The optical laser manufacturing industry in the US plays a crucial role in various sectors, including healthcare, telecommunications, and defense. Companies range from startups developing specialized laser technologies to established firms producing laser systems for industrial applications. They offer products such as laser diodes, high-power laser systems, and cutting-edge imaging equipment. The industry is on a growth trajectory, driven by advances in photonics and the increasing demand for laser-based solutions in automation and diagnostics. Notably, innovations are propelling applications in areas like 3D printing, surgical techniques, and robotic systems, enhancing precision and efficiency in multiple fields.


Among the top 19 investors in the optical laser manufacturing sector, there is a mix of venture capital firms, corporate investors, and government entities. These investors span locations from Menlo Park to Washington, D.C., reflecting a concentrated innovation hub in the US. While many were established in the last few decades, some date back over 40 years. Surprisingly active in 2024, they collectively engaged in 597 investment deals, showcasing their commitment to fostering growth and advancement in optical technologies.


Top 19 Optical Laser 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. 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 recent years, the DOE has been involved in several significant transactions within the optical laser manufacturing sector, providing grants to companies such as Optical Engines, which raised $200,000 in January 2024, NP Photonics, which secured $1,100,000 in August 2024, and MetroLaser, which received over $2 million across two grants in February 2023 and February 2024. These investments highlight the DOE's commitment to fostering innovation and development in optical technologies, making it a relevant player in the optical laser manufacturing industry.


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 companies within the optical laser manufacturing industry. Notable transactions include KMLabs, which raised $12.2 million in Series B funding in 2018 and $7.2 million in Series A funding in 2016, both of which are relevant to laser technology. Additionally, they invested $57 million in CyOptics in 2000, a company known for its work in optical components. These investments demonstrate Intel Capital's engagement in the optical laser sector, providing funding and strategic support to help these companies innovate and grow.


3. 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

Deep Tech Fund (an Alumni Ventures Fund) is a venture capital firm founded in 2023, based in Manchester, New Hampshire, USA. The fund focuses on providing accredited investors and institutions with access to professionally-managed, diversified venture portfolios. With a network of over 10,000 investors, the firm connects them with high-quality investment opportunities in the startup ecosystem. Notably, the fund has been involved in significant transactions in the optical technology space, including a $155 million investment in Ayar Labs during its Series D round, which specializes in optical interconnects and photonic technologies. Additionally, the fund participated in the seed round for TAU Systems, which may also have relevance in the optical technology sector. These investments highlight the fund's commitment to supporting innovative companies in the optical laser manufacturing and related industries.


4. 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, based in the United States, that specializes in funding and supporting deep tech startups through its development programs. With a focus on providing venture capital investment and resources, Sosv aims to help startups grow and succeed in various sectors, including health and climate technology. Notably, they have invested in Formlabs, a company that has raised significant funding for its 3D printing technology, which often involves laser applications. Additionally, they have supported Fuller Vision and Hyperlume, indicating a diverse portfolio that may include companies relevant to optical technologies. Sosv operates globally, connecting innovative companies with investors, and has made 170 investments in 2024 alone, showcasing their active role in the venture capital landscape.


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 industry resources. Luminate connects startups with industry experts and investors to help them commercialize their technologies and succeed in the market. Among their notable transactions, they have invested in companies like Momentum Optics, which raised $100,000 in a convertible note, and MEETOPTICS, which received $100,000 in non-equity assistance. These investments highlight Luminate's focus on the optics and photonics industries, which are closely related to optical laser manufacturing. Additionally, their recent investment in Q-Block Computing further emphasizes their commitment to supporting innovative technologies within these sectors.


6. 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. With a focus on investment management and advisory services, NEA specializes in supporting startups, particularly in the technology and healthcare sectors. The firm emphasizes long-term relationships with entrepreneurs, providing not only funding but also strategic guidance to help navigate the challenges of building successful businesses. NEA has been involved in various significant transactions, including their investment in IRIDEX, a company known for its work in optical lasers, which highlights their engagement in the optical laser manufacturing industry. Additionally, NEA has participated in funding rounds for Lytro, a company that developed light-field camera systems, showcasing their interest in innovative optical technologies. This diverse portfolio reflects NEA's commitment to fostering advancements in technology, including those related to optical lasers.


7. 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 in fields such as software, materials sciences, and optical technologies. Among its notable investments in the optical laser manufacturing context are Genia Photonics, which raised funds in 2011, Alfalight, which secured $666,000 in 2011, and Anello Photonics, which raised an undisclosed amount in a Series B round in 2024. These transactions highlight IQT's commitment to advancing technologies that are crucial for national security, including those related to optical lasers.


8. 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 specializes in supporting early-stage companies, particularly those focused on deep tech innovation. The firm provides a variety of funding options, including venture capital and grants, along with business guidance and accelerator programs. Notably, MassVentures has been involved in several transactions relevant to the optical laser manufacturing sector, such as grants to Analog Photonics, which focuses on photonics technology, and Irradiant Technologies, which is engaged in laser technology. These investments highlight MassVentures' commitment to fostering innovation in the optical and photonics industries, making them a valuable partner for startups in the optical laser manufacturing space.


