Peter Sarlin (NestAI): 10 Key Things You Must Know

Overview

Peter Sarlin is a renowned Finnish AI entrepreneur, investor, and academic, most notably recognized for his significant contributions to the field of artificial intelligence through his ventures and research. He recently co-founded NestAI, a cutting-edge Finnish startup focused on developing "physical AI"—a fusion of AI technology and robotics aimed at practical, real-world applications, particularly in defense. Sarlin has established a reputation for driving AI innovation that aligns with Europe's strategic technological sovereignty, especially amid geopolitical pressures. Formerly the founder of Silo AI, a successful AI company sold to AMD, Peter Sarlin continues to shape Europe’s AI landscape through investments, philanthropy, and leadership in new ventures like NestAI.

1. Founder and Visionary Behind NestAI

Peter Sarlin co-founded NestAI, a Finnish startup specializing in physical AI, which integrates advanced artificial intelligence with robotics and autonomous systems. Sarlin’s vision is to build “Europe’s leading physical AI lab” to promote technological sovereignty and reduce dependence on non-European technologies. His leadership at NestAI focuses on developing AI solutions for defense applications, unmanned vehicles, and operational command systems, reflecting his ambition to boost European capacities in AI innovation amid rising global security concerns.

2. Background in AI Entrepreneurship and Academia

Sarlin is not only an entrepreneur but also an academic professor affiliated with Aalto University, combining research with practical business innovation. Prior to NestAI, he founded Silo AI, which became one of Europe's prominent AI labs and was acquired by AMD for $665 million. His blend of academic insight and startup experience has made him a pivotal figure in Finland’s AI ecosystem, fostering both the scientific and commercial development of AI technologies.

3. Pioneering Physical AI Innovation

NestAI, under Sarlin’s stewardship, specializes in physical AI—a term referring to AI systems built into tangible, real-world platforms such as robotics and unmanned vehicles. This niche aims to bridge advanced AI models like large language models with hardware applications to create autonomous systems for sectors like defense, surveillance, and infrastructure. This focus on physical AI positions NestAI at the frontier of AI technology, moving beyond software to products with immediate operational use.

4. Significant €100 Million Funding and Strategic Partnerships

In late 2025, NestAI secured €100 million in funding led by Nokia and Finland’s sovereign fund Tesi. This investment is one of Europe’s largest in AI startups focused on defense applications. The partnership combines Nokia’s expertise in secure connectivity and hardware with NestAI’s AI platforms, accelerating the development of AI-driven unmanned systems and command-and-control solutions. Sarlin’s role as chairman and financial backer via his family office, PostScriptum, has been central in materializing these collaborations.

5. Driving European Technological Sovereignty

A core motivation for Sarlin and NestAI is to strengthen Europe’s technological independence in AI. Amid heightened geopolitical tensions, particularly with the ongoing Ukraine-Russia conflict, NestAI’s initiatives aim to create homegrown AI capabilities for defense and security. Sarlin highlights the importance of these efforts to safeguard Europe’s sovereignty, ensuring that strategic AI technologies are developed and controlled within the continent.

6. Collaboration with Finnish Defence Forces

NestAI has established a strong collaboration with the Finnish Defence Forces to accelerate the adoption and development of AI solutions within military applications. This cooperation is critical in transitioning defense operations toward more data-centric command, control, and knowledge management systems. Sarlin emphasizes the adaptability of large organizations like the defense forces in partnering with agile startups to enhance national security through cutting-edge AI.

7. Leadership Beyond NestAI: Investments and Philanthropy

Aside from his entrepreneurial roles, Sarlin has been active as a philanthropist and investor. His family office, PostScriptum, finances innovative startup ventures, including NestAI. He also supports other AI and tech-driven startups such as Legora and Lovable, reflecting his commitment to nurturing the broader AI ecosystem. Despite his engagements, Sarlin maintains a day job at AMD, balancing multiple roles in the AI industry.

8. Building a World-Class AI Talent Hub

NestAI has grown rapidly under Sarlin’s guidance, expanding to around 70 AI researchers and aiming to surpass 100 employees by early 2026. The team includes experts recruited from prominent technology companies like Intel, Kongsberg, Palantir, and Saab. This aggregation of talent underscores the ambition to build a leading European AI research and development hub capable of competing at the global level.

9. Previous Success: Silo AI’s Acquisition by AMD

Before founding NestAI, Peter Sarlin made a notable impact with Silo AI, which under his leadership became Europe's largest AI lab. The company attracted significant attention and was acquired by AMD for $665 million in 2024. This success established Sarlin's credentials as a visionary capable of scaling AI enterprises and achieving major exits in the competitive landscape of AI startups.

10. Future Prospects and Impact on AI and Defense

Looking forward, Sarlin aims for NestAI to pioneer AI’s integration into critical infrastructure, defense, and autonomous operations across Europe and beyond. The company's strategic partnerships, considerable funding, and cutting-edge research position it as a catalyst for Europe’s AI sovereignty. Sarlin foresees NestAI playing a foundational role in shaping AI policies, safety standards, and technological leadership that ensures AI benefits society while addressing the complexities of national security.

Conclusion

Peter Sarlin stands as a central figure in Europe's AI revolution, blending entrepreneurial success with a strategic vision to advance cutting-edge AI technology on the continent. Through NestAI and his broader investments, Sarlin is pushing the boundaries of physical AI and promoting technological sovereignty at a time when AI capabilities are crucial for defense and security. His trajectory from academic to successful entrepreneur, investor, and thought leader exemplifies the evolving landscape of AI innovation in Europe. As AI continues to transform industries and geopolitical dynamics, the initiatives led by Sarlin invite reflection on the balance between innovation, sovereignty, and ethical deployment in AI's future.