Lumotive

Overview

Lumotive is a technology company specializing in developing LiDAR (Light Detection and Ranging) sensors and optical semiconductor solutions. Founded in 2016 by Gleb Akselrod and Bill Colleran, the company is based in Redmond, Washington. Known for its Light Control Metasurface (LCM™) technology, Lumotive has raised over $100 million through various funding rounds. The company focuses on providing advanced 3D sensing capabilities for applications spanning autonomous vehicles, industrial automation, and telecommunications.

Recent Developments

July 22, 2025: Lumotive extended its Series B funding round to $59 million, with Amazon and the ITHCA Group joining as investors. This extension aimed to support expanded sales, marketing efforts, and accelerated research and development.
May 21, 2025: Namuga unveiled its Stella-2 solid-state LiDAR sensor powered by Lumotive’s technology at the Embedded Vision Summit.
March 5, 2025: At CES 2025, Lumotive announced a collaboration to integrate its LCM product with Sony’s SPAD depth sensors. This partnership addresses automotive and industrial sector needs with high precision.
February 19, 2025: Lumotive secured $45 million in its Series B round, highlighting its technology's proven track record in various advanced applications. Investors included Swisscom Ventures, East Bridge, and Gates Frontier.

Attribute	Information
Founding Date	2016
Headquarters	Redmond, Washington, USA
Founders	Gleb Akselrod, Bill Colleran
Revenue	Not publicly disclosed
Profits	Not publicly disclosed
Key Investors	Amazon, ITHCA Group, Swisscom Ventures
Industry	Optical semiconductors, LiDAR
Number of Employees	Approximately 100-200

Early History

Lumotive was founded in 2016 by Gleb Akselrod and Bill Colleran. The company's inception was rooted in leveraging innovative optical technologies to address the limitations of existing LiDAR systems. Initially, Lumotive focused on developing the Light Control Metasurface (LCM™) technology, which enabled them to offer solid-state, programmable optical solutions without the moving parts typical of traditional LiDAR systems. This innovation set the stage for the company’s rapid growth and drew attention from venture capitalists and strategic partners.

Company Profile and Achievements

Lumotive operates on the principle of enhancing optical sensing capabilities through its proprietary LCM technology. This approach eliminates the mechanical parts traditionally required in LiDAR systems, enabling more compact, reliable, and cost-effective solutions.

Milestones:
- 2018 to 2021: Initial product development phases and early funding rounds allowed Lumotive to refine its LCM technology.
- 2023: Lumotive launched its LM10 chip, the first production-ready version of its LCM technology.
- 2025: Recognition by Fast Company and multiple CES Innovation Awards underscored its impact on the industry.
Collaborations:
- Partnerships with Sony Semiconductor and Namuga highlight its strategy of strategic alliances to enhance technology integration.

Current Operations and Market Position

Lumotive continues to innovate in the field of programmable optics, with its technology finding applications across various sectors, including autonomous vehicles, industrial automation, and aerospace. The firm's strategic collaborations and substantial investments have bolstered its position as a leader in optical semiconductors. The extension of the Series B funding, driven by renowned investors like Amazon, marks its aggressive expansion plans to capture more market share.

Conclusion

Lumotive is at the forefront of advancing optical semiconductor technology, with its innovative LCM technology poised to redefine the landscape of 3D sensing. As global industries lean towards software-defined automation, Lumotive’s solutions are likely to play a pivotal role, particularly in areas necessitating high-performance, reliable, and flexible optical systems. Its strategic investments and partnerships signal a robust trajectory towards a significant impact in various high-tech domains.