Helsing, a Munich-based defense technology company developing artificial intelligence systems for democratic nations, has raised $1.8 billion in a Series E funding round, valuing the company at $18 billion.
Founded in 2021 by Torsten Reil, Gundbert Scherf and Niklas Köhler, Helsing develops AI software and autonomous defense systems spanning air, land, sea and space operations.
Funding to Accelerate AI Defense Technologies
The Series E round included participation from Dragoneer Investment Group, Lightspeed Venture Partners, Disruptive, Iconiq, Growth Equity at Goldman Sachs Alternatives, JPMorganChase, Canada Pension Plan Investment Board (CPP Investments), General Catalyst, Plural and Stepstone.
Helsing said the new capital will support the expansion of its AI platforms and autonomous defense systems for allied governments, while strengthening partnerships with defense manufacturers and military organizations.
The company’s portfolio includes AI-enabled strike drones, electronic warfare systems, autonomous underwater vehicles, battlefield decision-support software and autonomous combat aircraft.
Growing Demand for AI in Defense
Helsing said it is expanding its presence as governments increase investment in AI-enabled defense capabilities and modernize military infrastructure.
Recent initiatives include partnerships with EURENCO on European strike drone capabilities, OHB on space-based defense systems, Mistral AI on defense AI models and Loft Orbital on satellite technologies. The company has also expanded drone manufacturing in Estonia.
Helsing operates in Germany, France, the United Kingdom and Estonia, supplying AI-enabled defense technologies exclusively to democratic governments.
The company is co-led by Chief Executive Officers Torsten Reil and Gundbert Scherf, while Niklas Köhler serves as President and Chief Product Officer. Its board is co-chaired by Spotify founder Daniel Ek and former Airbus Chief Executive Officer Tom Enders.
With the latest financing, Helsing has raised more than $3 billion since its founding in 2021.