Amazon Invests in Lumotive’s Programmable Optics Tech
▼ Summary
– Lumotive expanded its Series B funding round to include Amazon and ITHCA Group, bringing the total to $59 million.
– The startup has raised over $100 million in venture capital to date, with CEO Sam Heidari noting strong investor demand.
– Lumotive’s Light Control Metasurface chips manipulate light electronically, offering applications in autonomous vehicles and data centers.
– Heidari emphasized the strategic value of Amazon’s investment, stating the relationship matters more than the funding itself.
– The company, founded in 2018, began selling its chips in 2024 and plans to use the new funds for sales, marketing, and R&D expansion.
Lumotive, a pioneer in programmable optics technology, has secured additional strategic investments from Amazon and Oman’s sovereign wealth fund, boosting its Series B funding to $59 million. The Redmond-based startup initially closed the round at $45 million in February but reopened it to accommodate high demand from investors.
Amazon’s participation through its Industrial Innovation Fund adds significant strategic value beyond financial backing, according to Lumotive CEO Sam Heidari. The company has now raised over $100 million in total venture capital, reinforcing confidence in its innovative Light Control Metasurface (LCM) solid-state chips. These chips use nano-scale pixels to electronically manipulate light, offering a versatile solution for industries ranging from autonomous vehicles to data centers.
Unlike traditional LiDAR systems, Lumotive’s technology eliminates the need for bulky mechanical components, providing a smaller, more cost-effective alternative. Heidari describes it as a paradigm shift, enabling precise control over light beams without relying on mirrors or motors. “We can shape, steer, and focus light electronically, something previously achievable only with physical components,” he explained.
Since its founding in 2018, Lumotive has taken a measured approach, working with a select group of customers before scaling up. The latest funding will accelerate sales, marketing, and R&D efforts. Heidari emphasized that the technology is no longer experimental but proven and ready for real-world deployment.
With strong investor interest and partnerships like Amazon’s, Lumotive is well-positioned to expand its footprint in next-gen optical solutions. The company’s advancements could redefine sensing and switching applications across multiple industries, making it a key player in the evolving tech landscape.
(Source: TechCrunch)
