Beaten Zone Venture Partners Backs ZeroMark to Deliver Soldier-Level Counter-Drone Capability
Beaten Zone Venture Partners (BZV) this month announced its participation in a strategic investment round for” ZeroMark, Inc., a US-based defence technology company developing software-defined fire-control systems that bring counter-drone capability to the individual soldier. The round comes as ZeroMark accelerates deployment of its technology following recent defense contract wins.
Founded by Joel Anderson, a former US Navy servicemember and ex-MongoDB executive, ZeroMark combines operational insight with commercial scale to address one of the fastest-evolving challenges in modern defence, the rise of small, low-cost unmanned aerial threats.
ZeroMark’s flagship product, Apex, is a rifle-mounted, software-defined system that physically adjusts a soldier’s aim in real time to increase hit probability against drones. Apex provides an additional layer to existing counter-UAS systems and requires minimal training, allowing conventional infantry to neutralise low-cost aerial threats quickly and effectively.
The strategic investment round includes Beaten Zone Ventures, AeroX, Intrepid, Calm, What If, Gaingels, and select family offices, enabling ZeroMark to rapidly scale production and deployment to meet growing demand from defense customers. ZeroMark has previously raised capital from notable investors including Andreessen Horowitz, Ground Up, Ludlow, and Anorak.
“ZeroMark represents the shift from centralised mass to decentralised precision,” said Steve Baxter, Founder and Lead Investor at Beaten Zone Ventures. “They are building the compute layer for soldier-level capability, where every rifle, turret, or cannon becomes a smart node in the wider defence network. This is exactly the kind of company that strengthens capability, national security, and survivability for allied forces.”
Key Highlights of ZeroMark
- Apex: A rifle-mounted AI system that physically adjusts aim in real time, improving hit probability against drones and airborne threats.
- Traction: Extensive contracts secured with key players in multiple countries.
- Market Opportunity: A global counter-UAS market exceeding US$10B, driven by escalating drone threats and increased defence spending by NATO and AUKUS partners.
Inside the Investment
Autonomy and edge computing are increasingly merging on the battlefield, yet most existing solutions remain focused on intelligence, surveillance, and mobility. Soldier-centric systems have lagged behind.
BZV invested in ZeroMark because it brings edge computing directly to the warfighter through an innovative, software-defined counter-UAS solution.
Our rationale is grounded in three strategic drivers:
Decentralised Precision
The future of battlefield effectiveness will depend on decentralised precision, not centralised mass. ZeroMark’s architecture enables accurate engagement at the lowest tier of force structure, not by increasing platform complexity, but by embedding software-defined accuracy in the hands of individual operators. This reduces dependency on top-down coordination and increases responsiveness to real-time threats.
Asymmetric Scaling
Rather than scaling by adding more interceptors or drones, ZeroMark scales by augmenting existing assets. This creates a scalable deterrent footprint that doesn’t rely on logistics-heavy systems, ideal for grey zone conflict and rapid force projection.
The Shift to Small and Many
Military advantage is shifting from heavyweight, centralised platforms to agile, modular systems that can be fielded in volume. ZeroMark embodies this transition by delivering capability through compact, software-enabled devices that operate at the lowest tactical tier. This shift allows forces to distribute capability, reduce single points of failure, and respond faster to dynamic threats.
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ABOUT BEATEN ZONE VENTURE PARTNERS
Beaten Zone Venture Partners is headquartered in Brisbane, Australia, and invests in sovereign early-stage businesses with products that have material military use and contribute to Australia’s national security and the survivability of allied warfighters. The scope precludes investments involved with controversial weapons, such as landmines, or other capabilities that would violate Australian ratified treaties or agreements.
MEDIA CONTACT
Stephen Baxter Lead Investor and Founding Partner (steve@beatenzone.vc)
Peta Ellis General Manager (peta@beatenzone.vc)
ABOUT STEVE BAXTER (www.stevebaxter.com.au)
Steve is a passionate Australian, Queenslander and ADF veteran. He has been investing into the Australian technology scene since 2011 with over 90 companies funded. He was the founder of South Australian dial up ISP SE Net, and co-founder of Brisbane based whole telecommunication company PIPE Networks. Following successful exits, Steve started River City Labs, Startup Catalyst, River Pitch and TEN13 as well spending one year as Queensland Chief Entrepreneur and four seasons on the Channel Ten show ‘Shark Tank Australia’.
Disclaimer
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