Origin receives 4 million euros

New drone technology for defense: Origin has received €4 million to accelerate the development of its low-cost, precision-guided drone weapon systems

RIGA, Latvia, October 2024 - Latvian defensetech startup Origin secures €4 million in a pre-seed funding round to develop affordable, precision-guided drone weapon systems. The funding includes €2.4 million in venture capital, led by Change Ventures with participation from Silicon Roundabout Ventures, and €1.6 million in grants from the EU as well as support from the Latvian Ministry of Defense. The funds are intended to accelerate product development and strengthen the team with additional engineers and sales staff.

Drone technology for modern use

Origin's main product, the BEAK, is a portable drone weapon system for precision-guided attacks, making it up to twenty times more cost-effective than conventional alternatives. The system combines precision technology and an intelligent carrier that makes valuable components reusable instead of destroying them after use as is the case with conventional projectiles. The BEAK is already in use on the battlefield and has existing agreements with two NATO countries.

Changing requirements in defense technology

Security can no longer be taken for granted today, and the demands on modern defense technology are increasing

Agris Kipurs, CEO and co-founder of Origin

Experience from the conflict in Ukraine shows that warfare is changing rapidly and many countries are rethinking their defense capabilities. The high cost potential of precision-guided systems and the limitations of conventional drones in the face of electronic threats have shown that new solutions are needed. Origin is addressing this challenge with the BEAK, a solution that uses computer vision and AI for high-precision, autonomous navigation and target tracking.

Technology for affordable security

"Security can no longer be taken for granted, and the demands on modern defense technology are increasing," says Agris Kipurs, CEO and co-founder of Origin. "Thanks to our many years of experience with autonomous drones, we have developed a cost-effective alternative to today's expensive precision weapons." Origin was founded in 2022 by Agris Kipurs and Ilya Nevdah, who previously built up the successful drone manufacturer Airdog. With the new funding, the startup aims to create a solid foundation for future market expansion and further explore the possibilities of autonomous, low-cost defense technology.