Lumotive, astart-up based in Redmond, Washington, has secured $45 million in a Series B funding round to accelerate the growth and sales of its Light Control Metasurface (LCM) technology. The funding round included new investors such as Swisscom Ventures, East Bridge, EDOM, Grazia, Hokuyo Inc., and TSVC, alongside continued support from existing investors including Gates Frontier, MetaVC Partners, Quan Funds, USAA, and HiMax Inc.
Lumotive said its LCM technology enables precise control of light at the chip level, unlocking new applications in automotive, industrial, AI data centers, and satellite communications. This technology is transforming optical circuit switching, autonomous vehicles, advanced robotics, and mission-critical aerospace systems.
The funding will support Lumotive’s expansion in three key areas:
- Global Market Expansion – Scaling operations worldwide to meet demand and provide localized support for customers in critical industries.
- Data Center AI Infrastructure – Advancing optical switching solutions to enhance hyperscale AI networks, real-time analytics, and energy-efficient infrastructure.
- Aerospace and Defense – Developing next-generation optical semiconductors for secure communications and precision sensing in defense applications.
“This funding marks a pivotal moment in the evolution of programmable optics,” said Dr. Sam Heidari, CEO of Lumotive. “Our LCM technology has already driven innovation across autonomous vehicles, advanced robotics, and industrial applications. With this new investment, we will accelerate sales in AI data centers and satellite communications.”
- Lumotive is headquartered in Redmond, Washington, and was founded in 2017 by Dr. Sam Heidari, who previously led key technology ventures in wireless communications including Ikanos Communications, Quantenna and SiTime amongst others, and Dr. Michael Wiatr, an expert in photonics and semiconductor development.
- Lumotive’s core technology revolves around its patented Light Control Metasurface (LCM), a software-defined photonic beamforming solution that enables precise and reliable optical switching for applications in AI data centers, automotive sensing, robotics, aerospace, and defense. The company collaborates with leading partners including MetaVC Partners, Gates Frontier, and major semiconductor firms to advance its technology and commercial adoption.
- In 2024, Lumotive achieved several key milestones, including securing strategic partnerships with AI data center operators and satellite communication firms, expanding its LCM™ technology into commercial deployments, and being named a recipient of multiple industry innovation awards. The company also strengthened its global presence by scaling its operations and advancing new generations of programmable optical semiconductor products.