The photonics industry in the U.S. focuses on the use of light technology for various applications, ranging from telecommunications to healthcare. Companies in this sector develop products that include lasers, sensors, and optical components that play crucial roles in industries such as defense, manufacturing, and medical diagnostics. With advancements in areas such as artificial intelligence and big data, photonics is poised for rapid growth, contributing to innovations in quantum computing and smart technology. As society seeks enhanced connectivity and efficiency, the demand for cutting-edge photonics solutions is expected to accelerate in the coming years.


This list features a mix of corporate and venture capital investors headquartered primarily in California, New York, Virginia, and Pennsylvania. Established between 1930 and 2017, these investors vary in size and investment strategy. The year 2024 saw notable activity, with some firms making over 800 investments, while others focused on a handful of strategic leveraging acquisitions to advance their portfolios. Noteworthy investors, including Synopsys Inc. and Intel Capital, showcase a commitment to funding innovations in the photonics industry, addressing technological challenges and driving market growth.


Top 18 Photonics 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. It 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 2024, the DOE has been particularly active in the photonics sector, providing grants to companies such as KMLabs, which raised $1,100,000, and HighRI Optics, which received $1,099,995 in funding. Additionally, HighRI Optics was awarded another grant of $1,149,799 in 2023, and Aeluma, Inc. also received a funding award from the DOE, further highlighting the department's commitment to supporting innovation in photonics. These transactions illustrate the DOE's role in fostering advancements in photonics technology, despite its broader focus on energy-related initiatives.


2. Synopsys Inc

  • Website: synopsys.com
  • Type: Corporate
  • Headquarters: Sunnyvale, California, United States (USA)
  • Founded year: 1986
  • Headcount: 10001+
  • Number of deals in 2024: 2
  • LinkedIn: synopsys

Synopsys, Inc. is a leading electronic design automation (EDA) company founded in 1986 and based in Sunnyvale, California. With over 10,000 employees, Synopsys provides advanced tools and services for silicon design, verification, and software security, primarily catering to semiconductor companies and technology innovators. Notably, Synopsys has made strategic acquisitions that enhance its capabilities in the photonics domain, including the acquisition of Optical Research Associates (ORA) in 2010, a provider of optical design software and engineering services. This acquisition highlights Synopsys's commitment to integrating optical technologies into its offerings. Additionally, Synopsys has acquired other companies like WinterLogic, InnoLogic Systems, SpringSoft, and Gemini Design Technology, which, while not directly related to photonics, demonstrate the company's broader strategy of enhancing its technological capabilities across various sectors.


3. 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 invests in early-stage technology companies, focusing on areas such as AI, cloud computing, and semiconductor technologies. In addition to these primary sectors, Intel Capital has also invested in photonics-related companies, demonstrating their interest in this field. Notably, they participated in funding rounds for KMLabs, which raised $12 million in Series B and $7.2 million in Series A, both of which are significant investments in the photonics space. Furthermore, Intel Capital was involved in Metalenz's funding, contributing to a $30 million Series B round aimed at advancing high-performance 3D sensing solutions, which utilize metasurface optics—a key area within photonics. These transactions highlight Intel Capital's engagement with the photonics industry, alongside their broader technology investment strategy.


4. IQT (In-Q-Tel)

  • Website: iqt.org
  • Type: Venture Capital
  • Headquarters: Arlington, Virginia, United States (USA)
  • Founded year: 1999
  • Headcount: 51-200
  • Number of deals in 2024: 24
  • LinkedIn: in-q-tel

In-Q-Tel (IQT) is a not-for-profit venture capital firm founded in 1999, based in Arlington, Virginia. It specializes in investing in technology startups that can enhance U.S. national security. IQT collaborates with various government agencies to identify and support innovative solutions across multiple technology sectors, including software, materials sciences, and notably, photonics. Among their relevant transactions in the photonics field, IQT has invested in companies such as Alfalight, Genia Photonics, LensVector, Anello Photonics, and Redlen Technologies. These investments reflect IQT's commitment to advancing technologies that are critical for national security, with a specific focus on the applications of photonics in various domains.


