PicoJool raises $27.5M for AI optical links, backed by Pat Gelsinger

PicoJool has raised $27.5 million to scale vertical-cavity surface-emitting lasers (VCSELs) for AI data-center links. The round was led by Socratic Partners, with participation from Hudson. Former Intel and VMware CEO Pat Gelsinger is listed as a backer.

This follows recent coverage of a similarly described funding round for the company. While the details appear nearly identical—same amount, same lead investor, and same technology focus—the phrasing around the raise suggests a possible shift in messaging. Optical startups have been positioning themselves as critical to AI infrastructure for some time, though many are still in early stages of deployment.

The optical-AI space has seen increasing activity, with startups exploring different approaches to address bandwidth demands. Some focus on coherent optics or integrated photonics, while others, like PicoJool, are targeting VCSELs, which may offer cost advantages for certain applications. The question remains whether these technologies will find traction in live AI workloads or remain in testing phases.

For now, PicoJool’s funding keeps it in the conversation. The next step will be seeing whether the company can move beyond announcements and into production deployments. If not, the capital raised may face scrutiny as the market evaluates which optical solutions will prove most viable for AI infrastructure.

Sources: sdxcentral.com