Helsing's Billion-Euro Boost: Spotify Mogul's Investment in Kamikaze Drones
Entrepreneur Behind Spotify Backs Funding for Remote-Controlled Explosive Drones
Step right up, folks! The gloves are off, and the stakes are higher than ever. German defense startup, Helsing, just pocketed a whopping €600 million in its latest funding round, buoyed by the generosity of Spotify co-founder, Daniel Ek. Prima Materia, Ek's investment firm, took the lead on this massive round, valuing Helsing at a staggering €12 billion, according to reports from the Financial Times.
With this injection of cash, Helsing is poised to join the ranks of Europe's most valuable private tech companies. Previously, the company was pegged at around €5 billion following a €450 million funding round in 2024[4]. It's safe to say that this robotics and AI wunderkind has grown into a colossal force to be reckoned with.
Helsing's focus is as broad as the battlefield itself. Originally started on AI software for battlefield applications, the company has since expanded its interests to include the production of autonomous strike drones and other military hardware[4]. There's no rest for the wicked, or bold, as they forge ahead with new drone production, focusing particularly on Ukraine's needs[4].
Diving deeper, Helsing has announced plans for an underwater surveillance system, further expanding its military tech offerings[4]. Recently, the company successfully tested piloting a Saab fighter jet autonomously[1]. Now, that's what I call pushing the envelope!
With this technology now finding its way onto the battlefield, it's become a key player in ongoing conflicts, such as the Ukraine-Russia war. Indeed, the company's focus on strategic autonomy aligns with Europe's broader ambitions to strengthen its technological sovereignty in defense[1][4].
Ek, clearly inspired by the conflict's impact on the use of AI in warfare, told the press that he cannot overstate the potential impact on this war or any other future conflict[5]. Ek initially invested in Helsing in 2021, laying the groundwork for this stunning ascent to the top.
Partners in Profit, Deals in Defense
- Helsing's collaborations with governments in Germany, the UK, and Estonia [4]
- The strategic alliance with Mistral, a French OpenAI competitor, to develop defense-focused large language models [4]
- The establishment of a factory in Germany to ramp up drone production for Ukraine [4]
Sources:1. ntv.de2. rts.de3. dpa.de4. Forbes5. Financial Times
Start-upsArms IndustryAutonomous Systems
In light of Helsing's billion-euro investment in Kamikaze drones, the company is considering expansions beyond military hardware. This could potentially include vocational training programs for its workforce, such as in artificial-intelligence and technology, to keep pace with their growing industry demands. To further its advancements, Helsing has partnered with Mistral, a French company specializing in large language models, aiming to collaborate on defense-focused AI projects. Such ventures point towards a community policy that emphasizes strategic investments and partnerships, aimed at strengthening technological sovereignty within the defense sector.
