EFFECT Photonics, a TU/e success-story spin-off, is a leading developer of optical transceivers, bringing core network performance to the network edge, through the integration of all the optical functions onto a single Photonic Integrated Circuit combined with low-cost, non-hermetic packaging. Exactly one year after announcing the tape-out of its full photonic integration coherent PIC, Manta, EFFECT Photonics announced the first close of its Series C round, co-led by Smile Invest together with existing investor Innovation Industries Fund. Smile Invest is joined by existing investors including Innovation Industries Fund, PhotonDelta, btov Partners, Brabant Development Agency (BOM), and individual investors.

James Regan, CEO stated: ‘With our disruptive technology, we have already enabled Dense Wavelength Division Multiplexing in high-capacity 5G Radio Access Networks through our low-cost autotuning SFP+ modules, which are deployed around the world. This funding and our partnership with our investors will allow us to take the next leap forward, bringing even higher capacity “coherent” products to the network edges, as well as scaling existing production.’

Tim Koene, CTO (and TU/e Photonic Integration alumnus) explained: ‘Conventional coherent approaches require external narrow-linewidth tunable lasers and amplification, wasting light and adding cost, space and power consumption. Already demonstrated to key customers, the non-hermetic Manta prototypes integrate all of these functions on a single chip, bringing a revolution in low electrical power consumption together with high optical output power: High transmission performance in a small form factor that will enable the next generation of edge network capacity.’

Bart Cauberghe, Managing Partner at Smile Invest commented: ‘We see in EFFECT Photonics a company with unique technology, with a team that has shown that they can also convert this into innovative products for a fast-growing market. In that respect, the company fits perfectly in the activities of Smile Invest, given our focus on innovative, ambitious companies that have the potential to become the market leader in their segment. We are delighted to be joining with the strong group of existing investors.’

Nard Sintenie, General Partner at existing investor Innovation Industries added: ‘What EFFECT Photonics has developed is a real platform technology, with which new products can rapidly be launched. We are pleased to continue to support the company and see great potential for the future.’