# Top 50 Optical Technology Startups Worldwide by Funding (2026)

> The 50 best-funded optical technology startups worldwide, ranked by total funding raised: $9.1B combined.

Source: https://millionrounds.com/top-lists/optical-technology-startups (Millionrounds; every figure on the page links to its filing or article)

- 1 [**Open Fiber** Italian telecommunications company which operates wholesale in the optical fiber infrastructure market.](https://millionrounds.com/company/open-fiber) Italian telecommunications company which operates wholesale in the optical fiber infrastructure market. *Founded* 2015 Milan, Italy **$2.5B** last round Aug 2021
- 2 [**Lumentum** Lumentum Operations is an optical and photonic products manufacturer.](https://millionrounds.com/company/lumentum) Lumentum Operations is an optical and photonic products manufacturer. *Founded* 2015 Milpitas, United States **$2.0B** last round Mar 2026
- 3 [**Ayar Labs** Ayar Labs is a semiconductor company focused on transforming AI infrastructure through high-speed, light-based optical I/O solutions.](https://millionrounds.com/company/ayar-labs) Ayar Labs is a semiconductor company focused on transforming AI infrastructure through high-speed, light-based optical I/O solutions. *Founded* 2015 San Jose, United States **$904M** last round Oct 2026
- 4 [**Lightmatter** Lightmatter is a Boston-based optical computing company founded in 2017 by MIT researchers.](https://millionrounds.com/company/lightmatter) Lightmatter is a Boston-based optical computing company founded in 2017 by MIT researchers. *Founded* 2017 Mountain View, United States **$433M** last round Oct 2024
- 5 [**Celestial AI** Celestial AI is a semiconductor and AI infrastructure company specializing in optical interconnect technology for data centers and AI computing systems.](https://millionrounds.com/company/celestial-ai) Celestial AI is a semiconductor and AI infrastructure company specializing in optical interconnect technology for data centers and AI computing systems. *Founded* 2020 Santa Clara, United States **$250M** last round Mar 2025
- 6 [**Lightelligence** Lightelligence is an optical computing company founded in 2017 as a spin-out from MIT.](https://millionrounds.com/company/lightelligence) Lightelligence is an optical computing company founded in 2017 as a spin-out from MIT. *Founded* 2017 Boston, United States **$220M** last round Sept 2025
- 7 [**Salience Labs** Salience Labs is a deep-tech semiconductor company based in Oxford, United Kingdom, specializing in all-optical silicon photonic solutions.](https://millionrounds.com/company/salience-labs) Salience Labs is a deep-tech semiconductor company based in Oxford, United Kingdom, specializing in all-optical silicon photonic solutions. *Founded* 2020 Oxford, United Kingdom **$169M** last round Oct 2026
- 8 [**Agility Communications** Agility Communications provides laser solutions such as tunable transponder and laser for the optical network.](https://millionrounds.com/company/agility-communications) Agility Communications provides laser solutions such as tunable transponder and laser for the optical network. *Founded* 1998 United States **$168M** last round Mar 2005
- 9 [**Even Realities** Even Realities is an innovative company based in Shenzhen, Guangdong, China, specializing in optical technology and wearable devices.](https://millionrounds.com/company/even-realities) Even Realities is an innovative company based in Shenzhen, Guangdong, China, specializing in optical technology and wearable devices. *Founded* 2023 Shenzhen, China **$150M** last round Jul 2026
- 10 [**iPronics** iPRONICS is a Spanish deep-tech semiconductor company founded in 2019 as a spinoff from Universitat Politècnica de València.](https://millionrounds.com/company/ipronics) iPRONICS is a Spanish deep-tech semiconductor company founded in 2019 as a spinoff from Universitat Politècnica de València. *Founded* 2019 Valencia, Spain **$137M** last round Sept 2026
- 11 [**QD Vision** QD Vision is a developer of nanotechnology-based optical products for display and solid state lighting applications.](https://millionrounds.com/company/qd-vision) QD Vision is a developer of nanotechnology-based optical products for display and solid state lighting applications. *Founded* 2004 Lexington, United States **$133M** last round Nov 2015
- 12 [**Neurophos** Neurophos Inc.](https://millionrounds.com/company/neurophos) Neurophos Inc. *Founded* 2020 Austin, United States **$110M** last round Jan 2026
