# Top 50 Telecom Startups in the United States by Funding (2026)

> The 50 best-funded telecom startups in the United States, ranked by total funding raised: $19B combined.

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

- 1 [**Optimum Communications** Optimum is dedicated to becoming the preferred connectivity provider in every community](https://millionrounds.com/company/optimum-communications) Optimum is dedicated to becoming the preferred connectivity provider in every community *Founded* - Bethpage, United States **$2.0B** last round Nov 2025
- 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 [**CesiumAstro** CesiumAstro is an aerospace and defense startup based in Austin, Texas, founded in 2017.](https://millionrounds.com/company/cesiumastro) CesiumAstro is an aerospace and defense startup based in Austin, Texas, founded in 2017. *Founded* 2017 Austin, United States **$1.8B** last round Nov 2026
- 4 [**Astranis** Astranis designs, builds, and operates the world’s most advanced high orbit satellites for sovereign connectivity.](https://millionrounds.com/company/astranis) Astranis designs, builds, and operates the world’s most advanced high orbit satellites for sovereign connectivity. *Founded* - United States **$1.2B** last round Sept 2026
- 5 [**Slack** Screenhero lets users screen share any application with anyone, no matter where they are.](https://millionrounds.com/company/slack) Screenhero lets users screen share any application with anyone, no matter where they are. *Founded* 2013 Mountain View, United States **$1.2B** last round Aug 2018
- 6 [**HyperSat** HyperSat is a developer of hyperspectral imaging satellites.](https://millionrounds.com/company/hypersat) HyperSat is a developer of hyperspectral imaging satellites. *Founded* - United States **$935M** last round Sept 2018
- 7 [**Lumilens** Lumilens addresses the red hot market for AI data center infrastructure by designing, manufacturing and selling photonic interconnect solutions.](https://millionrounds.com/company/lumilens) Lumilens addresses the red hot market for AI data center infrastructure by designing, manufacturing and selling photonic interconnect solutions. *Founded* 2024 San Jose, United States **$709M** last round Aug 2026
- 8 [**Cologix** Cologix operates 3 Central Ohio enterprise-grade data centers offering the densest interconnectivity in the region & the only regional data center to offer acce](https://millionrounds.com/company/cologix) Cologix operates 3 Central Ohio enterprise-grade data centers offering the densest interconnectivity in the region & the only regional data center to offer acce *Founded* 2010 Denver, United States **$676M** last round Mar 2026
- 9 [**Seaborn Networks** Seaborn Networks specializes in the fields of information technology and telecommunications.](https://millionrounds.com/company/seaborn-networks) Seaborn Networks specializes in the fields of information technology and telecommunications. *Founded* 2011 Beverly, United States **$519M** last round Jan 2016
- 10 [**Northwood Space** Northwood Space is a hardware solution that expands the orbits and frequency ranges available from the ground for satellite communication.](https://millionrounds.com/company/northwood-space) Northwood Space is a hardware solution that expands the orbits and frequency ranges available from the ground for satellite communication. *Founded* 2023 Los Angeles, United States **$505M** last round Nov 2026
- 11 [**Nexthop AI** Nexthop AI is a privately held company founded in 2024 and based in Santa Clara, California, with additional offices in Seattle, Vancouver, Dublin, and Bengaluru.](https://millionrounds.com/company/nexthop-ai) Nexthop AI is a privately held company founded in 2024 and based in Santa Clara, California, with additional offices in Seattle, Vancouver, Dublin, and Bengaluru. *Founded* 2024 Santa Clara, United States **$500M** last round Mar 2026
- 12 [**Upscale AI**](https://millionrounds.com/company/upscale-ai) *Founded* - United States **$390M** last round Jun 2026
- 13 [**Celero Communications** Celero Communications is a semiconductor company founded in 2024, based in Irvine, California, with design centers in Canada and Argentina.](https://millionrounds.com/company/celero-communications) Celero Communications is a semiconductor company founded in 2024, based in Irvine, California, with design centers in Canada and Argentina. *Founded* 2024 Irvine, United States **$375M** last round Sept 2026
