Top 14 Fiber Optic Cable Manufacturing Investors in the US
Top 14 Fiber Optic Cable Manufacturing Investors in the US
The fiber optic cable manufacturing industry in the United States focuses on producing high-speed communication lines, essential for modern connectivity. Companies in this sector range from specialized manufacturers of cables and connectors to technology firms that design integrated optical systems. As demand for bandwidth grows—driven by trends like cloud computing and IoT—this industry is poised for expansion. Innovations in network infrastructure and data transmission efficiency are shaping its future, while the move towards 5G technology presents exciting opportunities. Moreover, sustainability practices are becoming a focal point, encouraging eco-friendly materials and production methods to reduce environmental impact.
The list of investors in the fiber optic cable manufacturing sector showcases a variety of approaches to funding. Predominantly private equity and venture capital firms, their headquarters span Washington D.C. to California. With sizes ranging from small teams to large enterprises, their founding years stretch from 1956 to 2023. In 2024, these investors committed varying resources ultimately reaching dozens of transactions, illustrating their belief in the growth potential of this industry. Investors like The Carlyle Group and KKR have taken notable steps, matching capital with innovation in a sector that is ever-relevant.
Top 14 Fiber Optic Cable Manufacturing Investors in the US
1. U.S. Department of Energy (DOE)
- Website: energy.gov
- Type: Corporate
- Headquarters: Washington, D.C., District Of Columbia, United States (USA)
- Founded year: 1977
- Headcount: 10001+
- Number of deals in 2024: 597
- LinkedIn: u-s--department-of-energy
The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) is a public entity established in 1977, responsible for overseeing national energy policy, energy production, and nuclear power research. With a workforce of over 10,000, the DOE serves various stakeholders, including government entities and the public, by providing guidance on energy efficiency, funding opportunities, and conducting research to address energy challenges. In recent years, the DOE has actively supported companies in the photonics sector through grants, such as NP Photonics, which raised $1,100,000 in August 2024, and NLM Photonics, which received $230,000 in February 2021. Additionally, Optical Engines secured $200,000 in January 2024, and Qunnect received significant funding, including a $1.5 million Phase-II Small Business Innovation Research award in April 2020. These transactions highlight the DOE's role in fostering innovation in technologies that are relevant to fiber optic cable manufacturing.
2. Intel Capital
- Website: intelcapital.com
- Type: Venture Capital
- Headquarters: Santa Clara, California, United States (USA)
- Founded year: 1991
- Headcount: 11-50
- Number of deals in 2024: 23
- LinkedIn: intelcapital
Intel Capital is a venture capital firm based in Santa Clara, California, founded in 1991. The firm specializes in investing in early-stage technology companies, with a focus on areas such as AI, cloud computing, and semiconductor technologies. In addition to these sectors, Intel Capital has made significant investments in the fiber optic industry, including a Series A and Series B investment in Fiber Optic Network Solutions (FONS) totaling $42.5 million, and a Series B investment of $57 million in CyOptics. Furthermore, Intel Capital's acquisition of a Danish optical communications chip maker highlights their strategic interest in optical technologies. Through these investments, Intel Capital not only provides funding but also strategic support and access to Intel's extensive resources, helping startups in the fiber optic space to scale and innovate.
3. New Enterprise Associates (NEA)
- Website: nea.com
- Type: Venture Capital
- Headquarters: Menlo Park, California, United States (USA)
- Founded year: 1977
- Headcount: 51-200
- Number of deals in 2024: 57
- LinkedIn: new-enterprise-associates
New Enterprise Associates (NEA) is a prominent venture capital firm based in Menlo Park, California, founded in 1977. NEA specializes in investment management and advisory services for startups, particularly in technology and healthcare sectors. The firm emphasizes long-term relationships with entrepreneurs, providing both funding and strategic guidance. Notably, NEA has been involved in significant transactions within the fiber optic cable manufacturing context, particularly with Xtera Communications. NEA co-led a $52 million private placement for Xtera in 2007, participated in a $30 million venture round in 2003, and contributed to a $110 million Series B round in 2001. These investments highlight NEA's active role in supporting companies within the fiber optic industry, showcasing their capability and interest in this sector.