5. 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 valuable resources. Luminate connects startups with industry experts and investors to help them commercialize their technologies and succeed in the market. Notable transactions include a $2,500,000 investment in Intelon Optics during their Series A round, which highlights their commitment to advancing photonics technology. Additionally, they have provided funding to Lumedica in a Pre-Seed round, further emphasizing their focus on the photonics sector. Other transactions, such as support for MEETOPTICS and LighTopTech, also align with their mission to foster innovation in optics and photonics.


6. Y Combinator

  • Website: ycombinator.com
  • Type: Venture Capital
  • Headquarters: San Francisco, California, United States (USA)
  • Founded year: 2005
  • Headcount: 51-200
  • Number of deals in 2024: 802
  • LinkedIn: y-combinator

Y Combinator is a prominent startup accelerator and venture capital firm based in San Francisco, California, founded in 2005. It provides funding and mentorship to early-stage technology companies through a structured program that includes resources like the Startup School and co-founder matching services. Y Combinator has successfully launched over 4,000 startups, establishing itself as a key player in the technology startup ecosystem. Among its notable investments, Y Combinator has funded companies such as Bikanta, which raised $1.7 million in a seed round in 2014 and focuses on advanced imaging technologies, and NearWave, which raised $500,000 in a pre-seed round in 2022, potentially indicating a focus on photonics-related innovations. These transactions highlight Y Combinator's engagement with startups that may contribute to the photonics industry, reinforcing its relevance in this sector.


7. Coherent Corp.

  • Website: coherent.com
  • Type: Corporate
  • Headquarters: Santa Clara, California, United States (USA)
  • Founded year: 1971
  • Headcount: 10001+
  • LinkedIn: ii-vi-incorporated

Coherent Corp. is a corporate investor based in Santa Clara, California, founded in 1971. The company specializes in manufacturing optical materials and semiconductor technologies, providing a diverse range of products including lasers and optical components. Coherent Corp. serves various industries such as aerospace, defense, and life sciences, focusing on advanced solutions that enhance manufacturing processes and technological applications. Notably, Coherent has made several strategic acquisitions in the photonics sector, including the acquisition of Rofin - Sinar for $942 million in 2016, which significantly bolstered their market presence in photonics. They also acquired Electro-Optics Technology, Inc. for approximately $29.3 million in 2021, and Integrated Photonics for $45 million in 2017, further solidifying their commitment to the photonics industry. These transactions reflect Coherent's active role in expanding its capabilities and influence within the photonics market.


8. Samsung Ventures


Samsung Ventures is a venture capital firm founded in 1999, located in Menlo Park, California. The firm focuses on providing investment and strategic consulting services to startups across various sectors, including semiconductors, healthcare, fintech, and biotechnology. Notably, Samsung Ventures has made significant investments in the photonics space, including a leading role in the funding of Lumotive, a company developing optical semiconductor devices for lidar sensors, which has raised over $56 million to date. Additionally, they participated in the funding rounds for LensVector, a company that enhances manufacturing capacity for photonics applications. These transactions demonstrate Samsung Ventures' commitment to supporting innovations in the photonics industry, making them a relevant player in this field.


9. Teledyne Technologies Incorporated


Teledyne Technologies Incorporated is an industrial conglomerate based in Thousand Oaks, California, founded in 1960. The company provides advanced technologies and high-reliability products across various sectors, including aerospace, defense, and environmental monitoring. Teledyne's offerings include digital imaging sensors, monitoring instrumentation, and engineered systems, catering primarily to specialized industries. Notably, Teledyne has made several strategic acquisitions that enhance its capabilities in the photonics domain. In 2010, they acquired Teledyne Dalsa, a company known for its digital imaging technology. In 2016, they agreed to acquire e2v Technologies, which complements their imaging solutions. Furthermore, in 2019, Teledyne acquired Princeton Instruments, a company that provides imaging solutions for life sciences and academic research, further solidifying their position in the photonics market. These transactions reflect Teledyne's commitment to expanding its portfolio in the photonics industry.


10. 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 founded in 1977, based in Menlo Park, California. 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 photonics context, particularly with Lytro, which raised a total of $215 million across multiple funding rounds (Series A to D) for its innovative light-field camera system. This involvement highlights NEA's engagement in the photonics industry, showcasing their interest in cutting-edge technology that leverages light manipulation and imaging.


