Origin, a defense technology company based in Latvia, has successfully raised €4 million to advance its mission of developing cutting-edge autonomous systems. This funding consists of €2.4 million in venture capital led by Change Ventures, with contributions from Silicon Roundabout Ventures, alongside €1.6 million in grants from the EU and support from the Latvian Ministry of Defence.
The newly acquired capital will accelerate product development and facilitate the expansion of Origin’s team, focusing on essential engineering and sales hires. Origin is already making strides in the defense sector with commercial agreements in place with two NATO countries. The company’s flagship product, the BEAK, has been rigorously tested in battlefield conditions, demonstrating its reliability and effectiveness.
Origin specializes in precision-guided weapon systems, with the BEAK serving as a man-portable ISR (Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance) drone equipped with advanced precision guidance technology. This innovative design allows the BEAK to deliver precision strike capabilities while preserving its most valuable components on a reusable carrier vehicle. This contrasts with traditional systems, where critical components are destroyed with each use, resulting in significant cost savings and increased operational efficiency.
Agris Kipurs, co-founder and CEO of Origin, emphasized the urgency of their mission, stating, “We find ourselves in a new era where security can no longer be taken for granted and warfare is evolving rapidly. We saw an opportunity to leverage our decade of experience building autonomous drones for the demanding needs of action sports enthusiasts to create an alternative to today’s expensive precision-guided munitions.” This insight reflects the company’s commitment to innovation in the defense sector, utilizing their expertise in drone technology to meet modern military needs.
The BEAK is equipped with advanced computer vision algorithms and artificial intelligence, enabling precision guidance and autonomous flight. These capabilities allow it to navigate complex environments and effectively respond to threats, even in situations involving intense radio jamming. Additionally, the BEAK’s portability and ease of deployment make it an attractive option for defense forces operating in dynamic and rapidly changing scenarios.
Andris K. Berzins, Partner at Change Ventures, expressed confidence in the Origin team, stating, “Having known Agris and Ilya for a decade through their successful launch of the world’s leading action sports drone Airdog, I knew this team is unlike the many that have started learning how to build a drone startup only since the Ukraine invasion two years ago. Their ability to combine this expertise with an ambitious vision to reshape the precision weapons market, and their remarkable traction within the past 18 months, made investing in Origin an easy choice.” This endorsement underscores the strategic positioning of Origin in a competitive market, highlighting the company’s readiness to lead in the development of advanced defense technologies.
Overall, the funding and ongoing product development signify a promising future for Origin as it continues to innovate in the defense sector. The company is well-positioned to deliver advanced, reliable, and cost-effective solutions tailored to the complexities of modern warfare. With its focus on precision-guided munitions and autonomous systems, Origin not only addresses current military needs but also sets the stage for future advancements in defense technology. As it expands its team and product offerings, Origin aims to strengthen its foothold within NATO markets and beyond, ultimately contributing to enhanced security and operational effectiveness for military forces.