Daniel Ek, who founded Spotify in 2006, sat down with NYNext to discuss how he’s positioning the company amid AI breakthroughs and antitrust battles.

Indie band Deerhoof will remove their catalog from Spotify to protest CEO Daniel Ek's leading a $700 million round in an AI company creating weapons.

— Justin Space (@djjustinspace) December 1, 2021 Ek’s investment in Helsing was made through Prima Materia, his private investment company. As part of the deal, Ek will join Helsing’s board.

Spotify's $694M Bet On AI War Tech: What Daniel Ek's Helsing Move Signals For Investors Watching The Defense Boom Paula Tudoran Tue, Jun 24, 2025, 8:31 AM4 min read ...

Mr. Ek, 41, has invested millions personally and through his investment firm, Prima Materia, in such start-ups around Europe. Neko Health is the only one for which he’s taken the title of founder.