Top list · Worldwide
Photonics tech startups worldwide
82 photonics tech startups worldwide have raised money in rounds we track. These are the 50 that have raised the most, $4.2B between them, with the United States the most common home.
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PsiQuantumPsiQuantum develops quantum computer using photonic qubits and silicon photonics to build fault-tolerant quantum computing systems.PsiQuantum develops quantum computer using photonic qubits and silicon photonics to build fault-tolerant quantum computing systems.
Founded -Palo Alto, United States$2.1Blast round Jul 2026 - 2
LightmatterLightmatter is a Boston-based optical computing company founded in 2017 by MIT researchers.Lightmatter is a Boston-based optical computing company founded in 2017 by MIT researchers.
Founded 2017Mountain View, United States$433Mlast round Oct 2024 - 3
iPronicsiPRONICS is a Spanish deep-tech semiconductor company founded in 2019 as a spinoff from Universitat Politècnica de València.iPRONICS is a Spanish deep-tech semiconductor company founded in 2019 as a spinoff from Universitat Politècnica de València.
Founded 2019Valencia, Spain$137Mlast round Sept 2026 - 4
PhotonExPhotonex is the UK's showcase event dedicated to photonics and light technologies.
Photonex is the UK's showcase event dedicated to photonics and light technologies.
Founded 2011Effingham$90Mlast round Oct 2001 - 5
Rockley PhotonicsRockley Photonics manufactures photonics chips and custom integrated packaged products.Rockley Photonics manufactures photonics chips and custom integrated packaged products.
Founded 2013Pasadena, United States$87Mlast round Jun 2023 - 6
ORCA ComputingORCA Computing is building the first scalable and flexible quantum computer powered by photonics.ORCA Computing is building the first scalable and flexible quantum computer powered by photonics.
Founded 2019London, United Kingdom$85Mlast round Aug 2026 - 7
OpenLightOpenLight is a silicon photonics company based in Goleta, California, specializing in the design and manufacture of custom Photonic Application-Specific IntegraOpenLight is a silicon photonics company based in Goleta, California, specializing in the design and manufacture of custom Photonic Application-Specific Integra
Founded 2022Goleta, United States$84Mlast round Apr 2026 - 8
nEye.aiWe are nEye.ai, an optical switch startup founded in 2020 to revolutionize the future of data centers.We are nEye.ai, an optical switch startup founded in 2020 to revolutionize the future of data centers.
Founded 2020Santa Clara, United States$80Mlast round Apr 2026 - 9
OneChip PhotonicsOneChip Photonics is a privately held company based in Ottawa, Ontario, Canada, founded in 2005.OneChip Photonics is a privately held company based in Ottawa, Ontario, Canada, founded in 2005.
Founded 2005Ottawa, Canada$80Mlast round Sept 2012 - 10
SMART-PhotonicsSMART-Photonics is a pure-play foundry for Indium Phosphide photonics semiconductors.SMART-Photonics is a pure-play foundry for Indium Phosphide photonics semiconductors.
Founded 2012Eindhoven, Netherlands$74Mlast round Jul 2023 - 11
OptalysysOptalysys Ltd is a high-tech company based in Leeds, United Kingdom, specializing in optical computing and silicon photonics.Optalysys Ltd is a high-tech company based in Leeds, United Kingdom, specializing in optical computing and silicon photonics.
Founded 2013Pontefract, United Kingdom$69Mlast round Jun 2026 - 12
Scintil PhotonicsSCINTIL Photonics is a fabless semiconductor company based in Grenoble, France, founded in 2018 by Sylvie Menezo.SCINTIL Photonics is a fabless semiconductor company based in Grenoble, France, founded in 2018 by Sylvie Menezo.
Founded 2018Grenoble, France$62Mlast round Sept 2025 - 13
Santur CorporationSantur Corporation, operating as Casela Technologies, is a semiconductor laser and photonics company specializing in telecommunications and data communications Santur Corporation, operating as Casela Technologies, is a semiconductor laser and photonics company specializing in telecommunications and data communications
Founded 2019Fremont, United States$56Mlast round Jul 2009 - 14
Monarch QuantumMonarch Quantum, Inc.Monarch Quantum, Inc.
Founded 2025San Diego, United States$55Mlast round Apr 2026 - 15
CAILABSCailabs is a global deep-tech company based in Rennes, France, specializing in advanced photonics solutions.Cailabs is a global deep-tech company based in Rennes, France, specializing in advanced photonics solutions.
Founded 2013Rennes, France$52Mlast round Sept 2025 - 16
Anello PhotonicsANELLO Photonics, based in Santa Clara, California, specializes in advanced inertial navigation solutions for environments where GPS is unavailable or unreliable.ANELLO Photonics, based in Santa Clara, California, specializes in advanced inertial navigation solutions for environments where GPS is unavailable or unreliable.
