PicoJool raises $27.5M to expand AI optical connectivity in US and Taiwan

AI optical connectivity startup PicoJool has secured $27.5 million in Series A funding, bringing its total funding to $39.5 million. The round was led by Socratic Partners, with participation from Hudson River Trading (HRT). This follows a previous $12 million seed round led by Playground Global.

The company intends to use the capital to expand its teams and facilities in the United States and Taiwan. The expansion aims to accelerate the commercialization of its Vertical-Cavity Surface-Emitting Laser (VCSEL) and MicroVCSEL products, which are designed to address the growing data demands of AI data centers and hyperscalers.

PicoJool’s technology focuses on high-speed optical links capable of scaling from 800G to 1.6T, 3.2T, and beyond. The company is currently conducting early sampling of chip-level VCSEL products and is collaborating with Taiwan-based GaAs foundry WIN Semiconductors to prepare for mass production of its 200G VCSEL products.