Optalysys is a Leeds-based deep-tech company building photonic computing hardware that integrates data movement and processing on a single chip, combining silicon photonics with traditional digital technologies. Its core product is a programmable, high-density photonic computing layer designed to accelerate compute-intensive tasks such as generative AI, post-quantum algorithms and fully homomorphic encryption. Early versions of the technology are already shipping in the company’s LightLocker™ Node servers, which target encrypted blockchain and other security-sensitive applications. Management positions photonic computing as a step-change in speed and energy efficiency compared with electronic architectures, aiming to make it a foundational element of next-generation cloud infrastructure. With fresh capital, Optalysys will speed up commercialisation of its proprietary photonic chips and broaden its programmable computing platform for AI, cloud and security markets. The firm also intends to expand into the United States to embed itself within that country’s photonics and semiconductor ecosystem. The recent £23 million financing underscores investor confidence in the size of the opportunity and provides runway for product development and market expansion.

Total raised

$62M

Funding rounds

3

Latest round

Series A

Latest activity

Jan 2026