Daniel Eyk from Spotify is leading investment in defensive start -up

Helsing in European Defense Technology said on Tuesday that it raised 600 million euros ($ 693.6 million) in a new round of financing.

Investment led the materials, the investment capital company that established it Spotify CEO Daniel Eyk and Shakil Khan, an early investor in the application of popular music broadcasting. EK is also the Heelsing President.

The current investors at LightSpeed ​​Venture Partners, Access, Plural, General Catalyst and Saab also, along with BDT & MSD partners.

Defense and technology are behind this Hot area For investors recently, amid major global conflicts, including the Ukraine war to Israel, Gaza. Last week witnessed an additional escalation of the Middle East war, such as Israel I launched a series of air strikes against Iran.

In 2024, adventure financing in the defense, security and flexibility sector in Europe reached its highest level at $ 5.2 billion, according to Modern report From NATO innovation box. This sector has grown by 30 % in the past two years, surpassing the wider VC market, which witnessed a decrease of 45 % during the same period.

Helsing was established in 2021, and sells programs that use artificial intelligence technology to analyze large quantities of sensor and weapons system from the battlefield to inform military decisions in an actual time. Last year, the startup also started manufacturing its drone planes, He called HX-2.

Heling, who works in the United Kingdom, Germany and France, said it will use the new money to invest in “technological sovereignty” in Europe – which indicates attempts to develop and produce critical technologies, such as artificial intelligence.

“As Europe rapidly advances its defensive capabilities in response to advanced geopolitical challenges, there is an urgent need for investments in advanced technologies that guarantee strategic self -independence and security willingness,” EK said in a statement issued on Tuesday.

Heling did not reveal its new evaluation after the recent financing round, which is subject to “some approvals”, according to a statement. Its value in the past was about 5 billion euros in a 450 million euros financing round, led by General Kumalst last year.