Airdog’s Founders Return with a High‑Precision Drone for Modern Warfare
Revolutionizing War: Meet Latvia’s Drone‑Boutique, Origin
When the war in Ukraine proves that weapons evolve as fast as a meme, one thing’s clear: billboards for big‑budget forces are a thing of the past for many nations. Big players can afford a mountain of tanks, helicopters, and pricey precision‑strike gear, but smaller countries need a cheaper, smarter play.
Enter Origin: a fresh‑from‑Latvia defense startup with a swagger
- Founded in 2022 by Agris Kipurs and Ilya Nevdah.
- It’s on a mission to produce reusable, autonomous drones that deliver munitions at a fraction of the cost of comparable systems.
- Already signed commercial agreements with two unnamed NATO allies—security reasons, folks.
From FPV to Battlefield: The Origin Story
Origin didn’t just pop up out of thin air; it was born from Airdog, the consumer drone that turned people into extreme‑sports paparazzi. Airdog was the world’s first consumer autonomous drone (2015), and later sold to U.S. smart‑home firm Alarm.com. Agris Kipurs, now CEO, recalls:
“Airdog was a consumer drone. We were the first in the world to launch an autonomously flying system in 2015. We founded Origin in March 2022, obviously in response to the invasion of Ukraine. We realized that we had to go back to doing what we do best, this time for military applications. We knew that the skill set that we have as a team is rare, as we’d been building autonomous systems for 10+ years.”
The Flagship: BEAK
Meet BEAK, an ISR (Intelligence, Surveillance, Reconnaissance) drone that’s all about precision guidance and autonomous flight. Here’s why it’s a game‑changer:
- Camera‑powered for up‑to‑the‑minute intel.
- Built to shrug off intense radio jamming.
- Compact and man‑portable—ideal for the kind of guerrilla warfare seen in Ukraine.
Why the Camouflage of “First-Person View” Isn’t Enough
Remember those FPV drones carrying little explosives and going head‑first for a big bang? It’s time to upgrade. BEAK doesn’t just heat‑up; it delivers munitions while staying exactly where it started, ready for a quick “re‑deployment.”
That means fewer drones to launch and a significant cost drop—no self‑destruction, just smart reuse.
Closing Thought
From extreme‑sports to war zones, Origin’s story reminds us that the greatest innovations often come from the smallest steps—especially when you’re strapped to a budget and a battlefield.
Tech and VC heavyweights join the Disrupt 2025 agenda
Netflix, ElevenLabs, Wayve, Sequoia Capital, Elad Gil — just a few of the heavy hitters joining the Disrupt 2025 agenda. They’re here to deliver the insights that fuel startup growth and sharpen your edge. Don’t miss the 20th anniversary of TechCrunch Disrupt, and a chance to learn from the top voices in tech — grab your ticket now and save up to $600+ before prices rise.
Tech and VC heavyweights join the Disrupt 2025 agenda
Netflix, ElevenLabs, Wayve, Sequoia Capital — just a few of the heavy hitters joining the Disrupt 2025 agenda. They’re here to deliver the insights that fuel startup growth and sharpen your edge. Don’t miss the 20th anniversary of TechCrunch Disrupt, and a chance to learn from the top voices in tech — grab your ticket now and save up to $675 before prices rise.
San Francisco Upcoming Tech Expo
October 27‑29, 2025 – Join the buzz in the city that never stops innovating.
Got a Minute? Register Now!
Meet the BEAK – The Flying Javelin
Picture a sleek, compact missile that’s as precise as a surgeon’s scalpel, yet cost‑effective enough to be brag-worthy at a small‑country summit. According to Kipurs, the BEAK isn’t your typical drone; it’s a handheld, guided weapon that mystifies seasoned strategists.
- Precision overloaded: Kicks out an attack with pinpoint accuracy—no mid‑air detour.
- Lightweight, Lighthearted: It’s a tiny, nimble missile—think Lockheed’s “drool” in miniature.
- Price tag? Small: Roughly 20 times cheaper than traditional missile systems.
- Who needs it? Small democracies are screaming for it. “Latvia and every little democracy everywhere can finally say, ‘We’re not stuck with old‑school war budgets,’ ” Kipurs claims.
Money‑Talk: Funding & Grants
Origin’s coffers have been fattened by both venture and public funds:
- €2.4 million from an early‑stage e‑round led by Change Ventures.
- Additional €1.6 million in EU grants + Latvian Ministry of Defence support.
- All in total? A cool €4 million fueling the next phase of BEAK development.
Investor Talk
The word “view” feels more apt for explaining how the market’s fine, but a note from Andris K. Berzins (Change Ventures partner) gives it a personal touch:
“Knowing Agris and Ilya, the guys behind the top‑notch action‑sports drone Airdog, has made me trust this team ten years strong. The guys don’t just learn how to build a drone startup from scratch—meantime, they’ve been grinding since the Ukraine invasion. Their guts, their ambition, and the traction they’ve built in 18 months? That’s a win for anyone who thinks big about future weaponry.”
So, are you curious about next‑gen precision strikes and how they’re reshaping the arms landscape? Keep an eye on Origin—this is the future that’s hitting the ground, not just hovering.