PicoJool is an optical connectivity company that has created a new class of pixel-level photonics, enabling optical links that are as inexpensive, compact, and manufacturable as traditional copper connections. Its core product line centers on high-bandwidth Vertical Cavity Surface Emitting Lasers (VCSELs) integrated into massively parallel pluggable modules that can be configured for 16, 32, or 64 lanes delivering 1.6 T to 6.4 T of bandwidth. These modules are compatible with CPO, NPO, and front-panel pluggable form factors, targeting the demanding bandwidth requirements of hyperscale and AI data centers. The company aims to extend its low-cost VCSEL technology into 400 G/lane systems and beyond, positioning itself to meet future data-center bandwidth needs. Headquartered in Palo Alto with R&D and operations in the U.S. and Taiwan, PicoJool leverages founder Al Yuen’s more than 50 photonics patents, including the invention of Active Optical Cables and the QSFP transceiver. Although no revenue or customer metrics were disclosed, PicoJool has raised $12 million to expand manufacturing and deepen R&D efforts. The company plans to deploy its high-reliability, cost-effective optical technology through external foundries to satisfy exploding AI connectivity demand.

Total raised

$12M

Funding rounds

1

Latest round

Equity

Latest activity

Nov 2025