Latest news with #Ek
Middle East Eye
2 days ago
- Business
- Middle East Eye
Spotify faces boycott calls over CEO's investment in AI military startup
Spotify, the world's leading music streaming platform, is facing intense criticism and boycott calls following CEO Daniel Ek's announcement of a €600m ($702m) investment in Helsing, a German defence startup specialising in AI-powered combat drones and military software. The move, announced on 17 June, has sparked widespread outrage from musicians, activists and social media users who accuse Ek of funnelling profits from music streaming into the military industry. Many have started calling on users to cancel their subscriptions to the service. 'Finally cancelling my Spotify subscription – why am I paying for a fuckass app that works worse than it did 10 years ago, while their CEO spends all my money on technofascist military fantasies?' said one user on X. On Reddit, a user wrote: "When tech is weaponized, our subscriptions become bullets. Spotify's hands aren't clean – boycott the silence, boycott the blood. No art should fund destruction." New MEE newsletter: Jerusalem Dispatch Sign up to get the latest insights and analysis on Israel-Palestine, alongside Turkey Unpacked and other MEE newsletters This isn't the first time Spotify has faced boycott calls over Ek's invesment in Helsing. In 2021, many users and artists called for a similar boycott after Ek announced a €100m investment in the company. Middle East Eye contacted Spotify and Ek for comment, but did not receive a response by the time of publication. so instead of paying artists livable wages for their art, the ceo of spotify decided to invest hundreds of millions of dollars into an ai military start-up company? and is now currently chairman of said company…? right, okay, fuck daniel ek and fuck spotify. — apple (@applezbian) June 25, 2025 Many users drew attention to Spotify's payment system, which has been criticised for years – by both major pop stars and independent and emerging artists and labels – due to its royalty rates. Many users expressed frustration that Spotify's CEO was pouring hundreds of millions of dollars into warfare technology while continuing to pay artists notoriously low royalties. The United Musicians and Allied Workers, a union of musicians who have organised and demonstrated for better royalties at Spotify, called Ek "a warmonger who pays artists poverty wages". "The people running our music industry are the same people 'doubling down' on AI military technology. To build a fair and just music industry, we also must dismantle imperialism in all its forms," the union said in a statement on X. Another user said: "Your streams are paying for military drones, while artists starve. This is evil. Ek cashing in on public stock value (which artists see none of) and reinvesting his profits in murder machines." I had just made a spotify premium account this month but I was now informed that the ceo is using the money to support a military ai startup so I cancelled my subscription and put that as my reason. Disarm spotify — zoe (@daisyjonesswift) June 25, 2025 Singer-songwriter Laura Burhenn addressed the issue in an Instagram video, stating: 'For as long as they've existed, [Spotify] have grossly underpaid musicians, but the money they've been making from subscriptions has been lining their pockets, and now we know where it's gone.' She urged artists and listeners to cancel their subscriptions, saying: 'Your labour, your money has gone directly to fund the war machine.' As the backlash grows, many said they are turning to alternative streaming platforms and urged others to support artists directly as a form of boycott. not just festivals—seeing the spotify CEO now heading up a so-called "military start-up", at some point musicians and listeners are going to need to really reckon with and confront the ways our music is being used to usher this shit ahead. — lelu (@lelulolololol) June 25, 2025 "Stop using Spotify. It sounds like they treat artists like shit, and this guy [Ek] is obviously another wannabe tech-broligarch trying to make big bucks off keeping shitheads in power," said one Reddit user. "Defund the broligarchy! Buy music from artists on Bandcamp or use a lesser evil like Tidal.' Another user on X agreed. "Officially switched back to tidal for music streaming. spotify bought a military ai company for $690m while still paying jack shit to artists and my pennies aren't going towards that anymore once and for all."
