Munich-based Helsing has secured €600M in a Series D funding round led by Prima Materia to accelerate its all-domain defence innovation capabilities.
Founded by Gundbert Scherf, Niklas Köhler, and Torsten Reil in 2021, the German defence tech company has raised over €1B across multiple funding rounds. Prior to this round, the company raised €450M in a Series C round in 2024 and €102.5M in 2021.
The funding will accelerate Helsing’s development of AI-powered defence technologies and strengthen its position as Europe’s leading defence tech innovator. The company aims to deliver critical capabilities that ensure European strategic autonomy and security readiness amid evolving geopolitical challenges.
The round attracted participation from existing investors Lightspeed Ventures, Accel, Plural, General Catalyst and SAAB, alongside new investor BDT & MSD Partners.
Helsing claims that it has established itself as the premier European defence tech company, positioning itself to address urgent requirements for advanced technologies in the sector.
European technological sovereignty takes centre stage
Helsing specialises in artificial intelligence applications for defence, focusing on all-domain defence innovation that spans air, land, sea, space, and cyber domains.
The European defence technology sector is experiencing rapid growth as nations strengthen capabilities in response to geopolitical tensions, with increased emphasis on strategic autonomy and advanced AI-powered systems.
The company’s AI leadership distinguishes it in the competitive landscape, particularly as European governments prioritise domestic technological capabilities over reliance on external solutions. Helsing claims its approach addresses the critical need for sovereign defence technologies that can operate across multiple domains simultaneously.
Prima Materia founder doubles down on European defence tech
The founding team combines deep expertise in AI and defence applications, with the company rapidly establishing itself as Europe’s go-to defence technology innovator.
Prima Materia, founded by Daniel Ek, who also serves as Helsing’s Chairman, brings significant strategic value beyond capital through its focus on European technological sovereignty.
“As Europe rapidly strengthens its defence capabilities in response to evolving geopolitical challenges, there is an urgent need for investments in advanced technologies that ensure its strategic autonomy and security readiness,” says Daniel Ek, Founder, Prima Materia, and Chairman, Helsing.
“Helsing is uniquely positioned with its AI leadership to deliver these critical capabilities in all-domain defence innovation. By doubling down on our investment, Prima Materia reaffirms its commitment to empowering Europe’s technological sovereignty—an ambition Helsing perfectly embodies,” adds Ek.
Rapid funding trajectory reflects defence tech urgency
The latest funding round follows quickly after Helsing’s €450M Series C in July 2024, which involved General Catalyst, Elad Gil, Accel, Saab, Lightspeed Ventures, Plural and Greenoaks. This accelerated funding timeline reflects both the company’s rapid progress and the urgent market demand for advanced defence technologies in Europe.
Helsing’s ability to attract over €1B in funding within a short timeframe demonstrates investor confidence in both the team’s execution capabilities and the critical market need for European defence technology leadership.
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