The Venture Codex

Participated · Equity · Sep 2025

Opticore builds a patented photonic computing chip that uses time-multiplexed computing to encode up to one trillion parameters on a single die while delivering 100 TOPS/W compute efficiency. Its architecture supports dynamic weights, enabling real-time training and inference, and is compatible with standard semiconductor foundry processes for scalable production. The company was founded by Zaijun Chen, Mengjie Yu, and Ryan Hamerly. Opticore plans to commercialize its technology for data-centric AI applications where power and density constraints limit current electronic solutions. With the newly raised $7.5 million in funds, management aims to accelerate product development and move toward manufacturing readiness. The recent financing is the only publicly disclosed round, bringing Opticore’s total known capital to $7.5 million. Although revenue and user metrics were not disclosed, the company positions its chip as a disruptive alternative to traditional electronic accelerators.