Programmable optics startup Lumotive has expanded its Series B funding round with the addition of a few new strategic investors.
Based in Redmond, Washington, Lumotive reopened the round to welcome investments from Amazon—via its Amazon Industrial Innovation Fund—and the ITHCA Group, the tech investment arm of Oman’s sovereign wealth fund.
Series B Funding Grows to $59 Million, Pushing Total Venture Capital Raised Past $100 Million
With these new contributions, the total raised in the Series B round has increased to $59 million, up from the $45 million initially closed in February. To date, Lumotive has secured over $100 million in venture capital.
CEO Sam Heidari told TechCrunch that investor interest in the round exceeded expectations. Although the company had to turn some investors away, Heidari said it made strategic sense to include both Amazon and ITHCA Group.
“Amazon brings significant strategic value to us,” Heidari said. “The partnership means more to us than just the funding.”
Versatile Light-Shaping Chips Offer Compact Alternative to Lidar and Enable Data Center Applications
Lumotive’s Light Control Metasurface solid-state chips use nano-scale pixels that can be electronically controlled to direct and shape light. These chips enable autonomous sensing, offer a compact Lidar alternative, and support optical switching in data centers.
“This represents a fundamental shift in how we control light,” Heidari explained. “It allows us to shape, steer, and focus light electronically—essentially replicating what mirrors and mechanical systems do today, but without the moving parts.”
Founded in 2018, Lumotive began commercializing its chips in 2024 and has intentionally maintained a selective and focused customer base. According to Heidari, the new funding will be used to scale up sales and marketing efforts, as well as increase investment in research and development.
“This is no longer just a scientific experiment,” Heidari said of the company’s technology. “It’s a field-proven solution. We’ve always known there was strong demand for it—not only does it function effectively, but it’s also ready for real-world deployment.”
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