Sparring Capital Partners Lead Series-A Investment in MUSE Electronics to Strengthen Europe’s Cyber Resilience
Vienna, Austria | May 20th, 2025 – MUSE Electronics GmbH, the company behind BACKBONE, the world’s most secure portable end-user device, has raised a 7-digit investment by Sparring Capital Partners. The funding will enable MUSE to expand its footprint across European markets and support its mission to bring uncompromising cybersecurity to defence and critical infrastructure sectors.
MUSE’s mission is to bring next-generation cyber defence to the heart of Europe’s most sensitive systems. They have spent over a decade collaborating with European military and infrastructure partners to develop the world’s most secure portable end-user device. Built in Europe and engineered for environments where failure is not an option, BACKBONE is designed to support highly classified military operations. The company’s proprietary hardware-based cybersecurity solution physically separates security domains, ensuring that sensitive military communication and personal connectivity can safely coexist — without backdoors, compromises, or excuses.
With this new funding, the company is set to scale its presence across European markets and accelerate its growth trajectory.
“BACKBONE is positioned to play a pivotal role in the digital modernization of European defence,” said Michael Steiner, CEO of Sparring Capital. “Its technology elevates cybersecurity standards to new heights, and we’re proud to support Philipp Lechner, Gerald Zach, and the entire BACKBONE team on this exciting journey.”
More than a device, BACKBONE is a multi-domain, ultra-rugged platform that can adapt in real time to new missions and user roles — while standing up to the toughest environmental conditions. Whether deployed in remote outposts or on the front lines, it combines uncompromising security with sleek, durable design. Features include:
- Physical data separation of classified data
- Role- and mission-based hardware reconfiguration via external boot devices
- Real-time system integrity monitoring and automated threat response
- Predictive maintenance through intelligent system tracking
- Fully ruggedized build with IP68/IP69K protection and carbon fiber casing
- Operational range of -20 to +60°C with sunlight-readable display
Philipp Lechner, CEO and Founder of BACKBONE, added: “After more than ten years of intensive development, testing, and successful deployment trials, we’re ready to take our solution to a broader audience. Sparring Capital brings not only capital, but deep conviction and strategic alignment—making them the ideal partner to realize our vision.”
The investment aligns with Sparring Capital’s broader goal to reduce Europe’s international dependencies and boost productivity through transformative technologies. Their support of BACKBONE underscores a commitment to creating a more resilient, autonomous, and secure Europe.
About MUSE Electronics
Based in Vienna, MUSE Electronics is a European cybersecurity company developing the world’s most secure, mission-adaptable end-user-devices. Its solutions are designed for armed forces and infrastructure providers for secure operations in the most demanding environments.
About Sparring Capital Partners
Sparring Capital Partners is a Vienna-based investment firm founded by a group of European entrepreneurs to provide capital and expertise to companies with strong growth prospects. Sparring backs visionary founders commercializing breakthrough technologies that contribute to a stronger, more self-reliant Europe.