Munich-based defense technology company Helsing has cemented its position as a European leader in military AI following raising a landmark €600 million Series D funding round. The investment, led by Prima Materia—the investment firm of Spotify founder Daniel Ek—and supported by Lightspeed Ventures, Accel, Plural, General Catalyst, SAAB, and BDT & MSD Partners, has accelerated Helsing’s total funding to approximately €1.36 billion and rocketed its valuation to €12 billion.
This latest capital infusion reflects surging investor confidence in Helsing’s mission to develop artificial intelligence solutions for military operations across land, air, sea, and subsurface environments. Helsing’s software-first approach enables seamless integration with both new and existing military hardware, empowering defence forces with enhanced threat detection, action coordination, and target engagement via autonomous systems. The company’s technology portfolio spans AI-enabled drones for reconnaissance and operational tasks, autonomous underwater vehicles for maritime and subsurface missions, advanced surveillance systems for situational awareness, and software agents that assist aircraft pilots in complex, high-speed decision-making.
Helsing’s rapid growth and robust funding underscore a broader transformation in the European defence technology sector. Historically, investment in European defence startups lagged behind the US and China, but this is rapidly changing. The establishment of the NATO Innovation Fund—a €1 billion venture fund backed by 23 member countries—highlights the strategic importance of modernizing defence capabilities through advanced AI and autonomous technologies. Helsing’s success in attracting top-tier investors signals a new era for European defence innovation, where speed, precision, and interoperability are paramount.
The company remains committed to upholding ethical standards and transparency while collaborating closely with governments and defence partners. Helsing’s solutions are designed to strengthen the capabilities of democratic nations, aligning technology with real-world military needs and operational protocols.
Other notable players in the European defense technology sector include Arondite, which develops core software and AI systems for autonomous defense technologies; Avalor AI, focused on mission-critical AI for distributed mission autonomy; and Comand AI, offering advanced AI-driven command and control solutions.
