Helsing, a European military drone startup backed by Spotify's Daniel Ek, is poised to raise $1.2 billion, elevating its valuation to $18 billion, according to the Financial Times.
Investment Backing and Leadership
The investment round is anticipated to be led by Dragoneer, with Lightspeed, an existing investor in Helsing, co-leading the funding. This marks a significant increase from the €600 million round led by Ek in June 2025, which valued the company at approximately €12 billion ($14 billion).
Comparisons in the Defense Tech Sector
Helsing stands out as the most valuable defense tech unicorn in Europe. In comparison, German drone manufacturer Quantum Systems raised €180 million in November, reaching a valuation of over €3 billion. Lisbon-based Tekever also entered the unicorn club last year with a £400 million raise, valuing it above £1 billion. The ongoing conflict in Ukraine has spurred interest in autonomous defense technologies, making the sector attractive to venture capitalists.
Helsing's Growing Influence
Founded five years ago, Helsing has quickly established itself as a key player in the defense technology industry. The company's progression reflects a growing trend towards investment in defense startups, driven by the demand for cutting-edge technology in military applications.
Representatives from Helsing, Dragoneer, and Lightspeed were unavailable for immediate comment on the latest funding round.
Source: https://techcrunch.com/2026/05/11/daniel-ek-backed-defense-tech-helsing-to-raise-1-2b-at-18b-valuation/
