Founded in 2021 by Dr. Gundbert Scherf, Torsten Reil, and Niklas Köhler, Helsing develops defence software, drones, and broader military systems across air, land, sea, and underwater domains. The company has expanded into underwater defence capabilities and introduced Lura, a submarine detection and surveillance platform, earlier this year. Helsing holds an active €1.46 billion drone contract with the German military, reflecting significant government demand. Its valuation rose to €12 billion after a €600 million Series D in 2025, and the current fundraising would peg it at roughly $18 billion. Despite U.S. investors leading the new round, the company remains about 80% European-owned. Helsing faces growing competition from other defence and autonomous systems firms, including U.S. entrants such as Anduril.

Total raised

$2.7B

Funding rounds

5

Latest round

Equity

Latest activity

May 2026