- 14 [**Alien Technology** Alien Technology is a leading manufacturer in the Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) industry, specializing in Ultra-High Frequency (UHF) passive RFID solutions.](https://millionrounds.com/company/alien-technology) Alien Technology is a leading manufacturer in the Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) industry, specializing in Ultra-High Frequency (UHF) passive RFID solutions. *Founded* 1994 San Jose, United States **$361M** last round Oct 2014
- 15 [**Omni Fiber** Omni Fiber is an internet service provider.](https://millionrounds.com/company/omni-fiber) Omni Fiber is an internet service provider. *Founded* 2022 Mason, United States **$360M** last round Dec 2025
- 16 [**Ubiquity** Ubiquity is a business that invests in, develops, and administers digital communication infrastructure.](https://millionrounds.com/company/ubiquity) Ubiquity is a business that invests in, develops, and administers digital communication infrastructure. *Founded* 2019 Overland Park, United States **$350M** last round May 2025
- 17 [**Hubble Network** Hubble Network is a Seattle-based space technology and telecommunications company founded in 2021.](https://millionrounds.com/company/hubble-network) Hubble Network is a Seattle-based space technology and telecommunications company founded in 2021. *Founded* 2021 Seattle, United States **$270M** last round Sept 2026
- 18 [**Force10 Networks** Force10 Networks is a tech company offering reliable infrastructure solutions to build and secure intelligent services networks.](https://millionrounds.com/company/force10-networks) Force10 Networks is a tech company offering reliable infrastructure solutions to build and secure intelligent services networks. *Founded* 1999 United States **$255M** last round Dec 2009
- 19 [**BIG Fiber** BIG Fiber, based in Sunnyvale, California, is a metropolitan dark fiber infrastructure company that specializes in providing high-capacity, unlit fiber networks.](https://millionrounds.com/company/big-fiber) BIG Fiber, based in Sunnyvale, California, is a metropolitan dark fiber infrastructure company that specializes in providing high-capacity, unlit fiber networks. *Founded* 2019 Sunnyvale, United States **$250M** last round May 2026
- 20 [**Solarflare Communications** Solarflare Communications is a technology company based in Irvine, California, founded in 2001.](https://millionrounds.com/company/solarflare-communications) Solarflare Communications is a technology company based in Irvine, California, founded in 2001. *Founded* 2001 Irvine, United States **$243M** last round Jan 2015
- 21 [**GA Telesis** GA Telesis a world-leading commercial aviation company.](https://millionrounds.com/company/ga-telesis) GA Telesis a world-leading commercial aviation company. *Founded* 2002 San Jose, United States **$225M** last round Jun 2017
- 22 [**When I Work** When I Work is a Minneapolis-based software company founded in 2010, specializing in an all-in-one workforce management platform tailored for shift-based businesses.](https://millionrounds.com/company/when-i-work) When I Work is a Minneapolis-based software company founded in 2010, specializing in an all-in-one workforce management platform tailored for shift-based businesses. *Founded* 2010 Minneapolis, United States **$220M** last round Nov 2021
- 23 [**SmartSky Networks** SmartSky Networks was an aviation technology company based in Morrisville, North Carolina, founded in 2011.](https://millionrounds.com/company/smartsky-networks) SmartSky Networks was an aviation technology company based in Morrisville, North Carolina, founded in 2011. *Founded* 2011 Morrisville, United States **$218M** last round Jun 2022
- 24 [**Affirmed Networks** Affirmed Networks develops mobile network solutions with gateway functionality, rich application and content delivery services.](https://millionrounds.com/company/affirmed-networks) Affirmed Networks develops mobile network solutions with gateway functionality, rich application and content delivery services. *Founded* 2010 Acton, United States **$207M** last round Feb 2019
- 25 [**Cornelis**](https://millionrounds.com/company/cornelis) *Founded* - United States **$205M** last round Sept 2026
- 26 [**Eridu** Eridu is a hardware startup based in Silicon Valley, founded in 2023.](https://millionrounds.com/company/eridu) Eridu is a hardware startup based in Silicon Valley, founded in 2023. *Founded* 2024 Saratoga, United States **$200M** last round Mar 2026
