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Daniel Ek-backed defense tech Helsing to raise $1.2B at $18B valuation
Helsing, a military drone startup, is nearing a $1.2 billion funding round at an $18 billion valuation, led by Dragoneer and Lightspeed. Founded five years ago and backed by Daniel Ek, Helsing aims to capitalize on the growing defense tech market amid geopolitical tensions, including the war in Ukraine.
Key points
- Helsing is a five-year-old European military drone startup.
- The startup is close to raising $1.2 billion at an $18 billion valuation.
- Previous funding raised €600 million in June 2025 at a €12 billion valuation.
- Current funding round is led by Dragoneer and co-led by Lightspeed.
- Helsing is considered the most valuable European defense tech unicorn.
- The growth of autonomous defense startups is fueled by the ongoing war in Ukraine.
Why it matters
- The global defense tech sector has gained momentum due to increased military spending amid geopolitical tensions.
- Autonomous defense technologies are being prioritized in light of modern warfare needs.
- Helsing's rise mirrors other defense tech funding trends, with significant investments in similar startups post-2020.
Helsing's significant funding round illustrates the increasing investor confidence in defense tech, particularly as geopolitical tensions rise, making such technologies vital for military applications.