Aurelius Systems is a San Francisco-based defense technology startup specializing in edge-deployed, AI-powered laser weapon systems designed for counter-unmanned aerial systems (cUAS) applications. The company’s mission is to provide cost-effective, scalable, and rapidly deployable directed energy solutions to neutralize the growing threat of drones on the modern battlefield. Aurelius’ flagship product, the Archimedes Laser Sentinel, is a lightweight, modular laser turret capable of autonomously detecting, tracking, and destroying drones at distances exceeding one kilometer. The system is engineered for mass deployment across vehicles, fixed installations, and diverse operational environments, offering a low-cost-per-shot alternative to traditional kinetic interceptors. Aurelius Systems has demonstrated operational readiness through successful field tests with U.S. military stakeholders and continues to advance its technology in response to evolving defense needs.
Leadership
Michael LaFramboise (Co-Founder & CEO): LaFramboise holds advanced degrees in mechanical engineering, robotics, and optoelectronics from institutions such as UC Berkeley, Columbia University, and the University of Michigan. His background includes R&D and technical sales roles at Coherent Inc. (laser systems), product management at Amazon Devices, and prior startup experience in the software and Web3 space. He is the technical and strategic lead at Aurelius Systems, focusing on photonics, autonomous systems, and defense innovation.
John Marmaduke (Co-Founder & CTO): Marmaduke earned a BS in Aerospace Engineering from the University of Michigan and an MS in Computer Science from Georgia Tech. He previously held engineering and product leadership roles at Ford Motor Company and was CTO of Oxygen, a software startup co-founded with LaFramboise. Marmaduke leads the technical architecture and development of Aurelius’ autonomous laser systems.
Joseph Taverner (Head of Operations): Taverner is a 26-year U.S. Navy SEAL veteran, bringing extensive operational leadership and defense expertise to Aurelius as it scales its deployment and partnerships.
Core Technologies
Archimedes Laser Sentinel: A man-portable, modular, and vehicle-agnostic laser weapon system designed for autonomous cUAS operations. Key features include:
Advanced onboard sensors for long-range detection and tracking (over 2 km).
AI-powered autonomous target identification, tracking, and engagement.
High-powered, near-infrared fiber laser for rapid drone neutralization (within seconds).
Edge-deployed control systems for fully autonomous operation, including sensing, identification, and firing.
Configurable for a range of platforms and environments, enabling mass deployment.
Powered by compact, high-voltage battery systems for expeditionary use, reducing logistical footprint and increasing survivability.
Command and Control: In-house developed C2 software enables the system to operate fully autonomously or integrate with broader defense networks.
Key Capabilities
Autonomous detection, tracking, and destruction of drones and other aerial threats.
Rapid response (seconds) and high accuracy, even against maneuvering targets.
Extremely low cost-per-shot (just a few dollars in energy vs. tens of thousands for missiles).
Minimal collateral damage and no reliance on traditional ammunition supply chains.
Scalable and adaptable for various military and critical infrastructure defense scenarios.
Investors
Outlander VC
Decisive Point
Founders, Inc.
640 Oxford
Detroit Venture Partners
First In
Naval Ravikant (angel investor)
Aurelius Systems raised $2.1 million in its initial funding round (July 2024), followed by an additional $1.25 million from Naval Ravikant in October 2024. The company also received a Defense Innovation Unit (DIU) award as part of the US-Singapore Joint Challenge for novel counter-drone systems. Aurelius Systems is privately held; valuation details have not been disclosed.
Notable Clients
U.S. Department of Defense: Aurelius Systems’ technology has been tested and evaluated by multiple branches, including the Navy, Air Force Special Operations Command, Army Futures Command, Joint Special Operations Command, and others during Joint Interagency Field Experimentation (JIFX) events.
Ministry of Defence of Singapore: Supported through the DIU-Singapore Joint Challenge for maritime and military counter-drone operations.
