Gundbert Scherf

Helsing develops AI software for defence and intelligence applications, building real-time signal processing and sensor fusion systems that enhance situational awareness for military operators across air, land, and electronic warfare domains. The Munich and London company applies deep learning to radar, sonar, and other sensor data streams to identify threats, classify targets, and support human decision-making in time-critical operational environments. Helsing has secured contracts with the German Bundeswehr and other NATO member defence ministries, providing AI-enhanced signal processing modules that integrate with existing military sensor infrastructure. The company has attracted substantial funding from investors including General Catalyst, Accel, Lightspeed Ventures, and Prima Materia (Spotify co-founder Daniel Ek's firm), making it one of the most well-funded European defence technology companies. Helsing operates in the European defence AI market, which has expanded rapidly following the Russian invasion of Ukraine as NATO governments accelerated defence modernisation spending and AI integration into military systems. The company competes with Palantir, Anduril, and Shield AI in the broader defence AI space while occupying a specifically European market position that addresses sovereignty concerns about deploying US-based AI systems in sensitive military applications. Helsing's explicitly European identity and compliance with EU data handling requirements give it access to defence contracts where non-European vendors face security vetting barriers.