Origin’s €4M Funding Fuels Growth in Algorithmic Defense Technology

Origin, a Latvia-based defense technology startup specializing in advanced autonomous systems, has made headlines by securing €4 million in funding to drive its innovative projects forward. This funding round consists of €2.4 million in venture capital, led by Change Ventures, along with contributions from Silicon Roundabout Ventures. Additionally, Origin has garnered €1.6 million in EU grants and support from the Latvian Ministry of Defence, highlighting the strategic importance of its initiatives within the European defense landscape. The capital raised will significantly accelerate product development and allow the company to expand its workforce, bringing on key engineering and sales talent to enhance its capabilities.

The company is already making waves in the defense sector, having established commercial agreements with two NATO countries. This is a testament to its commitment to aligning with NATO standards and enhancing defense capabilities in Europe. Origin's flagship product, the BEAK, is a man-portable ISR (Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance) drone that has been rigorously tested in battlefield conditions, showcasing its operational effectiveness and reliability in real-world scenarios.

A key feature that sets the BEAK apart from traditional precision-guided weapon systems is its innovative design. Unlike conventional munitions, which are often single-use and costly, the BEAK retains its most valuable components on a reusable carrier vehicle. This design allows for multiple deployments without the destruction of critical technology after each strike, significantly reducing operational costs and enhancing the efficiency of military units in the field. Agris Kipurs, co-founder and CEO of Origin, underscored the urgency of their mission by 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.”

The BEAK is equipped with state-of-the-art computer-vision algorithms and artificial intelligence, enabling it to perform autonomous flight and precision guidance. This sophisticated technology allows the drone to navigate complex environments and respond effectively to threats, even in challenging conditions such as intense radio jamming. The drone's man-portable design not only ensures quick deployment but also enhances user-friendliness, making it an attractive option for defense forces operating in rapidly evolving battlefield scenarios.

Andris K. Berzins, a partner at Change Ventures, expressed confidence in the founding team and their capabilities, noting their extensive background in drone technology. He remarked, “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 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.”

With this significant funding boost and established military agreements, Origin is well-positioned to make a meaningful impact in the defense sector. The startup aims to address the growing need for advanced, cost-effective autonomous solutions on the battlefield, ensuring that armed forces are equipped with the most reliable and efficient technology to navigate the complexities of modern warfare. The BEAK and other products in development promise to reshape the landscape of defense technology, enhancing operational effectiveness while reducing costs for military organizations. As the demand for innovative solutions continues to rise in the face of evolving threats, Origin's commitment to leveraging cutting-edge technology and expertise places it at the forefront of the defense industry.