Deep-tech semiconductor startup optoML has raised $1.8 million in a pre-Series A round, with Bluehill.VC and A99 are leading the investment.
The funding comes at an important stage for the company, shortly after it completed its 12 nm tapeout with TSMC, a major technical milestone that moves its chip development efforts closer to commercialisation. The new capital will be used to strengthen the team and kick off work on its next generation of AI-focused chips.
Founded by Saravana Maruthamuthu, optoML is developing analog-in-memory computing architectures integrated with optical interconnects, specifically designed for artificial intelligence workloads. The company is working to address one of the biggest challenges in AI hardware, delivering high performance while significantly reducing energy consumption.
optoML says its patented in-memory compute technology can offer up to 50 times better energy efficiency compared to conventional digital accelerators. Its solutions are designed for a wide range of applications, including edge devices, enterprise infrastructure, and large-scale data centres.
Operating under a fabless model, optoML focuses on chip design while outsourcing manufacturing. It is building scalable AI System-on-Chip (SoC) platforms based on advanced FinFET process nodes to support demanding AI use cases.
To prepare for production, the startup has entered into a Memorandum of Understanding with Kaynes Semiconductor for chip assembly and testing once the wafers are delivered from TSMC.
Lead investor Bluehill.VC is known for backing deep-tech ventures across semiconductors, defence, energy, and industrial technology. With this latest infusion of funds and a successful tapeout behind it, optoML is gearing up to push forward in the competitive AI hardware space.
-By Shivani Solanki
