Lumotive, a programmable optics startup based in Redmond, has expanded its Series B funding with new strategic investments from Amazon’s Industrial Innovation Fund and Oman’s ITHCA Group. This addition increases the round’s total to $59 million, up from the initial $45 million closed earlier this year. To date, the company has raised over $100 million in venture capital.
The decision to reopen the funding round stemmed from heightened investor interest, according to CEO Sam Heidari. While many investors were turned away, Lumotive prioritized Amazon and ITHCA for their strategic alignment. “Amazon’s involvement offers far more than financial support—it opens doors to valuable partnerships,” Heidari emphasized.
At the core of Lumotive’s innovation are its Light Control Metasurface chips. These solid-state optical chips use nano-scale pixels to electronically manipulate light, enabling precise beam shaping and steering without mechanical components. This technology has applications in autonomous vehicles, where it provides a compact, cost-effective alternative to traditional lidar systems, as well as in optical networking for data centers.
Heidari described the company’s approach as a “paradigm shift,” replacing bulky mirrors and motors with programmable optics. “Our chips deliver unprecedented control over light, enabling solutions that are not just functional but ready for real-world deployment,” he added.
Since launching its first commercial products in 2024, Lumotive has focused on a selective customer base to refine its offerings. The new funding will accelerate sales expansion, marketing efforts, and R&D investments. Heidari stressed that the technology has moved beyond theoretical validation: “This isn’t a science project anymore—it’s a proven, scalable solution addressing significant market demand.”