- 27 [**LeapXpert** LeapXpert is a technology company based in New York, specializing in Responsible Business Communication.](https://millionrounds.com/company/leapxpert) LeapXpert is a technology company based in New York, specializing in Responsible Business Communication. *Founded* 2017 New York, United States **$200M** last round Jun 2026
- 28 [**Echodyne** Echodyne is a radar technology company based in Kirkland, Washington, founded in 2014.](https://millionrounds.com/company/echodyne) Echodyne is a radar technology company based in Kirkland, Washington, founded in 2014. *Founded* 2014 Kirkland, United States **$199M** last round Jun 2022
- 29 [**Bit9** About Lambent (formerly Armored Things) Lambent is a Boston-based software company for smart space planning.](https://millionrounds.com/company/bit9) About Lambent (formerly Armored Things) Lambent is a Boston-based software company for smart space planning. *Founded* - Boston, United States **$178M** last round Oct 2015
- 30 [**Airbase** Airbase is a technology company dedicated to enhancing the wireless future through modern radio frequency (RF) spectrum coordination.](https://millionrounds.com/company/airbase) Airbase is a technology company dedicated to enhancing the wireless future through modern radio frequency (RF) spectrum coordination. *Founded* - New York, United States **$162M** last round Mar 2026
- 31 [**ManyChat** Manychat helps businesses do marketing, sales and support through Facebook Messenger.](https://millionrounds.com/company/manychat) Manychat helps businesses do marketing, sales and support through Facebook Messenger. *Founded* 2015 San Francisco, United States **$158M** last round Apr 2025
- 32 [**ExteNet Systems** ExteNet Systems Provides Communications Infrastructure And Services.](https://millionrounds.com/company/extenet-systems) ExteNet Systems Provides Communications Infrastructure And Services. *Founded* 2003 United States **$156M** last round Jan 2010
- 33 [**Contra** Contra is a San Francisco-based technology company founded in 2019 that operates a commission-free freelance network designed for independent professionals, cre](https://millionrounds.com/company/contra) Contra is a San Francisco-based technology company founded in 2019 that operates a commission-free freelance network designed for independent professionals, cre *Founded* 2019 San Francisco, United States **$151M** last round Oct 2025
- 34 [**Lumos Networks Corporation** Lumos Networks is a leading fiber-based service provider in the Mid-Atlantic region serving Carrier.](https://millionrounds.com/company/lumos-networks-corporation) Lumos Networks is a leading fiber-based service provider in the Mid-Atlantic region serving Carrier. *Founded* 2011 Waynesboro, United States **$150M** last round Aug 2015
- 35 [**Aicent** Aicent provides data network services and solutions for mobile operators, and operates integrated mobile messaging services.](https://millionrounds.com/company/aicent) Aicent provides data network services and solutions for mobile operators, and operates integrated mobile messaging services. *Founded* 2000 San Jose, United States **$145M** last round Oct 2011
- 36 [**Aria Networks** Aria is a pioneer in using AI to optimize and automate telecom networks; prescriptive analytics and design automation for telecom and OTT](https://millionrounds.com/company/aria-networks) Aria is a pioneer in using AI to optimize and automate telecom networks; prescriptive analytics and design automation for telecom and OTT *Founded* 2005 United States **$125M** last round Apr 2026
- 37 [**GainSpan** GainSpan designs ultra low-power Wi-Fi modules for battery-powered, embedded WiFi applications.](https://millionrounds.com/company/gainspan) GainSpan designs ultra low-power Wi-Fi modules for battery-powered, embedded WiFi applications. *Founded* 2006 San Jose, United States **$118M** last round Dec 2014
- 38 [**Enfabrica** Enfabrica develops hardware, software, and system technologies to resolve blockages in computing workloads.](https://millionrounds.com/company/enfabrica) Enfabrica develops hardware, software, and system technologies to resolve blockages in computing workloads. *Founded* 2019 Mountain View, United States **$115M** last round Nov 2024
- 39 [**Altiostar**](https://millionrounds.com/company/altiostar) *Founded* - United States **$114M** last round May 2019
- 40 [**Xirrus** Xirrus provides wireless networking products such as indoor and outdoor enclosures, snap-on covers, and I-beam mounting kits.](https://millionrounds.com/company/xirrus) Xirrus provides wireless networking products such as indoor and outdoor enclosures, snap-on covers, and I-beam mounting kits. *Founded* 2004 San Francisco, United States **$113M** last round Mar 2015
