TLDR
- Mesh Optical Technologies raised $50 million led by Thrive Capital to develop optical transceivers for data centers
- The startup was founded by former SpaceX employees who worked on Starlink laser systems
- Mesh plans to build the largest optical manufacturing facility outside Asia by 2027 to reduce dependence on China
- The Data Center Optical Module Market is projected to grow from $4.3 billion in 2024 to $10.5 billion by 2033
- Their first product Alpha C1 promises faster speeds, lower latency, and better power efficiency than current transceivers
Mesh Optical Technologies announced a $50 million funding round this week to manufacture optical transceivers for data centers. The Los Angeles-based startup came out of stealth mode with backing from Thrive Capital, Also Capital, and Banner VC.
The company was founded by three former SpaceX employees with experience in optical systems. Travis Brashears, the CEO, spent five years at SpaceX building laser systems for Starlink satellites. Cameron Ramos, the president, worked at SpaceX for over six years on software and control systems.
Serena Grown-Haeberli, the co-founder and product leader, also came from SpaceX. The team’s experience with satellite laser communications will help develop their data center technology. Their background provides expertise in moving data at high speeds using light.
Optical transceivers are small devices that send and receive data using light instead of electrical signals. These components allow machines in data centers to communicate quickly. The technology is crucial for training and running artificial intelligence models.
AI workloads require moving massive amounts of data between servers. Data centers use fiber-optic components to link servers with storage and networking systems. Faster data movement has become as important as processing power for AI development.
Manufacturing Plans Target US Production
Mesh plans to use the funding to build manufacturing operations in the United States. The company wants to create the largest optical manufacturing presence outside of Asia by 2027. Current supply chains for optical components are dominated by China and other Asian countries.
The startup’s first product is called Alpha C1. The device is designed to be faster and more power efficient than existing optical transceivers. Lower latency is another goal for the product.
Mesh has not disclosed its company valuation. The funding round attracted major investors who see potential in the optical transceiver market. Joshua Kushner’s Thrive Capital led the investment round.
Market Growth Driven by AI and Cloud Computing
The Data Center Optical Module Market was valued at $4.3 billion in 2024. Market projections estimate it will reach $10.5 billion by 2033. Growth is fueled by increased cloud computing and rising data traffic.
Nvidia has also invested in developing networking technology for data centers. The chip maker’s involvement shows how connectivity has become critical for AI infrastructure. Companies are focusing more on the systems that support AI rather than just chips alone.
Supply chain challenges continue to affect the optical component industry. Most manufacturing capacity remains in Asia. Companies that can produce these components domestically may gain advantages.
Mesh plans future applications beyond data centers. The company stated it wants to deploy optical technology in space. Deep space probes could use photons to transmit data across billions of miles.
The startup’s technology could help data centers reduce energy consumption. Power efficiency is becoming more important as AI workloads grow. Data centers need solutions that can handle increased demand without excessive power use.
Investors are watching how Mesh scales its manufacturing operations. The company must prove it can produce optical transceivers at competitive costs. Domestic production typically costs more than Asian manufacturing.
The optical transceiver market faces competition from established suppliers. New entrants must demonstrate technical advantages to win customers. Mesh’s team experience and funding position it to compete in this growing market.
The post Former SpaceX Engineers Raise $50 Million for Data Center Optical Technology appeared first on Blockonomi.
This articles is written by : Nermeen Nabil Khear Abdelmalak
All rights reserved to : USAGOLDMIES . www.usagoldmines.com
You can Enjoy surfing our website categories and read more content in many fields you may like .
Why USAGoldMines ?
USAGoldMines is a comprehensive website offering the latest in financial, crypto, and technical news. With specialized sections for each category, it provides readers with up-to-date market insights, investment trends, and technological advancements, making it a valuable resource for investors and enthusiasts in the fast-paced financial world.