4. Kkr
- Website: kkr.com
- Type: Private Equity
- Headquarters: New York, New York, United States (USA)
- Founded year: 1976
- Headcount: 1001-5000
- Number of deals in 2024: 74
- LinkedIn: kkr
KKR & Co. Inc. is a prominent investment firm based in New York, specializing in private equity, credit, infrastructure, and real estate. Founded in 1976, KKR provides asset management solutions to institutional investors and individual clients, helping them navigate complex investment landscapes to achieve strong financial returns. In recent years, KKR has made notable investments in the fiber optic sector, including the acquisition of a majority stake in Deutsche Glasfaser, a leading fiber optic provider in Germany, and a 75% stake in Hyperoptic, the UK's largest residential gigabit broadband provider. Additionally, KKR has been involved in funding FiberCop, which raised over $477 million in 2024, and has acquired stakes in MetroNet, a fiber-optic internet provider valued at nearly $3 billion. These transactions highlight KKR's commitment to the fiber optic industry, making them a relevant player in this market.
5. Goldman Sachs
- Website: goldmansachs.com
- Type: Private Equity
- Headquarters: New York, New York, United States (USA)
- Founded year: 1998
- Headcount: 10001+
- Number of deals in 2024: 59
- LinkedIn: goldman-sachs
Goldman Sachs is a prominent investment bank and financial services firm based in New York, founded in 1998. It offers a wide range of services, including investment banking, asset management, and wealth management, catering to a diverse clientele of corporations, financial institutions, and individuals. In the context of fiber optic cable manufacturing, Goldman Sachs has made notable investments in companies such as Sterlite Technologies, which raised ₹1,000 Crore through a Qualified Institutional Placement, and Tejas Networks, which secured $24 million in Series E funding. Additionally, they were involved in financing Sanera Systems, a company focused on developing advanced networking technologies. These transactions highlight Goldman Sachs' active role in the fiber optic sector, reinforcing their position as a relevant investor in this industry.
6. Deep Tech Fund (an Alumni Ventures Fund)
- Website: av.vc
- Type: Venture Capital
- Headquarters: Manchester, New Hampshire, United States (USA)
- Founded year: 2023
- Headcount: 51-200
- Number of deals in 2024: 258
- LinkedIn: deep-tech-fund-av-focused-fund
The Deep Tech Fund (an Alumni Ventures Fund) is a venture capital firm based in Manchester, New Hampshire, founded in 2023. It provides accredited investors and institutions with access to professionally-managed, diversified venture portfolios, leveraging a network of over 10,000 investors to connect them with high-quality investment opportunities in the startup ecosystem. The fund has been involved in several notable transactions, including significant investments in Ayar Labs, which raised $155 million in Series D funding in December 2024 and $35 million in Series B funding in November 2020. Ayar Labs specializes in optical interconnect technology, which is crucial for fiber optic cable manufacturing. Additionally, the fund participated in funding rounds for other tech companies like Finwave Semiconductor and Movandi, which, while not directly in fiber optics, are part of the broader tech ecosystem that supports advancements in telecommunications and connectivity.
7. The Carlyle Group
- Website: carlyle.com
- Type: Private Equity
- Headquarters: Washington, D.C., District Of Columbia, United States (USA)
- Founded year: 1987
- Headcount: 1001-5000
- Number of deals in 2024: 25
- LinkedIn: the-carlyle-group
The Carlyle Group Inc. is a prominent investment management firm founded in 1987, specializing in private equity, real assets, and private credit. With a global presence and a focus on delivering tailored investment solutions to institutional investors, Carlyle aims to drive long-term value. Notably, Carlyle has been involved in several funding rounds for Actelis Networks, a company that develops high-speed access systems, which are integral to telecommunications and fiber optic technologies. Over the years, Carlyle participated in multiple funding rounds for Actelis, including significant investments in Series C, D, E, F, and a venture round, totaling over $100 million. This track record highlights Carlyle's engagement in the telecommunications sector, particularly in areas related to fiber optics.
