Helsing, a pioneering defence AI company based in Munich, has set a new milestone with a monumental €450 million funding round. General Catalyst led this Series C financing, underscoring Helsing’s pivotal role in advancing AI-driven solutions for national security. Strategic investors including Saab, Elad Gil, Accel, Lightspeed, Plural, and Greenoaks also participated, reflecting strong industry confidence in Helsing’s innovative capabilities.
Founded on a mission to enhance defence infrastructure through AI, Helsing has swiftly positioned itself as a leader in the European defence technology sector. This latest funding round, the largest in European AI company history, will fuel Helsing’s expansion initiatives across key markets and bolster its technological advancements.
“This funding round marks a significant leap forward for Helsing and reaffirms our commitment to strengthening global security through cutting-edge AI solutions,” commented Torsten Reil, co-founder of Helsing, on previous rounds. “With General Catalyst’s support and our strategic partnerships, we are poised to accelerate innovation and meet the evolving needs of defence forces worldwide.”
Gundbert Scherf, co-founder, earlier highlighted the strategic importance of partnerships in driving Helsing’s growth: “Our collaborations with industry leaders like Saab and our investors underscore our collective effort to pioneer transformative technologies for defence applications.”
Paul Kwan, Managing Partner at General Catalyst, emphasized Helsing’s pivotal role in shaping the future of defence technology: “Helsing exemplifies the intersection of advanced AI capabilities and national security imperatives. This investment underscores our confidence in their ability to drive innovation and resilience in global defence.”
Micael Johansson, President and CEO of Saab, echoed the sentiment, emphasizing the strategic value of their partnership with Helsing: “Our collaboration aims to enhance Saab’s defence portfolio and deliver cutting-edge solutions that empower our customers to navigate complex security challenges.”
Daniel Ek, co-chairman of Helsing, expressed optimism about the company’s trajectory: “This funding milestone solidifies Helsing’s position as a trailblazer in AI-powered defence technology. We remain committed to advancing responsible AI solutions that safeguard democratic values and ensure global security.”
Advancing Defence Capabilities with AI
Since its inception, Helsing has focused on developing AI-driven software solutions to optimize defence operations and enhance decision-making capabilities. The company’s proprietary software platform integrates real-time data from various sensors, providing critical insights to military forces for tactical and strategic planning.
Helsing’s innovative approach has garnered widespread recognition within the defence industry, securing critical contracts and partnerships. Notably, the company has been instrumental in projects such as the Eurofighter Electronic Warfare upgrade and the AI infrastructure for the Future Combat Air System (FCAS) program, underscoring its role as a trusted partner in defence modernization efforts.
With a steadfast commitment to excellence and responsible innovation, Helsing continues to push the boundaries of AI technology, supporting national security initiatives and safeguarding democratic values on a global scale.
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