Semiconductor startup optoML raises $1.8 Mn in pre-Series A round

SOC semiconductor startup optoML has raised $1.8 million in a pre-Series A funding round led by Bluehill.VC and A99. 

The proceeds will be used to expand hiring and begin work on its next generation of chips following the completion of its 12 nm tapeout with TSMC.

Founded by Saravana Maruthamuthu, optoML builds analog-in-memory compute architectures with optical interconnects for AI workloads. 

The firm claims its patented in-memory compute design delivers up to 50x higher energy efficiency compared to traditional digital accelerators, targeting edge, enterprise and data centre use cases.

The startup has signed an MoU with Kaynes Semiconductor to support assembly and testing once wafers arrive from TSMC. 

optoML operates as a fabless semiconductor company and focuses on scalable AI System-on-Chip (SoC) platforms built on FinFET nodes. 

Bluehill.VC focuses on deep-tech investments across semiconductors, defence, energy and industrial technology.