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Spotify founder and Saab back German AI defence firm

Economy & businessEconomy
Spotify founder and Saab back German AI defence firm
Key Points
  • Spotify founder Daniel Ek and Saab are major shareholders in Helsing.
  • Helsing is opening an office in Stockholm.
  • Helsing has developed an AI-controlled JAS Gripen fighter jet.

Helsing, a German company that develops artificial intelligence solutions for military systems, has secured backing from prominent Swedish investors. According to a person familiar with the matter, Spotify founder Daniel Ek and Swedish defence group Saab are major shareholders in the firm. The extent of Ek's ownership stake has not been disclosed.

The company is establishing itself in Sweden with an office in Stockholm, according to a person familiar with the matter. The exact opening date of the office has not been announced. Helsing has also developed an AI-controlled version of the Saab JAS Gripen fighter jet that can operate autonomously, according to a person familiar with the matter. The specific AI solutions Helsing provides for military systems have not been detailed.

Helsing hopes to increase collaborations with Swedish companies and sell more to the Swedish defence sector due to the deteriorated security situation, according to a person familiar with the matter. Which Swedish companies might partner with Helsing has not been specified. The value or size of Helsing's investment in Sweden is also unknown.

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Svenska DagbladetDagens NyheterBreakit
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Spotify founder and Saab back German AI defence firm | Reed News