LightSpeed Photonics, a deep-tech startup focused on building next-generation optical interconnects for AI and high-performance computing (HPC) data centres, raised US$ 6.5 million in a pre-Series A funding round led by pi Ventures, with participation from 500 Global, Indian Accelerator, and existing backers including 8X Ventures and Java Capital, along with several angel investors from the Bay Area. 

Founded in 2021 by Rohin Y and Ramana Pamidighantam, LightSpeed Photonics develops compact, energy-efficient optical interconnect technology that uses short-wavelength laser data transfer. 

Their solution promises much-higher data speeds, lower power consumption, and a smaller hardware footprint compared to traditional interconnect systems, making it suitable for AI, cloud computing, telecom, aerospace, edge computing and other high-growth sectors. 

With this new funding, the startup plans to set up a dedicated R&D facility to accelerate pilot deployment. It also aims to deepen collaborations with OEMs, EMS and ODM partners as it moves toward commercialising its optical-interconnect product line for upcoming data-centre infrastructure. 

According to the founders, as AI workloads drive exponential growth in data traffic, conventional interconnect solutions are becoming a bottleneck. LightSpeed Photonics claims their technology can “bridge that gap” by enabling faster, denser, and more energy-efficient data links without requiring expensive redesigns of existing infrastructure. 

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