Helsing is a German defence-technology company headquartered in Munich, valued at around $14bn, and one of Europe's three defence unicorns (startups valued at over $1bn), alongside Quantum Systems (also German, drones) and Tekever (Portuguese, drones). It was co-founded by Gundbert Scherf, who serves as co-CEO, and Niklas Köhler. The firm focuses on applying artificial intelligence to military applications. It is increasing its investments in Britain as part of the broader Anglo-German defence relationship cemented by the 2025 friendship treaty. The EU AI Champions Initiative announced a partnership between Helsing and Mistral, a French AI developer, to adapt AI models for defence and security.
The HX-2 is a drone with wings in the shape of an X and a range of 100km. Its AI systems help it attack targets, such as tanks, even if they are protected by communications-jamming technology. Helsing is also building an autonomous fighter it calls "Europa". The firm acquired Blue Ocean, which makes autonomous submarines.
Daniel Ek, Spotify's founder, is a big investor in Helsing, leaving the firm less reliant on American venture capital. The budget committee of Germany's legislature cut expenditure on contracts with Helsing and Stark Defence, a rival, calling for "moderation" in defence spending. Germany subsequently agreed to buy attack drones worth €269m from both Helsing and Stark Defence.
Science is what happens when preconception meets verification.