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Helsing Raises $1.8 Billion at $18 Billion Valuation
The German defense technology company announced the funding round on Monday. The round values Helsing at $18 billion and makes it the most valuable startup in mainland Europe.
Jul 14, 6:30 PM·1m read1 source
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Helsing announced Monday that it raised $1.8 billion from private investors at an $18 billion valuation. The round increases the company's value from nearly $14 billion in its 2025 funding round. The company produces autonomous military systems including the Altra battlefield intelligence platform and HX-2 strike drones.
It began manufacturing drones in 2024 after initially focusing on AI software that combined sensor and weapons data.
Forbes estimates that the three cofounders each hold stakes of 12.6 percent. Their individual holdings are now valued at $2.3 billion each, up from $1.9 billion after the prior round. Helsing said investor demand for the latest round exceeded the amount it chose to accept. The company stated that it remains predominantly European-owned.
Background Helsing was founded in 2021.
The cofounders previously worked in gaming software, AI research, and defense consulting. The company reported in February 2025 that it was producing 6,000 HX-2 drones for Ukraine. It also opened a factory in Germany with capacity to manufacture more than 1,000 drones per month.
Earlier this year, Reuters reported that the German government planned to order approximately $640 million worth of drones from Helsing and a rival as part of a larger $4.9 billion procurement framework.