8. Amphenol
- Website: amphenol.com
- Type: Corporate
- Headquarters: Wallingford, Connecticut, United States (USA)
- Founded year: 1932
- Headcount: 10001+
- Number of deals in 2024: 5
- LinkedIn: amphenol
Amphenol Corporation, founded in 1932 and headquartered in Wallingford, Connecticut, is a prominent manufacturer specializing in electronic and fiber optic connectors, cables, and interconnect systems. With a workforce exceeding 10,000 employees, Amphenol serves various industries, including automotive, defense, and telecommunications, providing high-performance products essential for electronic applications. Notably, Amphenol has made strategic acquisitions to bolster its position in the fiber optic market, including the acquisition of LWL-Sachsenkabel GmbH in February 2021, which is a leading German manufacturer of fiber optic cabling systems. This acquisition aimed to enhance Amphenol's presence in the European market and expand its fiber optics business. Additionally, Amphenol has engaged in other significant transactions, such as acquiring Carlisle Interconnect Technologies and Halo Technology Group, further demonstrating its growth strategy and commitment to innovation in the interconnect systems space.
9. IFC - International Finance Corporation
- Website: ifc.org
- Type: Venture Capital
- Headquarters: Washington, D.C., District Of Columbia, United States (USA)
- Founded year: 1956
- Headcount: 1001-5000
- Number of deals in 2024: 107
- LinkedIn: ifclinkedin
The International Finance Corporation (IFC) is a not-for-profit organization established in 1956, headquartered in Washington, D.C. It focuses on private sector development in emerging markets by providing investment, advisory, and asset management services to businesses and financial institutions. IFC aims to foster economic growth and address poverty challenges across over 100 countries. In recent years, IFC has been involved in significant transactions that enhance telecommunications infrastructure, which is crucial for fiber optic cable manufacturing. Notably, IFC provided debt financing to WIOCC, which raised $200 million to expand its connectivity within Africa and internationally, and to launch a network of pan-African data centers. Additionally, IFC's participation in the funding of Csquared, which raised $100 million, further emphasizes its role in supporting companies that are integral to the telecommunications sector. These transactions highlight IFC's commitment to improving connectivity and infrastructure, making it a relevant investor in the fiber optic cable manufacturing context.
10. MassVentures
- Website: mass-ventures.com
- Type: Venture Capital
- Headquarters: Waltham, Massachusetts, United States (USA)
- Founded year: 1978
- Headcount: 1-10
- Number of deals in 2024: 28
- LinkedIn: massventures
MassVentures is a venture studio based in Waltham, Massachusetts, founded in 1978. It focuses on supporting early-stage companies, particularly in deep tech innovation, by providing a range of funding options, including venture capital and grants, as well as business guidance and accelerator programs. Notably, MassVentures has been involved in several funding rounds for Polatis, a company specializing in fiber optic technology, raising a total of $10.2 million across multiple transactions from 2000 to 2012. Additionally, they have provided grants to Notch Technologies, which may also have relevance in the tech space. This combination of funding activities highlights MassVentures' commitment to fostering innovation in technology sectors, including fiber optics.
11. Cisco
- Website: cisco.com
- Type: Corporate
- Headquarters: San Jose, California, United States (USA)
- Founded year: 1984
- Headcount: 10001+
- Number of deals in 2024: 5
- LinkedIn: cisco
Cisco Systems, Inc. is a technology company based in San Jose, California, specializing in digital communications and cybersecurity solutions. Founded in 1984, Cisco has grown to become a leader in networking hardware, software, and security services. The company has made several strategic investments in the fiber optic cable manufacturing sector, including the acquisition of Acacia Communications for $4.5 billion in 2019, which focuses on optical interconnect technology. Additionally, Cisco's earlier investment in CyOptics, which raised $57 million in a Series B round in 2000, highlights their long-standing interest in optical technologies. These transactions demonstrate Cisco's commitment to enhancing digital communication through innovative fiber optic solutions, making them a relevant player in the fiber optic cable manufacturing industry.