Founded 2020Santa Clara, United States$45Mlast round May 2026 - 17
Everbright PhotonicsEverbright is a company specializing in high-power diodelaser chips, high-efficiency diode laser radar sensor chips, high-speed communication diode laser chips Everbright is a company specializing in high-power diodelaser chips, high-efficiency diode laser radar sensor chips, high-speed communication diode laser chips
Founded 2012Suzhou, China$43Mlast round Jun 2020 - 18
IPGIPG Photonics Corporation is a U.S.-based manufacturer specializing in fiber lasers and photonics systems.IPG Photonics Corporation is a U.S.-based manufacturer specializing in fiber lasers and photonics systems.
Founded 2004Alpharetta, United States$35Mlast round Aug 2013 - 19
Ambient PhotonicsAmbient Photonics is a California-based energy harvesting company founded in 2019.Ambient Photonics is a California-based energy harvesting company founded in 2019.
Founded 2019Scotts Valley, United States$30Mlast round Sept 2023 - 20
Sense PhotonicsSense Photonics, based in Durham, North Carolina, was a developer and manufacturer of solid-state flash LiDAR sensors and 3D vision systems.Sense Photonics, based in Durham, North Carolina, was a developer and manufacturer of solid-state flash LiDAR sensors and 3D vision systems.
Founded 2016San Francisco, United States$26Mlast round Jun 2019 - 21
Folio PhotonicsFolio Photonics is a technology company based in Solon, Ohio, founded in 2012.Folio Photonics is a technology company based in Solon, Ohio, founded in 2012.
Founded 2012Solon, United States$26Mlast round Oct 2026 - 22
Quantifi PhotonicsQuantifi Photonics is a telecommunications equipment supply company that specializes in photonics test and measurement services.Quantifi Photonics is a telecommunications equipment supply company that specializes in photonics test and measurement services.
Founded 2013Auckland, New Zealand$25Mlast round Jul 2024 - 23
EFFECT PhotonicsEFFECT Photonics is an independent photonic semiconductor company based in Eindhoven, The Netherlands, founded in 2010.EFFECT Photonics is an independent photonic semiconductor company based in Eindhoven, The Netherlands, founded in 2010.
Founded 2010Eindhoven, Netherlands$24Mlast round Jul 2025 - 24
DentroidDentroid is an Australian dental technology startup founded in 2017 by Dr.Dentroid is an Australian dental technology startup founded in 2017 by Dr.
Founded 2017Canberra, Australia$22Mlast round Jun 2026 - 25
SiOnyxSiOnyx engages in commercializing a semiconductor process that enhances the infrared sensitivity of silicon-based photonics.SiOnyx engages in commercializing a semiconductor process that enhances the infrared sensitivity of silicon-based photonics.
Founded 2006Beverly, United States$20Mlast round Apr 2012 - 26
QLM TechnologyQLM Technology is a UK-based photonics technology company founded in 2017, specializing in advanced quantum gas lidar systems for detecting and quantifying greeQLM Technology is a UK-based photonics technology company founded in 2017, specializing in advanced quantum gas lidar systems for detecting and quantifying gree
Founded 2017Paignton, United Kingdom$19Mlast round Sept 2025 - 27
mBryonicsmBryonics is a company that specializes in photonics, optical design, lens systems, electrical, mechanical and software engineering.mBryonics is a company that specializes in photonics, optical design, lens systems, electrical, mechanical and software engineering.
Founded 2014Upper Newcastle Road, Dangan, Ireland$19Mlast round Feb 2024 - 28
LucideanLucidean develops optical links for AI and data center networks, combining photonics with electronics to increase bandwidth and reduce powerLucidean develops optical links for AI and data center networks, combining photonics with electronics to increase bandwidth and reduce power
Founded -Santa Barbara, United States$18Mlast round Dec 2025 - 29VSK PhotonicsA supplier of active photonic components for fiber-optic telecommunications
A supplier of active photonic components for fiber-optic telecommunications
Founded 2000United States$18Mlast round Mar 2001 - 30
PhotonHub EuropePhotonHub Europe is an digital innovation hub for photonics.PhotonHub Europe is an digital innovation hub for photonics.
Founded 2021Brussels, Belgium$16Mlast round Apr 2025 - 31
OmniSensing Photonics TechnologyOmniSensing Photonics Technology is committed to developing high-end LiDAR technology.OmniSensing Photonics Technology is committed to developing high-end LiDAR technology.
Founded 2018Suzhou$16Mlast round Jun 2021 - 32BerxelBerxel Photonics presentations at SPIE Photonics West 2026 on next-generation miniaturized photonic systems.
Berxel Photonics presentations at SPIE Photonics West 2026 on next-generation miniaturized photonic systems.
Founded 2018China$14Mlast round Mar 2020 - 33
Lighteek PhotonicsLighteek Photonics provides solutions that encompass auxiliary equipment, application procedures, and on-site services for its customers.Lighteek Photonics provides solutions that encompass auxiliary equipment, application procedures, and on-site services for its customers.
Founded 2015Changchun$14Mlast round Nov 2025 - 34
Confluent PhotonicsDeveloping passive and active DWDM optical components for the telecommunications industry.Developing passive and active DWDM optical components for the telecommunications industry.
