German Drone Maker Helsing Raises $1.8 Billion, Valued at $18 Billion

Helsing, a Munich-based drone and software manufacturer founded in 2021, has successfully raised $1.8 billion in one of the largest funding rounds for European startups to date. This significant investment propels the company's valuation to $18 billion, according to Helsing's own statements. The funding round saw participation from notable investors, including Canada's CCP Investments and major US financial players JP Morgan Chase and Goldman Sachs Alternatives. Helsing emphasizes that the majority ownership of the company remains in European hands. The capital infusion is earmarked for advancing its technology development, particularly its AI-driven software that controls unmanned aerial vehicles. Helsing positions itself not as a startup, but as a 'Neo Prime' – a software-centric company challenging established defense contractors. The company already supplies kamikaze drones to Ukraine and has been producing underwater reconnaissance drones since last year. In collaboration with Grob Aircraft, acquired in 2025, Helsing is developing an unmanned fighter jet. The new funds will be crucial for developing advanced AI platforms. While 'Neo Primes' like Helsing are thriving, the broader boom in defense stocks on the stock market has cooled this year, with companies like Rheinmetall seeing their share prices halve since January, though still significantly higher than five years ago. Another German startup, Quantum Systems, recently completed a $1 billion funding round.