Finland’s NestAI lands €100M, partners with Nokia to build AI for defense applications

Finnish startup NestAI has secured €100 million in funding to develop advanced physical AI technologies, with a particular focus on defense applications. The company aims to establish “Europe’s leading physical AI lab,” leveraging large language models and related technologies for robotics and real-world uses. This initiative aligns with Europe's growing emphasis on technological sovereignty, especially in light of the ongoing Ukraine-Russia conflict, which has heightened the continent's defense priorities. NestAI’s co-founder Peter Sarlin highlighted that the partnership with Nokia and the funding round mark significant steps toward strengthening Europe’s defense capabilities. NestAI has remained largely in stealth mode until recently, supported by Sarlin’s family office, PostScriptum, reflecting its strategic focus on sovereignty and security. The startup is building a team with expertise in AI research and hardware, including talent from defense-related companies such as Kongsberg, Palantir, and Saab. Although NestAI does not yet have a CEO, its growing workforce and partnerships indicate a strong commitment to advancing Europe