NestAI, a Finnish startup focused on artificial intelligence, has successfully raised €100 million (approximately $115 million) in its recent funding round. This $1 billion investment was spearheaded by Tesi, Finland’s sovereign wealth fund, in conjunction with technology behemoth Nokia. As the announcement was made excitement rippled through the packed auditorium at the Slush 2025 technology venture conference in Helsinki. There, co-founder Peter Sarlin laid out his ambitious vision for producing advanced AI products purpose-built for unmanned vehicles and other autonomous operations.
Our ambition is to be Europe’s foremost physical AI lab. Sarlin underscored this imperative in his opening remarks at the convening. Since its founding in 2021, the startup’s mission has been to improve Europe’s defense capabilities and sovereignty using creative technological solutions. NestAI has been quietly working in a stealth-mode, but is now transitioning to a public-development initiative.
With the money raised, NestAI will continue helping the Finnish Defense Forces in their successful adaptation of AI technologies. Creating boondoggles NestAI is currently recruiting AI and hardware project experts to work on defense-related projects. Combined with this strategic growth, it lays the groundwork for NestAI to be a prominent player in the broader European defense sector.
“In line with PostScriptum’s mission, NestAI has from the start set out to become Europe’s leading physical AI lab to drive technological sovereignty.” – Peter Sarlin
As noted by Anna Heim in her reporting for TechCrunch, the startup’s growing team reflects a commitment to attracting top talent capable of driving its innovative agenda. NestAI does not currently have a CEO. Despite that, the company’s new leadership team is clearly making strides and drastically shaking things up.
Sarlin pinned on the larger significance of their partnership with Nokia. Furthermore, on the partnership’s significance to Europe’s defense industry, Mr. This partnership marks a bold step in the right direction toward increasing regional security through technological innovation.