LightSpeed Photonics, a technology firm developing solutions to accelerate data transfer while reducing power consumption, has raised USD 6.5 million in a funding round led by pi Ventures. The pre-Series A round also saw participation from 500 Global, Indian Accelerator, 8X Ventures, Java Capital, and several Bay Area angel investors. The company’s total funding now stands at about USD 8.5 million, including grants.

Founded in 2021 by Rohin Y and Ramana Pamidighantam, LightSpeed aims to transform data movement in AI-driven systems through compact, energy-efficient optical interconnect technology. The firm’s short-wavelength laser data transfer platform delivers up to four times faster speeds, two times lower power consumption, and a 20-fold smaller carbon footprint. Its technology is targeted at sectors such as AI and high-performance computing, telecommunications (including 5G), aerospace, satellites, and advanced electronics manufacturing.

The global optical interconnects market — regarded as the future of data centres — is projected to reach USD 35.97 billion by 2030, driven by soaring AI workloads. LightSpeed’s patented Near-Packaged Optical technology provides high-speed data transfer solutions that can be integrated seamlessly into existing data centre architectures.

“Our mission is to break through the data bottlenecks that limit the scale of AI and advanced computing,” said Rohin Y, founder and chief executive of LightSpeed Photonics. He added that the funding will accelerate the company’s time to market and support global partnerships.

Manish Singhal, founding partner at pi Ventures, said LightSpeed’s product family addresses a major challenge in large-scale AI and cloud computing: delivering significantly faster data transfer while drastically cutting energy use.

Cofounder and chief technology officer Ramana Pamidighantam noted that the company’s solution offers power efficiency, a compact footprint, high data rates, and low manufacturing and operating costs, thereby improving system reliability and lifespan.

LightSpeed, which holds more than 10 granted patents and has filed for 20 additional patents, said its innovations will support the growth of India’s semiconductor ecosystem through indigenous advanced photonics IP.