Helsing
German defense technology company developing AI-powered software, autonomous drones, and underwater surveillance systems for democratic governments.
- CEO / Founder
- Torsten Reil (Co-CEO) & Dr. Gundbert Scherf (Co-CEO)
- Team Size
- 501-1000
- Stage
- Growth Stage
- Total Funding
- $3.3B
- Latest Round
- Series E
- Key Investors
- Prima Materia (Daniel Ek); General Catalyst; Lightspeed Venture Partners; Accel; Greenoaks; Saab; JPMorgan Chase; Iconiq; Elad Gil
Technology & Products
Key Products
HX-2 AI strike drone; HF-1 strike drone; CA-1 Europa autonomous combat air vehicle; Altra AI-enabled battlefield-operations software; SG-1; Fathom underwater surveillance system; Centaur AI agent for fighter jets
Differentiation
Value Proposition
AI-powered defense platform that enhances weapons systems, provides real-time battlefield intelligence, and enables autonomous drone operations for democratic nations.
How They Differentiate
European-owned and operated with deep ties to European defense ministries; exclusively sells to democratic governments; combines AI software layer with own hardware (drones, UAVs, underwater systems); integrated into major European fighter jets (Eurofighter Typhoon, Saab Gripen) and Future Combat Air System.
Market & Competition
Target Customers
European defense ministries and NATO member nations; primarily Germany, Ukraine, Estonia, and other democratic governments.
Industry Verticals
Defense; Aerospace; Military Intelligence; Maritime Security; Border Surveillance
Competitors
Anduril Industries (US); Shield AI (US); Palantir Technologies (US); Quantum Systems (Germany); Stark Defence (Germany)
Growth & Milestones
Growth Metrics
Grew from 0 to approximately 900 employees (2025); valuation grew from €100M (2021) to $18B (2026).
Major Milestones
Founded March 2021; €100M seed round led by Daniel Ek (Nov 2021); Acquired Design AI (2022); Partnership with Rheinmetall (Sep 2022); Partnership with Saab (Sep 2023); €209M Series B led by General Catalyst (Sep 2023); €450M Series C at €5B valuation (Jul 2024); FCAS AI infrastructure contract (2024); HX-2 drone unveiled (Dec 2024); €600M Series D at €12B valuation (Jun 2025); Project Beyond — first AI-piloted fighter jet dogfight trial (May-Jun 2025); Acquired Grob Aircraft (Jun 2025); Acquired Blue Ocean (autonomous underwater vehicles, Oct 2025); $1.8B Series E at $18B valuation (Jul 2026)
Notable Customers
German Ministry of Defence; Ukrainian Armed Forces (4,000 HF-1 + 6,000 HX-2 strike drones); Estonian Defence Forces; NATO