Helsing raises $1.8bn in funding round at $18bn valuation
German defense technology firm Helsing has secured $1.8 billion in new funding, reaching a valuation of $18 billion. The Series E round saw participation from investors including Goldman Sachs Alternatives and Lightspeed Venture Partners.
Munich-based defense technology company Helsing announced on Monday it has raised $1.8 billion in a Series E funding round, achieving a post-money valuation of $18 billion. The round was backed by new and returning investors, including Goldman Sachs Alternatives, Lightspeed Venture Partners, Dragoneer Investment Group, Iconiq, and JPMorgan Chase.
Founded in 2021, Helsing has expanded from developing AI software for the battlefield to incorporating hardware, including autonomous strike drones, AI pilot software, and underwater surveillance systems. The company has stated that investor demand significantly exceeded the available capital, reflecting growing confidence in AI-driven defense technology.
This latest funding round values Helsing at $18 billion, a significant increase from its previous valuation of approximately $13.7 billion last year. The company highlighted that it remains predominantly European-owned despite attracting global investment.
Helsing works with governments in Germany, Estonia, the UK, and Ukraine. The company plans to use the new capital to accelerate the development of its AI platforms for European and allied armed forces as governments across the continent increase defense spending and pursue greater technological sovereignty.