9. 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. Among its notable transactions, Synopsys acquired Optical Research Associates (ORA) on October 8, 2010, which specializes in optical design software and engineering services. This acquisition highlights Synopsys's commitment to enhancing its capabilities in the optical domain, particularly relevant to optical laser manufacturing. Other acquisitions, such as WinterLogic and SpringSoft, focus on fault simulation and design verification, further showcasing Synopsys's broad technological expertise, although they are less directly related to optical lasers.


10. Samsung Ventures


Samsung Ventures is a venture capital firm based in Menlo Park, California, founded in 1999. The firm focuses on providing investment and strategic consulting services to startups and companies across various sectors, including semiconductors, healthcare, fintech, and biotechnology. Notably, Samsung Ventures has made significant investments in the optical laser manufacturing context, including a leading role in funding Lumotive, a company developing Light Control Metasurface (LCM™) beam steering chips, which are essential for lidar sensors. They also participated in funding rounds for LensVector, a startup that has raised substantial capital to scale its manufacturing capacity in optical technologies. These transactions highlight Samsung Ventures' commitment to supporting innovations in the optical laser space, alongside their broader investment strategy.


11. 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 2021, they participated in a Pre-Seed round for Wave Photonics, a company that operates within the optical laser manufacturing space. Additionally, they have invested in other technology-focused startups, demonstrating their commitment to enhancing business development across various tech sectors. Their model focuses on facilitating partnerships and providing resources, making them a valuable player in the venture capital landscape, particularly for companies involved in optics and photonics.


12. Government of Canada

  • Website: canada.ca
  • Type: Corporate
  • Headquarters: Canada, Kentucky, United States (USA)
  • Founded year: 1999
  • Headcount: 10001+
  • Number of deals in 2024: 137
  • LinkedIn: government-of-canada

The Government of Canada is a public entity that provides a wide range of services and information to Canadian citizens and residents, addressing various needs including employment, immigration, health care, and taxation. Founded in 1999, it operates through multiple departments and agencies to ensure access to essential services and support for individuals and businesses across the country. In the context of optical laser manufacturing, the Government of Canada has been actively involved in funding relevant companies. Notable transactions include a $250,000 debt financing for Laserax in April 2019 and a $1,000,000 seed round for the same company in February 2014. Additionally, it provided a $5,000,000 grant to Genoptic in March 2022, a $1,000,000 grant to HI-TEC Profiles in August 2019, and a $1,452,380 grant to LUCID Vision Labs in October 2024. These investments highlight the government's role in supporting the growth and development of the optical laser manufacturing sector in Canada.


13. NASA - National Aeronautics and Space Administration

  • Website: nasa.gov
  • Type: Corporate
  • Headquarters: Washington, D.C., District Of Columbia, United States (USA)
  • Founded year: 1958
  • Headcount: 10001+
  • Number of deals in 2024: 24
  • LinkedIn: nasa

The National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) is a public entity established in 1958, headquartered in Washington, D.C. It is primarily focused on civil space programs and aeronautics research, conducting space exploration missions and supporting the International Space Station. NASA also engages in technology development and scientific research, often collaborating with government entities and educational institutions. In recent years, NASA has made several investments in companies related to optical technologies, including grants to Momentum Optics and OAM Photonics, which are involved in the development of optical systems. Notably, LambdaVision received significant funding from NASA through a Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase II award and a Commercialization Award, aimed at advancing its protein-based artificial retina technology, which has potential applications in optical systems. These transactions highlight NASA's commitment to fostering innovation in the optical field, making it a relevant player in the optical laser manufacturing sector.


14. Silicon Valley Bank

  • Website: svb.com
  • Type: Venture Capital
  • Headquarters: Santa Clara, California, United States (USA)
  • Founded year: 1983
  • Headcount: 5001-10000
  • Number of deals in 2024: 31
  • LinkedIn: silicon-valley-bank

Silicon Valley Bank is a commercial bank founded in 1983, specializing in providing financial services to the innovation economy, particularly tech startups and venture capital firms. With a focus on business banking, global payments, and asset management, they help clients navigate financial challenges and support their growth. Notably, Silicon Valley Bank has participated in significant funding rounds for companies in the optical technology sector, such as LensVector, which raised $30 million in a Series C funding round to scale its manufacturing capacity. Additionally, they have been involved in various debt financing transactions with companies like Ayar Labs, which also operates in the optical technology space. These transactions highlight their engagement with firms that are relevant to optical laser manufacturing.


15. 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 markets. With a portfolio of over 400 companies, NLVC provides capital, insights, and operational expertise to entrepreneurs. Notably, NLVC has invested in several companies within the optical laser manufacturing context, such as OmniSensing Photonics Technology, which raised $15,655,577 in a Series A round in June 2021, and Halation Photonics, which received funding in both Series A and Series B rounds in 2012 and 2015, respectively. These investments highlight NLVC's commitment to supporting innovation in the photonics and optical technology sectors.


