LightSpeed Photonics, a deeptech startup developing advanced optical interconnects for AI and high-performance computing (HPC) data centres, has raised $6.5 million in a pre-Series A funding round led by pi Ventures. With this latest round, the company has now raised a total of $8.5 million.
The funding round also included participation from 500 Global, India Accelerator, and returning investors 8X Ventures and Java Capital, along with several Bay Area angel investors.
Founded in 2021 by Rohin Y and Ramana Pamidighantam, LightSpeed Photonics focuses on building compact, energy-efficient optical interconnects that enhance data movement in AI and HPC systems. Its proprietary short-wavelength laser technology promises higher speeds, lower power consumption, and a smaller hardware footprint compared to traditional solutions.
Rohin Y, CEO of LightSpeed Photonics, said,
“AI workloads are driving exponential data growth, and existing interconnect solutions simply cannot keep up. Our technology bridges that gap by enabling faster, denser, and more energy-efficient data links without requiring costly system redesigns. This funding will help us accelerate time to market and scale collaborations with partners worldwide.”
The startup plans to use the new capital to establish a dedicated R&D facility to improve pilot deployment turnaround and support joint development initiatives with OEMs, EMS, and ODM partners as it moves toward commercial pilots for emerging data centre infrastructure.
Manish Singhal, Founding Partner at pi Ventures, added,
“LightSpeed’s high-speed optical interconnect product family addresses a major challenge in large-scale AI and cloud computing by delivering faster data transfer while drastically reducing energy consumption. Their innovation allows system upgrades without redesigning entire architectures – a true game-changer for hyperscale data infrastructure. We’re excited to back a deeptech team solving a global-scale infrastructure challenge from India.”