Forefront RF raises £16m Series A for absolutely fabless radio frequency solution

Forefront RF has secured a £16million Series A raise for its mission to redefine how mobile devices manage complex RF (radio frequency) environments.

The fabless semiconductor company supports the ongoing journey towards miniaturisation in device architecture.

Since its founding in 2020, Forefront RF has pushed the boundaries of wireless technology with its patented self-interference cancellation system Foretune, which addresses the leakage and interference issues inherent in all wireless devices.

By dynamically inverting and neutralizing 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.

Foretune is rooted in pioneering research by Forefront RF founder Dr Leo Laughlin, which 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 at 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 tunable duplexer, St John’s Innovation Centre-based 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,” said Cambridge Innovation Capital senior associate Edward Inns.

“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.”

Cambridge Innovation Capital joined existing investors BGF and Foresight Group, alongside new venture capital partner Octopus Ventures, for the Series A raise.

Owen Metters, investor at Octopus Ventures, said: “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.”

Luke Rajah, investor at BGF, said: “Forefront RF’s breakthrough technology addresses key technological challenges in an ever-more connected world, while also delivering environmental benefits.”

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.”