Corporate team advise Forefront RF on £16m funding round

The funding hopes to launch Forefront RF's groundbreaking technology that will revolutionise the smartwatch market.

The funding round was backed by existing investors BGF and Foresight Group, alongside new VC partners, Octopus Ventures and Cambridge Innovation Capital. Based in Cambridge, Forefront RF’s technology will redefine how mobile devices manage complex RF environments, expanding next-gen connectivity solutions in the rapidly growing cellular wearable space.

The capital injection will enable Forefront RF 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. 

Forefront RF’s technology is rooted in pioneering research by founder Dr Leo Laughlin. It 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, 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 minimizes variants, reducing waste and enhancing supply chain efficiency—creating a win-win for manufacturers and their CSR goals.

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.”

Zickie Lim, head of venture capital investment at Mills & Reeve, said: “This latest funding highlights the potential of Forefront RF’s transformational technology that will not only impact smartphone data connectivity but will enable a more cost-effective and energy efficient production of wearable devices. Forefront RF is an excellent example of the world-leading technology companies that we advise on at all stages of their funding journeys and such businesses put Cambridge on the global map as a centre of technological innovation.

Edward Inns of Cambridge Innovation Capital said: “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.”

Owen Metters, investor at Octopus Ventures, added: “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 ForetuneTM.”

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