Yahoo
4 days ago
- Business
- Yahoo
Spotify's $694M Bet On AI War Tech: What Daniel Ek's Helsing Move Signals For Investors Watching The Defense Boom
European artificial intelligence defense startup Helsing a €600 million ($694 million) funding round on Tuesday, led by Prima Materia, the investment firm founded by Spotify (NYSE:SPOT) CEO Daniel Ek and Shakil Khan, an earlier investor in Spotify. The company said the new funding will help advance Europe's "technological sovereignty" by scaling domestic production of AI-driven defense systems. Helsing uses artificial intelligence to support military decision-making by connecting real-time sensor and weapons system data with advanced software architectures, according to its website. Don't Miss: Maker of the $60,000 foldable home has 3 factory buildings, 600+ houses built, and big plans to solve housing — Peter Thiel turned $1,700 into $5 billion—now accredited investors are eyeing this software company with similar breakout potential. Learn how you can Founded in 2021, the company operates in Germany, France, and the U.K. Its product portfolio includes platforms like the HX-2, which reflects the company's move to integrate AI with battlefield-ready hardware. According to Helsing, its technologies are already being deployed under several government contracts, though specific client names have not been disclosed. The latest investment round includes contributions from existing stakeholders Lightspeed Venture, Accel, General Catalyst, Plural, and Swedish defense firm SAAB. New participants include BDT & MSD Partners, according to Helsing. Ek, who also serves as Helsing's chairman, said the investment reflects an urgent need to bolster Europe's security architecture amid rising global tensions. "As Europe rapidly strengthens its defense capabilities in response to evolving geopolitical challenges, there is an urgent need for investments in advanced technologies that ensure its strategic autonomy and security readiness," Ek said in the statement. Trending: Maximize saving for your retirement and cut down on taxes: . Helsing's prior valuation stood at approximately €5 billion following a €450 million round led by General Catalyst in 2023. The company declined to confirm its current valuation due to pending regulatory approvals, CNBC says. The funding surge reflects a broader shift in the European investment landscape. According to the NATO Innovation Fund, venture capital backing for defense, security, and resilience startups in Europe reached a record $5.2 billion in 2024. That figure represents a 30% increase over the past two years, despite a 45% contraction in general VC markets over the same period. According to CNBC, ongoing conflicts such as the war in Ukraine and conflict between Israel and Iran have driven investor interest in technologies that enhance operational readiness and strategic autonomy. Helsing is among a growing list of AI-focused defense startups offering governments and militaries tools to manage complex warzones through automation and real-time says it will use the newly raised capital to advance its AI-based software platforms and scale integrated systems like the HX-2, a mass-producible strike drone designed to operate in electronic warfare environments. The HX-2 is part of the Altra platform, which enables coordinated swarm strikes and integration with battlefield intelligence systems. According to Helsing, the company is already executing large contracts for democratic governments, though specific partners have not been disclosed. As Europe ramps up its domestic defense capabilities, Helsing may emerge as a strategic player at the intersection of AI and national security. With financial backing from Spotify's leadership and top-tier investors, the company may play a defining role in shaping the continent's military future. Read Next: Here's what Americans think you need to be considered wealthy. Image: Shutterstock UNLOCKED: 5 NEW TRADES EVERY WEEK. Click now to get top trade ideas daily, plus unlimited access to cutting-edge tools and strategies to gain an edge in the markets. Get the latest stock analysis from Benzinga? This article Spotify's $694M Bet On AI War Tech: What Daniel Ek's Helsing Move Signals For Investors Watching The Defense Boom originally appeared on © 2025 Benzinga does not provide investment advice. All rights reserved. Error in retrieving data Sign in to access your portfolio Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data
Hindustan Times
4 days ago
- Politics
- Hindustan Times
Yogi Adityanath pays tribute to Syama Prasad Mukherjee, says his dream of a secure India realised
Paying tribute to Bharatiya Jana Sangh founder Dr Syama Prasad Mukherjee on his death anniversary, chief minister Yogi Adityanath on Monday remembered him as a great son of 'Bharat Mata', a distinguished educationist, freedom fighter and the visionary behind Ek Bharat, Shreshtha Bharat. Uttar Pradesh chief minister Yogi Adityanath offering floral tribute on the occasion of Syama Prasad Mukherjee's death anniversary, in Lucknow on Monday. (HT Photo) He said Mukherjee's dream of a united and secure India was realised over 65 years after his death when Article 370 was abrogated on August 5, 2019, by Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Dr Shyama Prasad Mukherjee, as the founder and first president of the Bharatiya Jana Sangh, laid the foundation for a new political direction in independent India, Yogi Adityanath said. Adityanath paid floral tributes to Dr Mukherjee at his statue installed at the Civil Hospital. State BJP president Bhupendra Singh Chaudhary, deputy CM Brajesh Pathak and others were also present on the occasion. Addressing the gathering, Adityanath stated that as a cabinet minister, Dr Mukherjee played a key role in shaping the country's industrial policy through his visionary leadership. He later resigned from the Nehru cabinet in protest against policies he believed threatened national unity and integrity, the chief minister said. Adityanath stated Jammu and Kashmir is now truly experiencing the spirit of the Indian Constitution and its democratic values. 'Abrogation of Article 370 stands as a tribute by the Bharatiya Janata Party and Prime Minister Modi to the ultimate sacrifice of Dr Mukherjee,' Adityanath said. Following the first general elections in 1952, the then government undermined national unity by introducing Article 370 and implementing a permit system in Jammu and Kashmir, the chief minister said. In response, Dr Mukherjee boldly entered Kashmir, asserting the principle of 'Ek Pradhan, Ek Vidhan, Ek Nishan.' He was arrested and later sacrificed his life in custody on June 23, 1953, Adityanath said. Meanwhile, Adityanath planted a 'Rudraksha' sapling on the Bhadohi Collectorate campus under the 'Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam' campaign on the occasion of Dr Syama Prasad Mukherjee's death anniversary. Uttar Pradesh Jal Shakti minister Swatantra Dev Singh planted a 'Molshree' sapling, while Bhadohi MP Dr Vinod Kumar Bind planted an 'Amla' (Indian gooseberry) sapling. Also present on the occasion were Gyanpur MLA Vipul Dubey, Aurai MLA Deenanath Bhaskar, district panchayat president Aniruddh Tripathi among others.