- 13 [**MyOptique Group** The MyOptique Group is an online optical store offering prescription glasses, sunglasses and contact lenses.](https://millionrounds.com/company/myoptique-group) The MyOptique Group is an online optical store offering prescription glasses, sunglasses and contact lenses. *Founded* 2005 United Kingdom **$102M** last round Aug 2015
- 14 [**CoreOptics** CoreOptics designs and develops digital signal processing solutions for high-speed optical networking applications.](https://millionrounds.com/company/coreoptics) CoreOptics designs and develops digital signal processing solutions for high-speed optical networking applications. *Founded* 2001 Germany **$90M** last round Apr 2008
- 15 [**C8 MediSensors** C8 MediSensors develops HG1-c, a non-invasive continuous glucose monitor and Optical Glucose Monitoring product for diabetics.](https://millionrounds.com/company/c8-medisensors) C8 MediSensors develops HG1-c, a non-invasive continuous glucose monitor and Optical Glucose Monitoring product for diabetics. *Founded* 2003 San Jose, United States **$88M** last round Jun 2012
- 16 [**nEye.ai** We are nEye.ai, an optical switch startup founded in 2020 to revolutionize the future of data centers.](https://millionrounds.com/company/neye-ai) We are nEye.ai, an optical switch startup founded in 2020 to revolutionize the future of data centers. *Founded* 2020 Santa Clara, United States **$80M** last round Apr 2026
- 17 [**OneChip Photonics** OneChip Photonics is a privately held company based in Ottawa, Ontario, Canada, founded in 2005.](https://millionrounds.com/company/onechip-photonics) OneChip Photonics is a privately held company based in Ottawa, Ontario, Canada, founded in 2005. *Founded* 2005 Ottawa, Canada **$80M** last round Sept 2012
- 18 [**CyOptics** CyOptics provides Indium Phosphide optical chips and component technologies for the data communications and telecommunications markets.](https://millionrounds.com/company/cyoptics) CyOptics provides Indium Phosphide optical chips and component technologies for the data communications and telecommunications markets. *Founded* 1999 United States **$77M** last round Jan 2011
- 19 [**Laser Link** Laser Link is a laser communication company that focuses on development of precision optical-mechanical products for commercial aircraft.](https://millionrounds.com/company/laser-link) Laser Link is a laser communication company that focuses on development of precision optical-mechanical products for commercial aircraft. *Founded* 2021 Shanghai **$73M** last round Mar 2026
- 20 [**Sphera Optical Networks** Sphera Optical Networks, Inc.](https://millionrounds.com/company/sphera-optical-networks) Sphera Optical Networks, Inc. *Founded* 1999 United States **$70M** last round Aug 2000
- 21 [**Optalysys** Optalysys Ltd is a high-tech company based in Leeds, United Kingdom, specializing in optical computing and silicon photonics.](https://millionrounds.com/company/optalysys) Optalysys Ltd is a high-tech company based in Leeds, United Kingdom, specializing in optical computing and silicon photonics. *Founded* 2013 Pontefract, United Kingdom **$69M** last round Jun 2026
- 22 [**TOPI Imaging Technology** TOPI Imaging Technology is a medical device firm providing OCT retinal diagnostic system and sweep optical biometer.](https://millionrounds.com/company/topi-imaging-technology) TOPI Imaging Technology is a medical device firm providing OCT retinal diagnostic system and sweep optical biometer. *Founded* 2017 Beijing **$69M** last round Mar 2025
- 23 [**Qspex Technologies** QSpex Technologies develops systems and complimentary materials that enable optical outlets to produce custom spectacle lenses.](https://millionrounds.com/company/qspex-technologies) QSpex Technologies develops systems and complimentary materials that enable optical outlets to produce custom spectacle lenses. *Founded* 2007 Alpharetta, United States **$68M** last round Jan 2014
- 24 [**Wave7 Optics** Wave7 Optics develops IP-based optical networks for the delivery of video, voice, and data services.](https://millionrounds.com/company/wave7-optics) Wave7 Optics develops IP-based optical networks for the delivery of video, voice, and data services. *Founded* 2000 United States **$60M** last round Jul 2004
- 25 [**Lumotive** Lumotive is a semiconductor company based in Redmond, Washington, founded in 2017.](https://millionrounds.com/company/lumotive) Lumotive is a semiconductor company based in Redmond, Washington, founded in 2017. *Founded* 2017 Redmond, United States **$59M** last round Feb 2025
- 26 [**Tropic Networks** Tropic Networks designs, develops, and markets regional and metro-area optical networking equipment for telephony, data, and cable apps.](https://millionrounds.com/company/tropic-networks) Tropic Networks designs, develops, and markets regional and metro-area optical networking equipment for telephony, data, and cable apps. *Founded* 2000 Canada **$53M** last round May 2005
