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Quintessent

Santa Barbara, United States

series-a$40M raisedFreshly fundedDeep Tech: Photonics & OpticsDeep Tech: SemiconductorsSemiconductors

Total Raised

$40M

Stage

series-a

Location

Santa Barbara, United States

Founded

2019

Team size

11-50

Links

About Quintessent

Develops quantum dot-based DWDM comb lasers for AI optical interconnects to address InP laser supply constraints.

What sets it apart

Its quantum dot laser technology is designed to reduce dependence on constrained InP laser supply while enabling lower-cost, lower-power, scalable AI optical interconnects.

Sectors

Deep Tech: Photonics & OpticsDeep Tech: SemiconductorsSemiconductorsPhotonics & OpticsAI Infrastructuredatacenter hardware

Business

Modelhardware

CustomerAI datacenter operators, compute hardware companies, and photonics/optical interconnect customers

Notable

  • Raised a $40 million oversubscribed Series A in 2026
  • Began sampling its first product for AI optical interconnects in 2026
  • Founded on more than 10 years of research at UC Santa Barbara
  • Founding member of the CW-WDM MSA

Backing funds on Raise

Funding rounds

24 Aug 2026

Led by Cycle Capital

With Goldman Sachs XIG-Industry Ventures, Hina Liberty Capital, Susquehanna International Group, InterVest, Safar Partners, Ciena, Foothill Ventures, M Ventures, Osage University Partners, Sierra Ventures

Source ↗

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FAQ

What does Quintessent do?

Develops quantum dot-based DWDM comb lasers for AI optical interconnects to address InP laser supply constraints.

Where is Quintessent based?

Quintessent is based in Santa Barbara, United States, founded in 2019.

How much has Quintessent raised?

Quintessent has raised $40M in tracked funding and is currently at the series-a stage.

Who has invested in Quintessent?

Investors in Quintessent include Osage University Partners, Sierra Ventures, M Ventures and Entrada Ventures.