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Jul 13, 2026

German Defense AI Startup Helsing Raises $1.8 Billion at $18 Billion Valuation

Europe's largest-ever defense startup funding round, with Munich-based Helsing securing $1.8 billion in Series E capital at an $18 billion valuation, led by Dragoneer and Lightspeed, with participation from Goldman Sachs Alternatives, ICONIQ, JPMorgan Chase, and Canada Pension Plan Investment Board.

Jul 13, 2026·6 sources
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Top claims

  • ▪Helsing's board of directors includes Jeannette zu Fürstenberg, Denis Mercier (former NATO Supreme Allied Commander Transformation), and founders Gundbert Scherf and Torsten Reil (Co-CEOs) and Niklas Köhler (President).
  • ▪Germany signed a framework agreement with Helsing to supply strike drones and other systems worth up to €4.3 billion; in February 2026, Germany's Bundestag approved an initial €269 million contract for Helsing's HX-2 loitering munitions.
  • ▪Helsing's software is integrated into military programs and autonomous strike drones supplied to Ukraine, backed by German government funding.

Topics

Military technologyAI startupsVenture capital

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Germany