- 27 [**Matisse Networks** Matisse Networks is a privately held optical networking company located in Mountain View, California.](https://millionrounds.com/company/matisse-networks) Matisse Networks is a privately held optical networking company located in Mountain View, California. *Founded* 2003 Mountain View, United States **$53M** last round Sept 2007
- 28 [**CAILABS** Cailabs is a global deep-tech company based in Rennes, France, specializing in advanced photonics solutions.](https://millionrounds.com/company/cailabs) Cailabs is a global deep-tech company based in Rennes, France, specializing in advanced photonics solutions. *Founded* 2013 Rennes, France **$52M** last round Sept 2025
- 29 [**Intune Networks** Intune Networks is a telecommunications company founded in 1999 by John Dunne and Tom Farrell.](https://millionrounds.com/company/intune-networks) Intune Networks is a telecommunications company founded in 1999 by John Dunne and Tom Farrell. *Founded* 1999 Dublin, Ireland **$50M** last round Oct 2009
- 30 [**Mesh Optical Technologies** Mesh Optical Technologies designs and manufactures the world's most advanced optical hardware.](https://millionrounds.com/company/mesh-optical-technologies) Mesh Optical Technologies designs and manufactures the world's most advanced optical hardware. *Founded* - Los Angeles, United States **$50M** last round Feb 2026
- 31 [**Arycs Technologies** Arycs Technologies is a U.S.-based company that specializes in energy-efficient, high-performance coherent optical connectivity solutions.](https://millionrounds.com/company/arycs-technologies) Arycs Technologies is a U.S.-based company that specializes in energy-efficient, high-performance coherent optical connectivity solutions. *Founded* 2025 Los Gatos, United States **$48M** last round Mar 2026
- 32 [**BroadLight** BroadLight is a supplier of communication semiconductors and optical transceivers for cost-effective FTTP (Fiber-to-the-Premises).](https://millionrounds.com/company/broadlight) BroadLight is a supplier of communication semiconductors and optical transceivers for cost-effective FTTP (Fiber-to-the-Premises). *Founded* 2000 United States **$45M** last round Sept 2007
- 33 [**MediBeacon** MediBeacon is an optical diagnostic company providing clinicians with critical information that improve patient care.](https://millionrounds.com/company/medibeacon) MediBeacon is an optical diagnostic company providing clinicians with critical information that improve patient care. *Founded* 2011 St. Louis, United States **$39M** last round Jul 2022
- 34 [**Optics 1** Optics1 is engaged in optics design and optical developments, including visible, infrared and ultraviolet light, X-rays and microwaves.](https://millionrounds.com/company/optics-1) Optics1 is engaged in optics design and optical developments, including visible, infrared and ultraviolet light, X-rays and microwaves. *Founded* 1987 Bedford, United States **$38M** last round Jan 2010
- 35 [**Negevtech** Negevtech is a company specializing in wafer optical inspection and yield control solutions for the semiconductor industry.](https://millionrounds.com/company/negevtech) Negevtech is a company specializing in wafer optical inspection and yield control solutions for the semiconductor industry. *Founded* 1999 United States **$36M** last round Apr 2006
- 36 [**LensVector** LensVector is an optical technology company based in San Jose, California, founded in 2006.](https://millionrounds.com/company/lensvector) LensVector is an optical technology company based in San Jose, California, founded in 2006. *Founded* 2006 San Jose, United States **$36M** last round Nov 2013
- 37 [**Vuv Analytics** VUV Analytics develops vacuum ultraviolet optical technologies available for use in the life and environmental sciences.](https://millionrounds.com/company/vuv-analytics) VUV Analytics develops vacuum ultraviolet optical technologies available for use in the life and environmental sciences. *Founded* 2009 Cedar Park, United States **$36M** last round Feb 2023
- 38 [**Syndiant** Syndiant is an optical device company providing light modulating panels for high-resolution small displays.](https://millionrounds.com/company/syndiant) Syndiant is an optical device company providing light modulating panels for high-resolution small displays. *Founded* 2004 Dallas, United States **$33M** last round Nov 2012