- 41 [**Kineto Wireless** Kineto offers internet protocol-based services and solutions for mobile operators.](https://millionrounds.com/company/kineto-wireless) Kineto offers internet protocol-based services and solutions for mobile operators. *Founded* 2001 Milpitas, United States **$111M** last round Apr 2012
- 42 [**FreedomPop** FreedomPop is a telecommunications company based in Los Angeles, founded in 2011 by Stephen Stokols and Steven Sesar.](https://millionrounds.com/company/freedompop) FreedomPop is a telecommunications company based in Los Angeles, founded in 2011 by Stephen Stokols and Steven Sesar. *Founded* 2011 Thousand Oaks, United States **$109M** last round Aug 2016
- 43 [**Aerohive Networks** Aerohive Networks develops cooperative control architecture that improves the efficiency of enterprise Wi-Fi systems.](https://millionrounds.com/company/aerohive-networks) Aerohive Networks develops cooperative control architecture that improves the efficiency of enterprise Wi-Fi systems. *Founded* 2006 Milpitas, United States **$105M** last round Jul 2013
- 44 [**Aalyria** Aalyria is an aerospace communications company founded in 2021, transitioning from a Google project in 2022.](https://millionrounds.com/company/aalyria) Aalyria is an aerospace communications company founded in 2021, transitioning from a Google project in 2022. *Founded* 2021 Livermore, United States **$100M** last round Feb 2026
- 45 [**PacketFabric** PacketFabric builds a Network-as-a-Service platform that redefines network connectivity.](https://millionrounds.com/company/packetfabric) PacketFabric builds a Network-as-a-Service platform that redefines network connectivity. *Founded* 2015 United States **$100M** last round Aug 2019
- 46 [**ZaiNar** ZaiNar is a technology company based in Belmont, California, founded in 2017.](https://millionrounds.com/company/zainar) ZaiNar is a technology company based in Belmont, California, founded in 2017. *Founded* 2017 Belmont, United States **$100M** last round Feb 2026
- 47 [**Delos Data** Delos Data is a technology company specializing in AI infrastructure and intelligence systems.](https://millionrounds.com/company/delos-data) Delos Data is a technology company specializing in AI infrastructure and intelligence systems. *Founded* - Palo Alto, United States **$100M** last round Sept 2026
- 48 [**Federated Wireless** Federated Wireless develops a spectrum controller for wireless networks and communication intended to revolutionize the wireless industry.](https://millionrounds.com/company/federated-wireless) Federated Wireless develops a spectrum controller for wireless networks and communication intended to revolutionize the wireless industry. *Founded* 2012 Arlington, United States **$98M** last round Sept 2023
- 49 [**FiberLight** FiberLight provides mission critical high performance networks for enterprise, carrier, government and service providers.](https://millionrounds.com/company/fiberlight) FiberLight provides mission critical high performance networks for enterprise, carrier, government and service providers. *Founded* 1998 Plano, United States **$97M** last round Oct 2013
- 50 [**PlayPhone** PlayPhone is a social gaming developer providing solutions to wireless carriers.](https://millionrounds.com/company/playphone) PlayPhone is a social gaming developer providing solutions to wireless carriers. *Founded* 2003 San Jose, United States **$95M** last round Jan 2012

**Total funding** how the list is ranked

**15 November 2026** updated nightly

**Rounds we track** source: Millionrounds

Companies whose funding rounds we classed as this sector, ranked by the total they have raised in rounds we hold. Nobody pays to be on a list.

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## More telecom lists

[See all](https://millionrounds.com/top-lists?t=Telecom)

[*DE* *OF* *OC* **Telecom startups worldwide** 932 companies · $34B](https://millionrounds.com/top-lists/telecom-startups)[*OF* *EI* *OC* **Telecom startups in Europe** 244 companies · $10B](https://millionrounds.com/top-lists/telecom-startups-europe)[*EI* *OC* *N* **Telecom startups in the United Kingdom** 81 companies · $5.5B](https://millionrounds.com/top-lists/telecom-startups-united-kingdom)[*U* *A* *A* **Telecom startups in France** 33 companies · $269M](https://millionrounds.com/top-lists/telecom-startups-france)

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