11. Nlvc

  • Website: nlvc.com
  • Type: Venture Capital
  • Headquarters: Menlo Park, California, United States (USA)
  • Founded year: 2005
  • Headcount: 11-50
  • Number of deals in 2024: 5
  • LinkedIn: northern-light-venture-capital

NLVC is a venture capital firm based in Menlo Park, California, founded in 2005. The firm specializes in early-stage technology investments across various sectors, including enterprise, healthcare, and consumer technologies. With a portfolio of over 400 companies, NLVC provides capital, insights, and operational expertise to entrepreneurs. Notably, NLVC has invested in photonics-related companies such as OmniSensing Photonics Technology, which raised $15,655,577 in a Series A round in June 2021, and Xpect Vision Technology, which received funding in an Angel round in May 2015. These transactions highlight NLVC's engagement in the photonics industry, showcasing their interest in supporting innovative technologies in this field.


12. United States Department of Defense

  • Website: defense.gov
  • Type: Corporate
  • Headquarters: Washington, D.C., District Of Columbia, United States (USA)
  • Founded year: 1949
  • Headcount: 10001+
  • Number of deals in 2024: 53
  • LinkedIn: deptofdefense

The United States Department of Defense (DoD) is a public entity responsible for national security and military operations, founded in 1949 and based in Washington, D.C. With over 10,000 employees, the DoD plays a crucial role in providing military forces and services to ensure the safety of the nation. In recent years, the DoD has actively engaged in funding initiatives that support technological advancements, including those in the photonics industry. Notably, the DoD provided $15 million in funding to Coherent Corp. to accelerate the commercialization of wide- and ultrawide-bandgap semiconductors, which are essential for various photonics applications. Additionally, the DoD has supported SkyWater Technology with $15 million to enhance its partnership with Google and develop an open-source Process Design Kit for advanced semiconductor technologies. These transactions highlight the DoD's commitment to fostering innovation in areas that intersect with photonics, making it a significant player in this field.


13. Sand Hill Angels

  • Website: sandhillangels.com
  • Type: Venture Capital
  • Headquarters: Mountain View, California, United States (USA)
  • Founded year: 2000
  • Headcount: 51-200
  • Number of deals in 2024: 3
  • LinkedIn: sand-hill-angels

Sand Hill Angels is an angel investment group founded in 2000, based in Mountain View, California. They focus on providing funding and mentorship to technology startups, leveraging the expertise of their members, who are experienced investors and business leaders. Notably, Sand Hill Angels has been involved in multiple funding rounds for DynaOptics, a company specializing in optical technologies, with investments spanning from 2014 to 2018. These transactions include several seed rounds and a secondary market investment, highlighting their ongoing support for innovations in the photonics industry. Additionally, they have invested in Mirada Technologies, which, while not explicitly a photonics company, may also intersect with technology sectors relevant to photonics. Overall, Sand Hill Angels plays an active role in the startup ecosystem, particularly in technology, including photonics-related ventures.


14. Sosv

  • Website: sosv.com
  • Type: Venture Capital
  • Headquarters: United States (USA)
  • Founded year: 1995
  • Headcount: 51-200
  • Number of deals in 2024: 170
  • LinkedIn: sosv

SOSV is a venture capital firm founded in 1995, specializing in funding and supporting deep tech startups through its development programs. With a global reach, SOSV connects innovative companies with investors, providing not only venture capital but also resources to help startups grow in various sectors, including health and climate technology. Notably, SOSV has participated in significant funding rounds for companies like Leadoptik, a medical imaging firm that raised $5 million with SOSV's participation, highlighting their interest in technologies that may leverage photonics. Additionally, their involvement with Impedans, which has raised multiple rounds of funding, showcases their commitment to deep tech innovations that could intersect with photonics applications.


15. TSV Capital

  • Website: tsvcap.com
  • Type: Venture Capital
  • Headquarters: Los Altos, California, United States (USA)
  • Founded year: 2010
  • Headcount: 11-50
  • Number of deals in 2024: 8
  • LinkedIn: tsvcap

TSV Capital is a venture capital firm based in Los Altos, California, founded in 2010. The firm focuses on supporting immigrant founders and deep tech innovations, providing venture capital investment and investment management services to startups. Their portfolio reflects a diverse range of tech-focused companies, demonstrating a commitment to democratizing opportunities in the tech ecosystem. Notably, TSV Capital has invested in several companies relevant to the photonics industry, including Lumotive, which raised $45 million in a Series B round for its lidar technology, and Metalenz, which raised funds in a Seed round for its optical sensing solutions. Other investments include DynaOptics and 2Pi, both of which are involved in technologies that could intersect with photonics applications, further solidifying TSV Capital's relevance in this sector.


