Investing in Neros
The US lacks the capacity to manufacture and deploy cost-effective, high-precision maneuverable sUAS. The utilization of small unmanned aircraft systems (UAS) carries significant strategic and operational importance in contemporary warfare, particularly evident in their deployment by Ukrainian and Russian forces on the battlefield. Despite the substantial gaps between Ukraine and Russia, Ukraine’s inventive strategies have mitigated some of Russia’s conventional advantages. Ukraine’s investment in small UAS reflects its forward-thinking approach and comprehension of modern warfare dynamics. Reports from the Royal United Services Institute indicate that Ukraine relies heavily on Chinese-manufactured drones, with an estimated usage of 10,000 drones per month. These drones and components are primarily sourced through Chinese suppliers, highlighting Kyiv’s reliance on Chinese manufacturing giants like DJI.
With China leading over 70% of global drone production and utilization, it has spurred initiatives within the US to cultivate its own industrial base. The U.S. military-industrial complex has yet to fully embrace the dynamic nature of technology. Leaders in the US and allied nations acknowledge that adversaries are forging ahead in emerging domains such as drones, AI, computer vision, and robotics. The pressing demand for advanced drones in Ukraine presents an opportunity for practical testing and data collection. The global trend towards cost-effective defense technology is unmistakable. Meeting this demand not only serves U.S. interests but also positions the nation within the expanding military drone market, establishing a significant presence for the future.
Introducing Neros
Neros Technologies is working to mass manufacture unmanned defense systems at unprecedented scale in America. Like a modern Skunk Works for unmanned assets, Neros engineering systems that were once unimaginable - and building them for global deployment in every domain. Neros has built a very small, first-person-view (FPV)-based UAS that is deployable by dismounted soldiers. Commercial and FPV (first-person view) drones, once primarily utilized in civilian contexts, have now emerged as integral components of military endeavors. Their versatility extends beyond conventional roles, encompassing tasks ranging from reconnaissance and target identification to executing precision strikes and providing early warnings, fundamentally reshaping the dynamics of modern warfare.
As their capabilities expand, so too does their significance on the battlefield, underscoring the evolving nature of modern military tactics and strategies. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky recently unveiled ambitious plans to manufacture 1 million FPV drones in 2024. This news comes on the heels of the launch of the Replicator Initiative, spearheaded by Deputy Secretary of Defense Kathleen Hicks. The initiative aims to “field attritable autonomous systems at scales of multiple thousands in multiple domains within the next 18 to 24 months.”
Neros is led by two drone industry veterans. Soren-Monroe-Anderson (Founder / CEO) developed an interest in drones when he was around 7 years old and began experimenting soon after. He started racing drones competitively and as a hobby. In fact, he finished high school early to become the World Champion of the Drone Racing League. He also previously founded FPV Supply Co, creating the highest-performing drone racing parts for the best pilots in the world. He is joined by Olaf Hichwa (Co-founder / CTO) previously led hardware engineering at Skywalk and has a BS in computer engineering from Rochester Institute of Technology.
I could not more impressed with this team. Lucky to have written an angel check into their pre-seed round! I’m excited to announce they’ve raised $11M Seed from the world’s most elite venture capital firms and entrepreneurs, including Sequoia, Cantos, Peter Thiel, and SpaceX executives.
If you’re interested in learning more about Neros, I urge you to watch the S³ series.