S-Ventures PLC - Proposed Fundraise and Potential Investment

18 March 2026

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S-Ventures PLC

("S-Ventures", "Group" or the "Company")

Proposed Fundraise of up to £2 Million and Potential Investment in Hybrid Drones Ltd ("HDL")

S-Ventures PLC, the AQUIS listed investment company focused on high-growth opportunities, announces that it has commenced a fundraising process intended to raise up to £2 million (before expenses) through an issue of new ordinary shares (the "Fundraising").

Subject to the successful completion of the Fundraising, the Company intends to use a substantial proportion of the proceeds to invest in a defence drone technology business as detailed further below.

Proposed Fundraise

The Company intends to raise up to £2 million through a placing and subscription of new ordinary shares at a price of 3.5 pence per share (the "Issue Price").

The placing has already received initial commitments from the Company's Directors and shareholders amounting to £250,000, of which Bhanu Choudhrie and Scott Livingston will each be investing £50,000.

The Company expects to complete the Fundraising during March 2026.

Potential Investment in Drone Technology Business - https://www.hydradrones.com

Subject to the completion of the Placing, the Company intends to invest in HDL, a defence drone technology business that is developing next generation hybrid unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) combining jet propulsion with battery powered systems.

The investment would form part of a broader funding round being undertaken by HDL, which has previously attracted participation from MBDA, one of the world's leading defence enterprises specialising in advanced complex missile and defence systems.

Recent prototypes of the hybrid platform have received industry recognition for both extended flight distance and payload-to-weight performance, highlighting the potential advantages of the technology in operational defence environments.

HDL is currently progressing a number of opportunities with military organisations and government partners internationally, reflecting growing demand for advanced autonomous and hybrid aerial systems, both in military and civilian applications. 

S-Ventures believes the investment in HDL provides exposure to a rapidly expanding area of the defence technology sector as governments increasingly prioritise next-generation UAV capabilities.

Members of the S-Ventures Board of Directors have prior experience in defence-related businesses, providing relevant sector knowledge and strategic insight as the Company evaluates opportunities within this market.

S-Ventures PLC have been provided with the opportunity to invest in HDL at an attractive valuation below £10m and will invest up-to £1.5m in the company. In the event that S-Ventures PLC invests so as to achieve a material stake in HDL, it is intended that the Company will have the right to a board position.

Management Commentary

Bhanu Choudhrie - Director for S-Ventures PLC commented:

"We are very excited to have this opportunity to invest in HDL, this innovative defence drone business, which has made strong progress in developing hybrid UAV technology combining jet propulsion with battery systems.

The performance of the latest prototypes, which have received recognition for both flight distance and payload capability, demonstrates the strength of the underlying engineering and the potential operational advantages of the technology.

With growing demand for advanced autonomous aerial systems from governments and military organisations globally, we believe HDL is well positioned to capitalise on this rapidly expanding opportunity."

Gavin Youll - CFO for Hybrid Drones Limited commented:

"We are pleased to be partnering with S-Ventures PLC on this proposed fundraising and are encouraged by their intention to support HDL's next phase of growth. This potential investment represents an important step in scaling our hybrid UAV platform and advancing our commercial partnerships internationally.

The interest shown by S-Ventures, alongside existing participants including MBDA, reflects growing confidence in our technology and its application across both defence and civilian sectors.

We look forward to working closely with S-Ventures as we continue to develop and deploy next-generation hybrid drone systems designed to meet the evolving demands of modern operational environments."

About S-Ventures PLC

S-Ventures PLC is an Aquis-listed investment company focused on identifying and supporting high-growth opportunities across emerging sectors, partnering with innovative businesses to accelerate development and create long-term shareholder value.

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