Helsing's co-founder is not intending an initial public offering (IPO) at this time.
Munich-based Helsing, a European defence company specialising in AI technology, is making waves in the continent's defence sector. Valued at around €12 billion following a recent €600 million Series D funding round in mid-2025, Helsing is one of Europe's most valuable defence tech firms [1][3][4].
Founded in 2021, Helsing focuses on AI-driven solutions for autonomous drones and other advanced systems across multiple domains: land, air, sea, and subsea. Their flagship land domain product is the HX-2 autonomous strike drone, which currently receives the majority of their investment, followed by active development of air and maritime AI systems [1][4].
The company has leveraged geopolitical tensions, notably the war in Ukraine, to accelerate defence tech investments. Helsing's AI platforms are already operational in real-world combat scenarios, proving their effectiveness while also highlighting challenges such as machine vision limitations and electronic warfare vulnerabilities [2][4].
To address these challenges, Helsing is developing resilient AI systems capable of operating autonomously without reliance on GPS and resisting jamming, addressing battlefield complexities uncovered during recent conflicts [4].
Strategically, Helsing operates a moonshot incubator called Area 9, dedicated to maintaining a cutting-edge innovation pipeline by taking high-risk bets on breakthrough AI battlefield technology. Current projects include AI battlefield intelligence agents that synthesize real-time data from satellites, synthetic aperture radar, and reconnaissance drones to analyze and map combat zones, answering complex queries like identifying damaged buildings or tire tracks within an area [1].
In 2025, Helsing forged a secretive partnership with Mistral, an OpenAI challenger, aiming to push the boundaries of AI warfare technology, though details remain confidential [1]. Their funding has attracted investments from heavyweight venture capital and defence partners including Prima Materia, General Catalyst, Accel, Lightspeed Ventures, Saab, and others, signalling strong market confidence in Helsing's dual mission of advancing European defence capabilities and technological sovereignty [3].
Co-founder Torsten Reil of Helsing stated that the company has no intention of selling, with recent demand for drone manufacturers indicating significant growth potential [2]. The Kamikaze drone HX-2, currently used by Ukraine, will also be tested by the German military [1].
In summary, Helsing is positioned as a major driver of Europe’s AI defence innovation, aiming to maintain technological sovereignty and meet rising security challenges with advanced, AI-centric military systems [1][2][3][4].
References: [1] The Verge (2025). Helsing raises $600 million for AI warfare technology.
Helsing, with a focus on AI technology, is expanding into the finance sector by seeking strategic investments from venture capital firms, such as Prima Materia, General Catalyst, Accel, and Lightspeed Ventures, to fund their advancements in AI warfare technology [1][3]. The company's work in business is closely tied to the development of AI solutions for autonomous drones and other systems across multiple domains, with a significant portion of investments going towards the HX-2 autonomous strike drone [1][4].
In addition to their defence work, Helsing's partnership with Mistral, an OpenAI challenger, shows a strong commitment to leveraging technology to remain at the forefront of AI warfare and ensure technological sovereignty for Europe [1].
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