- 39 [**Nanotronics** Nanotronics, also known as Nanotronics Imaging, is an innovative industrial AI and nanotechnology company based in Brooklyn, New York.](https://millionrounds.com/company/nanotronics) Nanotronics, also known as Nanotronics Imaging, is an innovative industrial AI and nanotechnology company based in Brooklyn, New York. *Founded* 2010 United States **$30M** last round Oct 2017
- 40 [**SBA Materials** SBA manufactures and markets liquid-based inorganic and organic dielectric and optical polymers for the electronics industry.](https://millionrounds.com/company/sba-materials) SBA manufactures and markets liquid-based inorganic and organic dielectric and optical polymers for the electronics industry. *Founded* 2001 Albuquerque, United States **$30M** last round Jun 2014
- 41 [**Ahura Scientific** Ahura Scientific develops field-enabled optical systems for the identification and authentication of liquid and solid chemical substances.](https://millionrounds.com/company/ahura-scientific) Ahura Scientific develops field-enabled optical systems for the identification and authentication of liquid and solid chemical substances. *Founded* 2002 United States **$30M** last round Mar 2007
- 42 [**Sipex Corporation** Sipex Corporation manufactures analog integrated circuits, regulators, and interface and optical storage products.](https://millionrounds.com/company/sipex-corporation) Sipex Corporation manufactures analog integrated circuits, regulators, and interface and optical storage products. *Founded* 1965 United States **$29M** last round May 2006
- 43 [**KDPOF** KDPOF specializes in the development of technology for high capacity communications over Large Core Plastic Optical Fiber (POF)](https://millionrounds.com/company/kdpof) KDPOF specializes in the development of technology for high capacity communications over Large Core Plastic Optical Fiber (POF) *Founded* 2010 Madrid, Spain **$29M** last round May 2024
- 44 [**Nistica** Nistica is a supplier of agile optical modules that simplify and automate the delivery of high bandwidth applications.](https://millionrounds.com/company/nistica) Nistica is a supplier of agile optical modules that simplify and automate the delivery of high bandwidth applications. *Founded* 2005 United States **$28M** last round Feb 2011
- 45 [**SpectraSensors** SpectraSensors manufactures and supplies precision optical laser-based gas analyzers for the energy and petrochemical industries.](https://millionrounds.com/company/spectrasensors) SpectraSensors manufactures and supplies precision optical laser-based gas analyzers for the energy and petrochemical industries. *Founded* 1999 United States **$28M** last round May 2009
- 46 [**Aroptics Tech** Aroptics Tech is a manufacturer of domestic optical communications that specializes in optoelectronic chip design and production.](https://millionrounds.com/company/aroptics-tech) Aroptics Tech is a manufacturer of domestic optical communications that specializes in optoelectronic chip design and production. *Founded* 2015 China **$28M** last round Nov 2023
- 47 [**Huachen Core Light** Huachen Core Light is a semiconductor technology company that produces and manufactures optical communications and laser chips.](https://millionrounds.com/company/huachen-core-light) Huachen Core Light is a semiconductor technology company that produces and manufactures optical communications and laser chips. *Founded* 2021 Wuxi **$28M** last round Mar 2025
- 48 [**Arkeus** Arkeus is a defense technology company based in Port Melbourne, Victoria, Australia, founded in 2020 by Simon Olsen and Jon Nebauer.](https://millionrounds.com/company/arkeus) Arkeus is a defense technology company based in Port Melbourne, Victoria, Australia, founded in 2020 by Simon Olsen and Jon Nebauer. *Founded* 2020 Melbourne, Australia **$27M** last round May 2026
- 49 [**Polatis** Polatis is a tech company delivering optical switching solutions for remote fiber-layer provisioning, protection and monitoring.](https://millionrounds.com/company/polatis) Polatis is a tech company delivering optical switching solutions for remote fiber-layer provisioning, protection and monitoring. *Founded* 2000 Cambridge, United States **$26M** last round Nov 2012
- 50 [**Folio Photonics** Folio Photonics is a technology company based in Solon, Ohio, founded in 2012.](https://millionrounds.com/company/folio-photonics) Folio Photonics is a technology company based in Solon, Ohio, founded in 2012. *Founded* 2012 Solon, United States **$26M** last round Oct 2026

**Total funding** how the list is ranked

**15 November 2026** updated nightly

**Rounds we track** source: Millionrounds

Companies whose own description names this theme, ranked by the total they have raised in rounds we hold. Nobody pays to be on a list.

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