Amazon backs programmable optics startup Lumotive

Lumotive, a programmable optics startup based in Redmond, Washington, has expanded its Series B funding round to include Amazon, via its Amazon Industrial Innovation Fund, and ITHCA Group, the investment arm of Oman’s sovereign wealth fund. This extension increased the total Series B funding from $45 million to $59 million, contributing to Lumotive’s overall venture capital raised to over $100 million. CEO Sam Heidari emphasized the strategic value of Amazon’s involvement, highlighting the importance of the partnership beyond just financial investment. Lumotive develops Light Control Metasurface solid-state chips composed of nano-scale pixels that electronically manipulate light, offering a smaller and more cost-effective alternative to traditional Lidar systems used in autonomous vehicles, as well as applications in optical switching for data centers. Founded in 2018 and having begun sales in 2024, the company has deliberately maintained a focused customer base. The new funding will support expanded sales, marketing efforts, and further research and development, with Heidari