India Gazette
4 days ago
- Politics
- India Gazette
Yogi Adityanath plants sapling on Syama Prasad Mookerjee's death anniversary
Bhadohi (Uttar Pradesh) [India], June 23 (ANI): Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath planted a sapling under the 'Ek ped maa ke naam' campaign in Bhadohi on the Bharatiya Jana Sangh founder Syama Prasad Mookerjee's death anniversary on Monday. Earlier in the day, paying tribute to Syama Prasad Mookerjee, the Chief Minister described the late leader as a 'distinguished scholar, a great freedom fighter, and a visionary.' Mookerjee founded Bharatiya Jana Sangh, which later took shape as the BJP. Adressing a gathering in Lucknow, Adityanath said, 'The day marks the sacred death anniversary of the great son of Mother India, Dr. Shyama Prasad Mukherjee, the founding president of the Bharatiya Janata Sangh. On this very day, in 1953, Dr. Syama Prasad Mookerjee sacrificed his life for the cause of a united India. Dr. Mookerjee was a distinguished scholar, a great freedom fighter, and a visionary who dreamt of a 'Ek Bharat Shreshth Bharat'.' Adityanath highlighted Mookerjee's significant role in shaping India's early industrial policies as the country's first cabinet minister in post-independence India. Chief Minister Yogi said, 'As a Cabinet Minister in independent India, he played a significant role in shaping the country's industrial policy, benefiting the nation with his visionary leadership. As the cabinet minister, he played a pivotal role in addressing the country's food needs as the first minister in independent India. He resigned from the central cabinet, observing the actions of the government under Pandit Nehru's leadership after independence, particularly the manipulation of national unity and integrity. Dr. Mookerjee went on to lead the Bahratiya Janata Sangh (Indian People's Union), giving rise to a new political beginning in the country.' CM Yogi noted that a key part of Mookerjee's struggle was his opposition to Article 370, which granted special autonomy to Jammu and Kashmir and undermined national unity. 'After independence, in 1950, with the implementation of the Constitution, and after the first general elections in 1952, the then government introduced Article 370 in the Constitution, which posed a challenge to national unity. The government implemented a permit system in Kashmir, and those sitting in power began to undermine the national security and integrity of the country. Dr. Syama Prasad Mookerjee, in response, entered Kashmir proclaiming the slogan 'Ek Pradhan, Ek Vidhan, Ek Nishan'. He was arrested, and he sacrificed his life in jail on 23rd June 1953 in Jammu and Kashmir.' Adityanath also praised Prime Minister Narendra Modi for realising Mookerjee's vision. 'The dream that Dr. Syama Prasad Mookerjee envisioned in 1953 of a united, strong, and secure India was realized years later under the leadership of Prime Minister Modi. On August 5, 2019, Article 370 was abrogated in Kashmir, aligning with the democratic values of the Indian Constitution and fulfilling the vision of 'Ek Bharat, Sresht Bharat.' The removal of Article 370 in Jammu and Kashmir is a mark of gratitude towards Dr. Syama Prasad Mookerjee by the leadership of Prime Minister Modi and the Bharatiya Janata Party.' (ANI)
Time of India
4 days ago
- Politics
- Time of India
On death anniversary, Yogi pays tribute to Syama Prasad Mukherjee
1 2 Lucknow: To mark the death anniversary of Dr Syama Prasad Mukherjee, which is observed as Balidan Diwas , chief minister Yogi Adityanath paid floral tributes to the former union cabinet minister. He remembered him as a "great son of Bharat Mata, a distinguished educationist, freedom fighter, and the visionary behind the idea of Ek Bharat, Shreshtha Bharat". Crediting Mukherjee, the founder and first President of the Bharatiya Jana Sangh, for laying the foundation for a new political direction in independent India, Yogi Adityanath said that as a cabinet minister, Mukherjee played a key role in shaping the country's industrial policy. "He later resigned from the Nehru govt in protest against policies he believed threatened national unity and integrity. Following the first general elections in 1952, the then govt undermined national unity by introducing Article 370 and implementing a permit system in Jammu and Kashmir. In response, Dr Mukherjee boldly entered Kashmir, asserting the principle of 'Ek Pradhan, Ek Vidhan, Ek Nishan'. He was arrested and later sacrificed his life in custody on June 23, 1953," the CM said. The CM added that Mukherjee's dream of a united India was realised 65 years later when PM Narendra Modi abrogated Article 370 from Kashmir. "Now, Jammu and Kashmir is truly experiencing the spirit of the Indian Constitution and its democratic values. The abrogation of Article 370 stands as a tribute by the BJP and PM Modi to the ultimate sacrifice of Dr Mukherjee,"
