# Torsten Reil

> Torsten Reil is a biologist turned technology founder and the co-founder and co-CEO of Helsing. His Oxford research on simulated nervous systems became NaturalMotion, whose animation technology reached major films and video games before Zynga acquired the company in 2014. He later co-founded Helsing in 2021 with Gundbert Scherf and Niklas Köhler to develop AI and autonomous systems for European defense.

- **Role:** Co-founder and Co-CEO at Helsing
- **Organizations:** Helsing, NaturalMotion, The Rhine Group
- **Nationality:** German
- **Education:** BA in Biological Sciences, University of Oxford, MSc in Evolutionary and Adaptive Systems, University of Sussex, Doctoral research in complex systems and zoology; degree completion unconfirmed, University of Oxford
- **Known for:** Founded and led NaturalMotion, an Oxford spinout acquired by Zynga for $527 million in 2014., Co-founded and co-leads Helsing., Named among MIT Technology Review’s TR100 innovators.

## Career timeline

- **2000** — Oxford University Challenge Seed Fund awarded £23,500 for early NaturalMotion development.
- **2001** — Co-founded NaturalMotion as an Oxford spinout and became its CEO.
- **2003** — Gave a TED talk on evolving animated characters, published online in 2008.
- **2014** — Zynga acquired NaturalMotion for $527 million.
- **2016** — Received an honorary Doctor of Science from the University of Sussex.
- **2021** — Co-founded Helsing with Gundbert Scherf and Niklas Köhler.
- **2025** — Helsing and Saab tested Centaur aboard a Gripen E; Helsing announced a €600 million Series D.
- **2026** — Helsing announced a $1.8 billion Series E and continued CA-1 Europa development.

## Achievements

- Founded and led NaturalMotion, an Oxford spinout acquired by Zynga for $527 million in 2014.
- Co-founded and co-leads Helsing.
- Named among MIT Technology Review’s TR100 innovators.
- Received an honorary Doctor of Science from the University of Sussex in 2016.
- Spoke at TED about evolving animated characters.

## Latest updates

- **2026-08** — Discussed Helsing’s origins, NaturalMotion lessons and autonomous systems in a long interview with David Senra.
- **2026-07** — Helsing announced a $1.8 billion Series E at an $18 billion valuation.
- **2026-02** — Helsing and HENSOLDT announced a partnership on the CA-1 Europa autonomous aircraft.
- **2025-09** — Helsing unveiled the CA-1 Europa autonomous aircraft program.

## Links

- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/torstenreil/
- Twitter/X: https://x.com/torstenreil

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Profile page: https://yespress.io/torsten-reil
Published by YesPress — https://yespress.io
Last updated: 2026-09-29