Spotify's $694M Bet On AI War Tech: What Daniel Ek's Helsing Move Signals For Investors Watching The Defense Boom

European artificial intelligence defense startup Helsing announced a €600 million ($694 million) funding round on Tuesday, led by Prima Materia, the investment firm founded by Spotify (NYSE:SPOT) CEO Daniel Ek and Shakil Khan, an earlier investor in Spotify.

The company said the new funding will help advance Europe's "technological sovereignty" by scaling domestic production of AI-driven defense systems. Helsing uses artificial intelligence to support military decision-making by connecting real-time sensor and weapons system data with advanced software architectures, according to its website.

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Founded in 2021, the company operates in Germany, France, and the U.K. Its product portfolio includes platforms like the HX-2, which reflects the company's move to integrate AI with battlefield-ready hardware. According to Helsing, its technologies are already being deployed under several government contracts, though specific client names have not been disclosed.

High-Profile Backers Fuel Helsing's Growth Strategy

The latest investment round includes contributions from existing stakeholders Lightspeed Venture, Accel, General Catalyst, Plural, and Swedish defense firm SAAB. New participants include BDT & MSD Partners, according to Helsing.

Ek, who also serves as Helsing's chairman, said the investment reflects an urgent need to bolster Europe's security architecture amid rising global tensions. "As Europe rapidly strengthens its defense capabilities in response to evolving geopolitical challenges, there is an urgent need for investments in advanced technologies that ensure its strategic autonomy and security readiness," Ek said in the statement.

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Helsing's prior valuation stood at approximately €5 billion following a €450 million round led by General Catalyst in 2023. The company declined to confirm its current valuation due to pending regulatory approvals, CNBC says.

Defense Tech Surpasses Traditional Venture Markets

The funding surge reflects a broader shift in the European investment landscape. According to the NATO Innovation Fund, venture capital backing for defense, security, and resilience startups in Europe reached a record $5.2 billion in 2024. That figure represents a 30% increase over the past two years, despite a 45% contraction in general VC markets over the same period.

According to CNBC, ongoing conflicts such as the war in Ukraine and conflict between Israel and Iran have driven investor interest in technologies that enhance operational readiness and strategic autonomy. Helsing is among a growing list of AI-focused defense startups offering governments and militaries tools to manage complex warzones through automation and real-time intelligence.

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Europe's AI Defense Race Accelerates

Helsing says it will use the newly raised capital to advance its AI-based software platforms and scale integrated systems like the HX-2, a mass-producible strike drone designed to operate in electronic warfare environments. The HX-2 is part of the Altra platform, which enables coordinated swarm strikes and integration with battlefield intelligence systems.

According to Helsing, the company is already executing large contracts for democratic governments, though specific partners have not been disclosed.

As Europe ramps up its domestic defense capabilities, Helsing may emerge as a strategic player at the intersection of AI and national security. With financial backing from Spotify's leadership and top-tier investors, the company may play a defining role in shaping the continent's military future.

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