16. 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 optical laser manufacturing context through strategic acquisitions. In 2014, Ametek acquired Zygo Corporation, known for its optical metrology and laser systems, for $280 million. More recently, in 2025, Ametek acquired Kern Microtechnik, a manufacturer of high-precision machining and optical inspection solutions, further solidifying its position in the optical sector. Additionally, Ametek's acquisition of Navitar in 2022, a company that specializes in optical systems, showcases its ongoing investment in optical technologies. These acquisitions reflect Ametek's focus on innovation and operational excellence, particularly in addressing complex challenges in the optical laser manufacturing field.


17. Khosla Ventures

  • Website: khoslaventures.com
  • Type: Venture Capital
  • Headquarters: Menlo Park, California, United States (USA)
  • Founded year: 2004
  • Headcount: 51-200
  • Number of deals in 2024: 97
  • LinkedIn: khosla-ventures

Khosla Ventures is a venture capital firm founded in 2004 and based in Menlo Park, California. The firm specializes in providing funding and strategic guidance to startups, particularly in technology, healthcare, and sustainability sectors. Khosla Ventures has been actively involved in various investment rounds, including a notable investment in SLD Laser, where they raised $4.5 million in Series A funding in August 2013. This investment highlights their engagement in the optical laser manufacturing industry. Additionally, Khosla Ventures has participated in significant funding rounds for companies like Mojo Vision, which focuses on micro-LED display technology, indicating their interest in advanced technologies that may intersect with optical applications. Overall, Khosla Ventures supports entrepreneurs with resources and strategic guidance to help them navigate the challenges of building their businesses, making them a versatile investor in the tech landscape.


18. 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 driving long-term value for its clients, Carlyle serves a diverse range of institutional investors, including pension funds and sovereign wealth funds. Among its notable transactions, Carlyle acquired Meopta in May 2023, a company recognized for its expertise in optical systems, which aligns closely with the optical laser manufacturing industry. Additionally, Carlyle's minority stake acquisition in Resonetics, a medical device manufacturer, and its earlier investments in Cube Optics and AcuFocus, further demonstrate its engagement in sectors that intersect with optical technologies. These transactions highlight Carlyle's strategic interest in companies that contribute to the optical and laser manufacturing landscape.


19. Lockheed Martin

  • Website: lockheedmartin.com
  • Type: Corporate
  • Headquarters: Bethesda, Maryland, United States (USA)
  • Founded year: 1912
  • Headcount: 10001+
  • Number of deals in 2024: 19
  • LinkedIn: lockheed-martin

Lockheed Martin Corporation is a leading defense contractor specializing in aerospace and military technologies. Founded in 1912 and based in Bethesda, Maryland, the company provides advanced solutions to government entities, including the U.S. Department of Defense and foreign governments, focusing on enhancing national security through innovative products like the F-35 and various missile systems. In recent years, Lockheed Martin has actively invested in companies that are relevant to optical technologies, such as Ayar Labs, which raised significant funding in multiple rounds (including $155 million in Series D in December 2024) for its work on optical interconnects. Additionally, Lockheed Martin participated in a Series C funding round for 3D Glass Solutions, which is involved in manufacturing advanced materials that could be relevant to optical applications. These transactions highlight Lockheed Martin's strategic interest in optical technologies, particularly in the context of enhancing communication and data transfer capabilities in defense applications.



Optical Laser Manufacturing 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
Intel CapitalSanta Clara, California, United States (USA)11-50199123
Deep Tech Fund (an Alumni Ventures Fund)Manchester, New Hampshire, United States (USA)51-2002023258
SosvUnited States (USA)51-2001995170
Luminate AcceleratorRochester, New York, United States (USA)1-10201716
New Enterprise Associates (NEA)Menlo Park, California, United States (USA)51-200197757
IQT (In-Q-Tel)Arlington, Virginia, United States (USA)51-200199924
MassVenturesWaltham, Massachusetts, United States (USA)1-10197828
Synopsys IncSunnyvale, California, United States (USA)10001+19862
Samsung VenturesMenlo Park, California, United States (USA)51-200199913
Plug and Play Tech CenterSunnyvale, California, United States (USA)501-10002006253
Government of CanadaCanada, Kentucky, United States (USA)10001+1999137
NASA - National Aeronautics and Space AdministrationWashington, D.C., District Of Columbia, United States (USA)10001+195824
Silicon Valley BankSanta Clara, California, United States (USA)5001-10000198331
NlvcMenlo Park, California, United States (USA)11-5020055
AmetekBerwyn, Pennsylvania, United States (USA)10001+19301
Khosla VenturesMenlo Park, California, United States (USA)51-200200497
The Carlyle GroupWashington, D.C., District Of Columbia, United States (USA)1001-5000198725
Lockheed MartinBethesda, Maryland, United States (USA)10001+191219


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