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Bone AI

Category: Robotics / Embodied AI

Bone AI develops autonomous drones, ground robots, and mission-ready AI systems tailored for defense and security applications. Bone AI was founded in 2024. The company is led by DK Lee. Based in Seoul, South Korea. Team size: 20-50. Total funding raised: $12 million. Latest round: Seed, $12 million, 2025-11-17, led by Third Prime. Key investors include Third Prime, Kolon Group.

Founded
2024
Headquarters
Seoul, South Korea
Team size
20-50
Total funding
$12 million

Value proposition

Leverages cutting-edge AI and robotics to provide scalable, autonomous solutions for surveillance, reconnaissance, and mission-critical defense operations

Products and solutions

Autonomous drones (UAVs), AI-powered ground robots (UGVs), Mission-ready AI systems for defense, Autonomous marine vehicles (USVs)

Unique value

Challenges established defense giants by combining next-generation AI with robotics for cost-effective, adaptive defense solutions with full-stack vertical integration

Target customer

Defense and security agencies, government defense contractors, and private security firms

Industries served

Defense, Security, Government operations, Disaster response, Infrastructure monitoring, Public safety, Logistics

Technology advantage

Full-stack robotics platform integrating proprietary AI algorithms for autonomous decision-making and real-time threat detection, with in-house development from airframes to AI logic

How they differentiate

Bone AI differentiates itself through full-stack AI autonomy in defense robotics, focusing on scalable, mission-ready systems for autonomous drones and ground robots. Unlike traditional defense contractors, it leverages cutting-edge AI for real-time decision-making in complex environments with vertical integration from hardware to software.

Main competitors

Unitree (China), Hyundai (South Korea), Stryker (US, defense and surgical robotics), Traditional defense contractors

Key partnerships

Kolon Group (major South Korean conglomerate), Third Prime (venture capital firm), D-Makers (acquired South Korean drone company), Government defense agencies (undisclosed contracts)

Notable customers

South Korean government agencies, Undisclosed defense contractors

Major milestones

Raised $12M seed funding in November 2025, Launched AI-powered autonomous robotics for defense applications, Established partnerships with South Korean defense industry stakeholders, Acquired D-Makers drone company, Achieved $3M revenue in first year, Secured seven-figure government contracts

Growth metrics

$3 million revenue in first year, seven-figure government contracts secured, selected for South Korean government-backed logistics program

Market positioning

Positioned as a challenger to Asian defense giants, particularly Chinese firms dominating military robotics. Targets the growing demand for AI-driven defense solutions in the Asia-Pacific region with plans to expand to US and European allied markets.

Geographic focus

Asia-Pacific, with a focus on South Korea (homebase) and countering China's expanding defense robotics influence. Also explores opportunities in the US for Western military alliances.

Patents and IP

No publicly disclosed patents as of December 2025; focus on proprietary AI and robotics integration

About DK Lee

Co-founder and former Chief Business Officer at MarqVision (YC S21), specializing in AI-powered brand protection technology. Previously involved in technology startups and entrepreneurship.

Official website: