Lumotive Secures $45 Million in Series B Funding to Advance Optical Semiconductor Technology

Revolutionizing 3D Sensing with Light Control Metasurface Chips

Lumotive, a Redmond, Washington-based startup, has made significant strides in the field of optical semiconductor technology. The company, which emerged in 2017 as a spin-off from Intellectual Ventures in Bellevue, Wash., recently raised $45 million in a Series B funding round. This investment, co-led by Gates Frontier—the investment arm of Microsoft co-founder Bill Gates—and MetaVC, underscores the growing interest in Lumotive’s groundbreaking technology. The company is known for its innovative Light Control Metasurface chips, which are smaller than a quarter and designed to guide photons using the unique light-bending properties of metamaterial surfaces. These chips represent a leap forward in programmable optics, enabling faster, cheaper, and more scalable 3D sensing solutions.

A New Era in 3D Sensing Technology

Lumotive’s core focus is on developing optical semiconductor technology that can "steer" laser light with unprecedented precision. This capability is particularly valuable in applications such as mobile devices, autonomous vehicles, and robotics, where accurate 3D sensing is critical. The company’s technology offers a compelling alternative to traditional LiDAR (Light Detection and Ranging) systems, which are often bulky, expensive, and less scalable. By leveraging its innovative metasurface chips, Lumotive aims to make 3D sensing more accessible and efficient across industries.

"Lumotive is at the forefront of a revolution in programmable optics," said Sam Heidari, the company’s CEO. "This funding marks a pivotal moment in our evolution as we continue to push the boundaries of what’s possible with light."

Strategic Growth and Expanded Applications

With the fresh capital, Lumotive plans to accelerate its strategic growth initiatives, particularly in three key areas: data center AI infrastructure, aerospace, and defense. These industries stand to benefit significantly from the company’s advanced optical semiconductor technology, which promises to enhance performance, reduce costs, and enable new capabilities in areas such as computer vision, object detection, and navigation systems.

Lumotive’s technology is not only limited to these sectors; its applications are vast and diverse. For instance, in autonomous vehicles, the company’s chips can improve the accuracy and reliability of LiDAR systems, which are essential for safe and efficient navigation. Similarly, in robotics, the technology can enhance real-time 3D mapping and spatial awareness, enabling robots to operate more effectively in dynamic environments.

Founders and Investors: A Strong Ecosystem of Support

Lumotive was founded by William Colleran, who served as the company’s initial leader before departing in June 2021, and Gleb Akselrod, who currently serves as the company’s chief technology officer. In October 2021, Sam Heidari, formerly the CEO and chairman of Quantenna Communications, joined Lumotive as its new CEO, bringing a wealth of experience in scaling semiconductor companies.

The company’s investor base reflects its strong potential and the confidence of the tech community in its mission. In addition to Gates Frontier and MetaVC, other investors include Swisscom Ventures, East Bridge, EDOM, Grazia, Hokuyo Inc., TSVC, Quan Funds, USAA, and HiMax Inc.. Notably, Samsung Ventures led a previous $13 million funding round in 2023. To date, Lumotive has raised over $90 million, a testament to its innovative approach and market potential. Despite its significant fundraising success, the company remains lean, with fewer than 60 employees.

The Future of Programmable Optics

As Lumotive continues to refine its Light Control Metasurface technology, the company is poised to make a transformative impact across multiple industries. Its chips are not only smaller and more efficient than traditional solutions but also offer unparalleled programmability, allowing for real-time adjustments in how light is steered and controlled. This level of flexibility opens up new possibilities for innovation in fields ranging from consumer electronics to industrial automation.

With the support of its investors and the expertise of its team, Lumotive is well-positioned to lead the next generation of optical semiconductor technology. As the company expands its reach and explores new applications for its groundbreaking chips, it is clear that Lumotive is on a path to revolutionize the way we interact with and understand the world around us.