Last updatedApril 5, 2026

Startups shaping the future

The startups that are disrupting entire industries, right now. Updated weekly as part of the Loop newsletter.

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Where these startups are based

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198 startups across 11 sectors

Defence6

Autonomous systems and AI platforms for national security and military applications.

Helsing

Helsing

Building autonomous fighter jets and drones for European militaries.

First European company to fly an AI-controlled fighter jet over the Baltic Sea.

Munich, Germany€2.2B+ valuation
Shield AI

Shield AI

Developing AI pilots for autonomous aircraft and drones.

Its V-BAT drones flew combat missions in the Middle East without GPS or communications.

Washington DC$2.8B valuation
Anduril

Anduril

Creating autonomous defence systems, surveillance platforms, and military AR headsets.

Founded by the creator of Oculus VR - now valued at $30B and challenging legacy defence contractors.

Costa Mesa, CA$30B valuation
Palantir

Palantir

AI-powered data analytics for defence and intelligence agencies.

Stock surged over 300% in 2024, becoming the best-performing S&P 500 company that year.

Denver, CONYSE listed
Harmattan AI

Harmattan AI

French defence AI company partnering with Dassault on next-gen fighter jets and drones.

Reached a $1.4B valuation less than a year after founding.

Paris, France$1.4B valuation
NestAI

NestAI

Building defence AI systems for the Finnish military in partnership with Nokia.

Secured EUR100M from Finland to build sovereign defence AI on NATO's northern flank.

Finland€100M secured