Forefront RF secures £16M to power next-gen connectivity solutions

This infusion of capital supports Forefront RF's mission to redefine how mobile devices manage complex RF environments, expanding possibilities for connected devices worldwide. With this investment, the company is set to transition from an early-stage startup to a mature player in RF technology, gearing up for the 2026 launch of its first-generation product, the FFM51010, to the fast growing cellular-enabled smartwatch market.

Ronald Wilting, CEO of Forefront RF, said: "Securing this Series A funding underscores the strong confidence our investors have in Forefront RF's vision and market potential. With continued support from Foresight Group and BGF, and new partnerships with Octopus Ventures and Cambridge Innovation Capital, we're well-positioned to scale rapidly from engineering prototypes to mass production."

Forefront RF's technology, rooted in pioneering research by founder Dr. Leo Laughlin, empowers mobile device manufacturers to overcome printed circuit board (PCB) size limitations while supporting more frequency bands with simplified, cost-effective designs. The company's first solution is aimed cellular-enabled wearables, where every millimetre of PCB is critical and expanding frequency band capabilities is essential. By replacing bulky fixed-frequency filters and duplexers with a self-configuring tuneable duplexer, Forefront RF enables devices to dynamically adjust to any required frequency, reducing overall component list and manufacturing complexity. This innovation not only saves valuable PCB space but also minimises variants, reducing waste and enhancing supply chain efficiency – creating a win-win for manufacturers and their CSR goals.

"Forefront RF has created a solution to one of the greatest bottlenecks in mobile data connectivity, based on a decade of advanced research and development. Cambridge Innovation Capital is delighted to partner with Forefront RF as it prepares to launch its highly differentiated product lines into the growing wearables market. We look forward to supporting the team as they scale to deliver global impact across billions of connected devices," said Edward Inns of Cambridge Innovation Capital.

Owen Metters, investor at Octopus Ventures, continued; "We're delighted to be supporting Forefront RF on their journey, and are really excited by the Team's potential. Their patented technology will revolutionise how mobile devices are designed, reducing complexity, and streamlining supply chains. The continuing proliferation of cellular-enabled devices means there is a significant opportunity for technology such as Foretune."

Andy Bloxam, Head of FTW at Foresight, stated: "We are excited to be making this follow-on investment into Forefront RF, a developer of breakthrough tuneable duplexers that can potentially underpin next-generation RF-enabled devices. This is a testament to Foresight's long-standing commitment to the Cambridge ecosystem, which is widely recognised as a great place to scale disruptive deep-tech businesses such as Forefront."

Luke Rajah, investor at BGF, iterated: "Forefront RF's breakthrough technology addresses key technological challenges in an ever-more connected world, while also delivering environmental benefits. Supporting businesses as they transition from startup to maturity is a fundamental part of BGF's mission, and it's immensely rewarding to back such an innovative British business as it develops world-leading technology."

Forefront RF has quickly become a recognised leader in tuneable duplexers, pioneering solutions for persistent RF challenges in mobile device design. Since its founding in 2020, the company has pushed the boundaries of wireless technology with its patented Foretune technology, a transformative self-interference cancellation system that addresses leakage and interference issues inherent in all wireless devices. By dynamically inverting and neutralising unwanted signals, much like noise-cancelling headphones, Foretune enables cleaner signal transmission and reception in software-defined radio systems. As well as enhancing device performance, this breakthrough simplifies product design and production processes. With Foretune, Forefront RF is poised to redefine RF standards and drive significant advancements in next-generation wireless technology.