choose, placing real value on the principles and purpose that drive your organisation.

See our Contact us page for more details.

Please note, we review all enquiries that we receive but, as a demand-led organisation, can only respond to where your capabilities align with our NS&D priorities.