European defence technology startup Helsing is currently in negotiations to secure nearly$500 million from investors in Silicon Valley, including Accel and Lightspeed Venture Partners, amounting to$4.5 billion. This valuation marks a significant increase, tripling the company's value in less than a year, possibly driven by heightened global conflicts which in turn are prompting a surge in private investments within the military supply sector.

Specialising in AI-based software for defence, Helsing was established in 2021 and works with AI to analyse extensive data from sensors and weapons systems, providing real-time battlefield intelligence to assist military decision-making processes. The company's software is also contributing to the advancement of AI capabilities for drones in Ukraine.

Sources familiar with the negotiations revealed that Accel and Lightspeed will be new investors in Helsing, potentially joined by General Catalyst, a previous investor in the company. If finalised, this deal would position Helsing as one of Europe's most valued artificial intelligence startups in terms of worth, at par with Paris-based Mistral, an AI startup that recently secured E600 million at a valuation nearing E6 billion. The reluctance of venture investors to engage with defence tech firms has notably shifted, particularly in the US and Europe, driven by escalating tensions between major powers and the ongoing conflict in Ukraine, leading to increased defence expenditure by nations.

NATO's recent allocation of its E1 billion 'innovation fund' towards European tech firms points towards a notable shift, with Europe rapidly closing the investment gap in defence and dual-use technologies as compared to the US. The evolving landscape of modern warfare, as is the case in the Ukrainian conflict, emphasises the transition towards software-defined technologies over traditional hardware, enabling military forces to enhance strategic capabilities.

Why does it matter?

Helsing has forged partnerships with established defence contractors in Europe, such as Germany's Rheinmetall and Sweden's Saab, to integrate AI into existing platforms like fighter jets. Collaborating with Airbus, the startup is also developing AI technologies for application in both manned and unmanned systems.