Founded 2000United States$14Mlast round Sept 2003 - 35
Lemon PhotonicsLEMON Photonics was founded in 2018 and focus on the industrialization of high performance VCSEL, HCSEL, EEL laser chips, modules and solutions.LEMON Photonics was founded in 2018 and focus on the industrialization of high performance VCSEL, HCSEL, EEL laser chips, modules and solutions.
Founded 2018Shen Zhen Shi, China$13Mlast round Jan 2023 - 36
Powerlase PhotonicsPowerlase Photonics Ltd is an innovative, independent, high power laser company.Powerlase Photonics Ltd is an innovative, independent, high power laser company.
Founded 2002Crawley, United Kingdom$13Mlast round Jan 2005 - 37
Zero Point MotionZero Point Motion is a deep-tech startup based in Bristol, UK, founded in 2020.Zero Point Motion is a deep-tech startup based in Bristol, UK, founded in 2020.
Founded 2020Bristol, United Kingdom$13Mlast round Mar 2025 - 38Aurrion, Inc.Aurrion was founded in 2008 to develop a silicon photonic platform that can scale with industry needs.
Aurrion was founded in 2008 to develop a silicon photonic platform that can scale with industry needs.
Founded 2008United States$11Mlast round Sept 2014 - 39
vitrealabVitrealab is a deep-tech photonics company based in Vienna, founded in 2018.Vitrealab is a deep-tech photonics company based in Vienna, founded in 2018.
Founded 2018Vienna, Austria$11Mlast round Jan 2026 - 40
AxithraAxithra is a Belgian health technology company founded in 2023, emerging from the Photonics Research Group at Ghent University and imec.Axithra is a Belgian health technology company founded in 2023, emerging from the Photonics Research Group at Ghent University and imec.
Founded 2023Ghent, Belgium$11Mlast round Sept 2023 - 41
Fraunhofer Centre for Applied PhotonicsFraunhofer Centre for Applied Photonics is a center in the field of applied laser research and development.Fraunhofer Centre for Applied Photonics is a center in the field of applied laser research and development.
Founded -Glasgow, United Kingdom$11Mlast round Dec 2025 - 42
Rebellion PhotonicsRebellion Photonics is a Houston-based technology company that specializes in intelligent, automated gas monitoring solutions.Rebellion Photonics is a Houston-based technology company that specializes in intelligent, automated gas monitoring solutions.
Founded 2009Houston, United States$10Mlast round Jan 2014 - 43Apogee PhotonicsApogee Photonics is engaged in the development of integrated indium phosphide solutions for optical transmission systems.
Apogee Photonics is engaged in the development of integrated indium phosphide solutions for optical transmission systems.
Founded 2000United States$9.7Mlast round Jul 2005 - 44
Skylark LasersSkylark Lasers is a photonics and laser development company based in Edinburgh, United Kingdom, founded in 2013.Skylark Lasers is a photonics and laser development company based in Edinburgh, United Kingdom, founded in 2013.
Founded 2013Newbridge, United Kingdom$9.6Mlast round Jul 2026 - 45
UviquityUviquity is a deep-tech photonics company based in Raleigh, North Carolina.Uviquity is a deep-tech photonics company based in Raleigh, North Carolina.
Founded 2022Raleigh, United States$9.1Mlast round Jul 2026 - 46
Voyant PhotonicsVoyant Photonics manufactures light detection to perform three-dimensional sensing, measure range, velocity, and reflectivity.Voyant Photonics manufactures light detection to perform three-dimensional sensing, measure range, velocity, and reflectivity.
Founded 2018New York, United States$8.5Mlast round Apr 2026 - 47
NP PhotonicsNP Photonics designs and produces optical light sources for sensing, medical, and research and development markets across the globe.NP Photonics designs and produces optical light sources for sensing, medical, and research and development markets across the globe.
Founded 1998United States$7.8Mlast round Mar 2010 - 48Multiwave PhotonicsMultiwave, manufacturer of pulsed fiber lasers for materials processing and environmental monitoring applications.
Multiwave, manufacturer of pulsed fiber lasers for materials processing and environmental monitoring applications.
Founded 2003Maia, Portugal$7.7Mlast round May 2008 - 49
Swave PhotonicsSwave Photonics is a fabless semiconductor company based in Leuven, Belgium, founded in 2022.Swave Photonics is a fabless semiconductor company based in Leuven, Belgium, founded in 2022.
Founded 2022Leuven, Belgium$7.0Mlast round Jan 2025 - 50
Lightspeed PhotonicsLightSpeed Photonics is a Singapore-based fabless semiconductor company founded in 2021.LightSpeed Photonics is a Singapore-based fabless semiconductor company founded in 2021.
Founded 2021Singapore, Singapore$6.5Mlast round Nov 2025
Palo Alto, United States
Valencia, Spain
London, United Kingdom
Ottawa, Canada
Eindhoven, Netherlands
Grenoble, France
Suzhou, China
Auckland, New Zealand
Canberra, Australia
Upper Newcastle Road, Dangan, Ireland
Brussels, Belgium
Vienna, Austria
Maia, Portugal
Singapore, SingaporeCompanies 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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