Helsing raises $1.2B at $18B valuation, backed by Daniel Ek
Original: Daniel Ek-backed defense tech Helsing to raise $1.2B at $18B valuation
Why This Matters
Defense tech sector sees massive growth as autonomous military systems gain strategic importance
European defense tech startup Helsing is reportedly raising $1.2 billion at an $18 billion valuation, led by Dragoneer and co-led by Lightspeed. The five-year-old military drone company previously raised €600 million in June 2025.
Five-year-old European military drone startup Helsing is close to completing a $1.2 billion funding round at approximately $18 billion valuation, according to Financial Times reports. The round will be led by Dragoneer and co-led by existing investor Lightspeed. This represents significant growth from Helsing's previous €600 million raise in June 2025 at €12 billion valuation ($14 billion USD), which was led by Spotify founder Daniel Ek. The startup has become Europe's most valuable defense tech unicorn, far exceeding competitors like German drone maker Quantum Systems (€3 billion valuation) and Lisbon-based Tekever (£1 billion valuation). Autonomous defense startups have attracted significant VC interest amid Russia's ongoing war in Ukraine.