Defense technology company TEKEVER, which in May became Portugal’s latest unicorn, has acquired Cocoon Experience, a leading UX and service design company, to further enhance its human-centred innovation.
Announcing the acquisition, TEKEVER said it is the “natural next step” in a years-long partnership grounded in mutual trust, shared values, and a common belief that the best technology must be not only powerful but also “intuitive, adaptable, and designed around real operational needs.”
TEKEVER, a specialist in AI-enabled unmanned aerial systems, believes its user-centric approach has played an important role in demanding missions, including operations on the frontlines in Ukraine.
Founded in 2001, it delivers data and intelligence services through three mission-focused unmanned aerial systems.
The AR3 is a modular, optionally VTOL-capable drone built for extended operations in challenging terrain. The AR4 is optimized for short-range intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance missions. The AR5, designed for maritime operations, features long-range satellite communications and can carry payloads like maritime radar, making it suitable for beyond-radio-line-of-sight (BRLOS) missions.
“Cocoon’s team of behavioural scientists, design strategists, and UX experts has been instrumental in some of our most innovative projects – and will now be fully integrated into the TEKEVER ecosystem, helping us scale and accelerate the next generation of autonomous, AI-powered systems,” the Lisbon-headquartered company said.
According to Ricardo Mendes, CEO of TEKEVER, Cocoon Experience’s integration into TEKEVER reaffirms their commitment not only to creating the most innovative technologies but also to keeping users at the heart of everything they do.
Anabela Fernandes, managing partner at Cocoon Experience, described the union as an “incredible opportunity to apply our human-centric approach to mission-critical applications that enhance safety, security, and operational effectiveness on a global scale.”
Featured image: Screenshot from a video on TEKEVER’s website (Courtesy of TEKEVER)
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