Amazon backs programmable optics startup Lumotive
Seattle, WA – Programmable optics innovator Lumotive has significantly augmented its Series B funding round, securing strategic investments from Amazon through its Amazon Industrial Innovation Fund, and ITHCA Group, the technology investment arm of Oman’s sovereign wealth fund. This fresh injection of capital boosts Lumotive’s Series B to a remarkable $59 million, surpassing its initial February close of $45 million, and bringing the company’s total venture capital raised to over $100 million.
Headquartered in Redmond, Washington, Lumotive’s decision to reopen its Series B round underscores the high demand and strategic interest in its groundbreaking technology. Sam Heidari, CEO of Lumotive, emphasized the profound importance of Amazon’s involvement. “Amazon, it has a lot of strategic value for us,” Heidari stated, adding, “We do appreciate the relationship more than the money.” This sentiment highlights a partnership aimed at leveraging Amazon’s extensive industrial reach and innovation ecosystem, rather than solely financial gain.
Lumotive’s core innovation lies in its Light Control Metasurface solid-state chips. These advanced chips are composed of nano-scale pixels that can be electronically controlled to precisely bend and manipulate light. This revolutionary capability offers a paradigm shift from traditional mechanical systems, enabling a diverse range of applications across critical industries.
The applications for Lumotive’s technology are broad and impactful. In the realm of autonomous vehicles, these chips provide a smaller, more cost-effective alternative to conventional mechanical LiDAR systems, enhancing environmental sensing capabilities. Beyond automotive, Lumotive’s programmable optics are set to revolutionize optical switching in environments such as data centers, promising efficiency and speed improvements.
“It is a paradigm shift of being able to manipulate the light electronically,” Heidari explained. “Being able to shape the light, to steer the light, to form the beams the way you want it, to focus the light electronically. We are able to, basically, do what mirrors and motors do today, to work around the lights.” This electronic control allows for unprecedented flexibility and precision in light management.
Founded in 2018, Lumotive commenced selling its innovative chips in 2024, maintaining a focused and deliberate approach to customer acquisition. The newly acquired funds will be strategically deployed to expand sales and marketing efforts, alongside further investments in crucial research and development. Heidari expressed confidence in the company’s progress, asserting, “It is not a science project anymore. It’s a proven technology in the field. We knew that there is a big demand for it. Not only can it work, it can work in a deployable fashion.” This marks a significant transition for Lumotive, solidifying its position from an R&D phase to a fully deployable, market-ready solutions provider.
