Developing a new generation of robots. The principle behind Frontline, a Ukrainian startup
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In the «Who Are These People» section, Vector offers founders the opportunity to discuss their projects, covering aspects such as their products, marketing strategies, monetisation, investments, and business plans. The focus this time is on Frontline, a Ukrainian startup that develops electronic warfare-resistant drones and ring mounts designed for the front. In 2023, it was one of seven startups to receive funding from the D3 foundation.
Acting editor-in-chief Yuliia Tkach interviewed Frontline CMO Mykyta Rozhkov about the product’s features, promotion, investments, and further plans.
How the idea was conceived
The startup was founded by four people:
- Yevhenii, CEO — 10 years of leadership roles (CTO, CEO) in military robotics companies and the founder of three other enterprises;
- Pavlo, CTO — 10 years of expertise in military UAV building, including six years in executive positions as Lead Engineer and CTO;
- Oleksii, CPO — over 15 years of expertise in software development, including nine years in German product companies;
- Oleksandr, Senior Embedded Engineer — more than 15 years of developing hardware and software for a variety of electronics sectors, such as consumer, medical, industrial, and military.
The co-founders had been working for a defence robotics company during summer of 2023. However, their goal was to develop their own products that would be qualitatively and quantitatively beneficial to troops on the front and accessible to each soldier. Following many rounds of discussions, they decided to independently develop EW-resistant control modules for copter drones (FPV and bombers).
«We rented a tiny, worn-out office space that ended up being a sauna during the summer and a bone-chilling icebox in the winter. We started developing initial prototypes while looking for ways to secure funding. This is how Frontline was born», — says Mykyta Rozhkov.
Currently, there are around 20 members on the team. By the way, we are seeking a proficient developer to fill the role of Robotics Tech Lead that would head our Computer Vision department.
Product and audience
Frontline manufactures electronic warfare-resistant drones and ring mounts designed for the front. There are currently two product lines: copters and ring mounts.
«We unveiled the ZOOM reconnaissance drone in October. Brave1, the Ukrainian defence tech platform, has already tested it as a potential alternative to a Chinese consumer drone commonly used for military purposes. It is built on our ERW-resistant communications platform and equipped with a unique visual navigation module. The simplified version is currently being supplied to and utilised by frontline units as a reusable drone delivery system.
The next product is the automated ring mount designed for the MK19 Buria grenade launcher. Buria was created with the needs of both the military and manufacturers of ground robotic platforms in mind. Weighing 47 kg, Buria can be manually deployed on a tripod or transported to the site using a logistics platform.
With its advanced automated guidance and fire control system, the ring mount offers enhanced options for responding to threats and precise target engagement. The advanced software allows for convenient aiming using a laptop or tablet while remaining safely sheltered from the mounting ring.
We cannot provide specific order numbers, but our production capacities have been fully booked through the end of 2024 since September», — states the SMO.
He also comments on the target audience: «The battlefield is the deadliest place on the planet, and you don’t need military expertise to recognise that. Technology has significantly increased battlefield lethality. Our global objective is to develop a new generation of large, reliable robots capable of taking on front-line tasks. We aim to minimise human involvement in combat situations, thereby protecting the lives of our military personnel».
Business model and marketing strategy
In Ukraine, the company’s products are distributed through government orders and sold directly to units.
We do not rely on advertising, as we engage directly with the military. Our most effective marketing strategies are word of mouth and products that surpass expectations during military tests.
I’d also like to mention the Okop, a fortification enhancement project we launched with a group of volunteers on the 24th of September. The aim is to gather insights from combat units, unmanned system operators, and engineering troops to create a strategy to build fortifications that are suitable for modern warfare. Fortifications must adapt to the evolving use of robotic systems by integrating advanced reconnaissance technologies and anticipating the devastating effects of firepower.
Investments
The startup has recently launched a seed funding round to raise $800,000. Previously, the startup completed a pre-seed round in 2023, attracting investments from the D3 foundation as well as a private investor. Brave1, a state defence cluster, recently provided us three grants totalling UAH 6 million for our product development efforts.
Plans
«The first step is to significantly increase manufacturing to make the product more widely available and efficient while also showcasing various video testimonials on platforms like Twitter and Telegram», — summarises Mykyta Rozhkov.
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