LightSpeed Photonics raises $6.5 Mn led by pi Ventures

LightSpeed Photonics has raised $6.5 million in a pre-Series A round led by pi Ventures, with participation from 500 Global, Indian Accelerator, 8X Ventures, Java Capital, and Bay Area angels. 

The company has now raised $8.5 million to date, including grants.

The proceeds will be used to set up an R&D facility to reduce pilot turnaround time. LightSpeed will also strengthen its work with OEM, EMS, and ODM partners as it moves toward commercialising its optical interconnect product line for data-centre infrastructure.

Founded in 2021 by Rohin Y and Ramana Pamidighantam, LightSpeed Photonics develops compact optical interconnects for data movement in AI and high-performance computing systems. Its short-wavelength laser technology is built to support higher data speeds, lower power use, and smaller hardware size. 

The firm targets applications across AI, HPC, edge computing, telecommunications, aerospace, and advanced manufacturing.