OptoML Raises $1.8 Million in Pre-Series A Funding

On February 24, Chennai-based OptoML, a fabless semiconductor startup, announced the completion of its pre-Series A round led by Bluehill VC and A99, two deeptech venture capital firms. The funding round, valued at $1.8 million, will be used to scale up hiring and initiate work on next-generation chips.

OptoML aims to leverage its scalable analog-in-memory compute with optical interconnects to cater to edge deployments and hyperscalers. The company has also partnered with TSMC to complete a final tape-out and with Kaynes Semicon to support assembly and testing of wafers through a memorandum of understanding (MoU).

Background

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OptoML was founded by Saravana Maruthamuthu, who boasts over 17 years of experience in the semiconductor and systems industry, including 10 years in Germany with notable companies like Intel, Qualcomm, and Continental. The company's frugal innovations and commercial use cases are expected to contribute to India's global AI dominance.

Investment Outlook

The funding from Bluehill VC and A99 is expected to aid OptoML in its growth trajectory, with Manu Iyer, General Partner at Bluehill VC, providing guidance on navigating early-stage deep tech investments and achieving commercial viability.