12. Advent
- Website: adventinternational.com
- Type: Private Equity
- Headquarters: Boston, Massachusetts, United States (USA)
- Founded year: 1984
- Headcount: 501-1000
- Number of deals in 2024: 17
- LinkedIn: advent-international
Advent International Corporation is a private equity firm founded in 1984, based in Boston, Massachusetts. The firm specializes in buyouts and investments across various sectors, focusing on long-term value creation for its portfolio companies. Advent has been involved in several significant transactions, including investments in kSARIA, a company that raised $20 million in Series B funding in 2001, and Jazztel, which raised $72 million in a private equity round in 1999. These investments highlight Advent's engagement in the telecommunications and fiber optic cable manufacturing sectors. More recently, Advent invested $155 million in Ayar Labs in 2024, further demonstrating their active role in technology and telecommunications. Overall, Advent's diverse investment portfolio and strategic approach position them as a capable investor in the fiber optic cable manufacturing industry.
13. Blackstone
- Website: blackstone.com
- Type: Private Equity
- Headquarters: New York, New York, United States (USA)
- Founded year: 1985
- Headcount: 1001-5000
- Number of deals in 2024: 57
- LinkedIn: blackstonegroup
Blackstone Inc. is a prominent investment management firm based in New York, specializing in alternative investments across various sectors, including private equity, real estate, and credit solutions. Founded in 1985, Blackstone has built a reputation for its strategic investments aimed at creating lasting value. Notably, Blackstone has made significant strides in the fiber optic cable manufacturing context through its acquisition of Sipartech, a leading dark fiber company, which enhances its portfolio in the telecommunications sector. Additionally, their acquisition of Sabre Industries, a key player in energy and telecom infrastructure, further underscores their commitment to investing in companies that support the telecommunications industry. These transactions reflect Blackstone's strategy of investing in high-growth markets and building strong businesses within the fiber optic and telecom infrastructure space.
14. Luminate Accelerator
- Website: luminate.org
- Type: Venture Capital
- Headquarters: Rochester, New York, United States (USA)
- Founded year: 2017
- Headcount: 1-10
- Number of deals in 2024: 16
- LinkedIn: luminateoptics
Luminate Accelerator is a not-for-profit startup accelerator and investment fund based in Rochester, NY, founded in 2017. It specializes in supporting early-stage companies in the optics, photonics, and imaging sectors by providing funding, mentorship, and access to resources. The organization connects startups with industry experts and investors to help them commercialize their technologies and succeed in the market. Notably, Luminate has been involved in several transactions that align with the fiber optic cable manufacturing context, such as their investment in Lightspeed Photonics, which raised $100,000 in a Pre-Seed round in September 2022. This investment highlights their commitment to advancing technologies that are integral to the fiber optics industry. Other transactions include support for companies like SaNoor and Mosaic Microsystems, which also operate within related technological fields, further emphasizing Luminate's focus on optics and photonics.
Fiber Optic Cable Manufacturing Insights: Key Investors in the US
Investor | Headquarter | Size | Founded | Deals 2024 |
---|---|---|---|---|
U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) | Washington, D.C., District Of Columbia, United States (USA) | 10001+ | 1977 | 597 |
Intel Capital | Santa Clara, California, United States (USA) | 11-50 | 1991 | 23 |
New Enterprise Associates (NEA) | Menlo Park, California, United States (USA) | 51-200 | 1977 | 57 |
Kkr | New York, New York, United States (USA) | 1001-5000 | 1976 | 74 |
Goldman Sachs | New York, New York, United States (USA) | 10001+ | 1998 | 59 |
Deep Tech Fund (an Alumni Ventures Fund) | Manchester, New Hampshire, United States (USA) | 51-200 | 2023 | 258 |
The Carlyle Group | Washington, D.C., District Of Columbia, United States (USA) | 1001-5000 | 1987 | 25 |
Amphenol | Wallingford, Connecticut, United States (USA) | 10001+ | 1932 | 5 |
IFC - International Finance Corporation | Washington, D.C., District Of Columbia, United States (USA) | 1001-5000 | 1956 | 107 |
MassVentures | Waltham, Massachusetts, United States (USA) | 1-10 | 1978 | 28 |
Cisco | San Jose, California, United States (USA) | 10001+ | 1984 | 5 |
Advent | Boston, Massachusetts, United States (USA) | 501-1000 | 1984 | 17 |
Blackstone | New York, New York, United States (USA) | 1001-5000 | 1985 | 57 |
Luminate Accelerator | Rochester, New York, United States (USA) | 1-10 | 2017 | 16 |
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