16. Hexagon Asset Lifecycle Intelligence


Hexagon Asset Lifecycle Intelligence, a corporate investor based in Madison, Alabama, specializes in industrial technology and software solutions. Founded in 1992, the company has a global presence and focuses on transforming data into actionable insights through precision sensors and geospatial tools. Notable transactions include the acquisition of SigmaSpace Corporation in 2016, which enhances their capabilities in 3D mapping and geospatial imagery, areas closely related to photonics. Additionally, their acquisition of Indurad in 2024 suggests a strategic interest in sensor technologies that may intersect with photonics applications. Overall, Hexagon's investments reflect a commitment to advancing technologies that leverage photonics for improved decision-making and operational efficiency.


17. Ametek

  • Website: ametek.com
  • Type: Corporate
  • Headquarters: Berwyn, Pennsylvania, United States (USA)
  • Founded year: 1930
  • Headcount: 10001+
  • Number of deals in 2024: 1
  • LinkedIn: ametek

AMETEK, Inc. is a manufacturer specializing in electronic instruments and electromechanical devices, founded in 1930 and headquartered in Berwyn, Pennsylvania. The company provides advanced analytical and measurement solutions across various sectors, including aerospace, energy, and medical. Ametek has made significant strides in the photonics industry through strategic acquisitions. Notable transactions include the acquisition of Zygo Corporation in April 2014 for $280 million, which specializes in optical metrology and imaging systems, and Navitar in November 2022, a company known for its optical systems. Additionally, Ametek acquired Forza Silicon in November 2018, which focuses on imaging technologies, and Vision Research, a manufacturer of high-speed digital imaging systems, in June 2008. These acquisitions highlight Ametek's focus on enhancing its photonics capabilities within its broader portfolio of electronic instruments.


18. Plug and Play Tech Center


Plug and Play Tech Center is an innovation hub and venture capital firm based in Sunnyvale, California, founded in 2006. They connect startups with corporations to foster growth and innovation, offering various programs including accelerator initiatives and investment opportunities. In 2024 alone, they made 253 investments, showcasing their active role in the venture capital landscape. Notably, they have invested in companies like WaveScan, which raised $1,385,956 in a seed round in 2021, and Toposens, which raised $1,900,000 in a seed round in 2018. These transactions highlight their engagement with startups that are relevant to the photonics industry, indicating their potential as a valuable investor in this sector.



Photonics Insights: Key Investors in the US


InvestorHeadquarterSizeFoundedDeals 2024
U.S. Department of Energy (DOE)Washington, D.C., District Of Columbia, United States (USA)10001+1977597
Synopsys IncSunnyvale, California, United States (USA)10001+19862
Intel CapitalSanta Clara, California, United States (USA)11-50199123
IQT (In-Q-Tel)Arlington, Virginia, United States (USA)51-200199924
Luminate AcceleratorRochester, New York, United States (USA)1-10201716
Y CombinatorSan Francisco, California, United States (USA)51-2002005802
Coherent Corp.Santa Clara, California, United States (USA)10001+19710
Samsung VenturesMenlo Park, California, United States (USA)51-200199913
Teledyne Technologies IncorporatedThousand Oaks, California, United States (USA)10001+19606
New Enterprise Associates (NEA)Menlo Park, California, United States (USA)51-200197757
NlvcMenlo Park, California, United States (USA)11-5020055
United States Department of DefenseWashington, D.C., District Of Columbia, United States (USA)10001+194953
Sand Hill AngelsMountain View, California, United States (USA)51-20020003
SosvUnited States (USA)51-2001995170
TSV CapitalLos Altos, California, United States (USA)11-5020108
Hexagon Asset Lifecycle IntelligenceMadison, Alabama, United States (USA)10001+19929
AmetekBerwyn, Pennsylvania, United States (USA)10001+19301
Plug and Play Tech CenterSunnyvale, California, United States (USA)501-10002006253


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