Photo credit: Sabina Kopica
Quebec City, Canada, January 18, 2024 — Femtum, a leading manufacturer of laser solutions for advanced manufacturing, announces today the successful completion of an oversubscribed seed round, securing over $5 million in funding. The round accelerates the commercialization of cutting-edge mid-infrared fiber lasers tailored to semiconductor manufacturers. The funding is co-led by ELAS Technology Investment, a German high-tech fund specializing in photonics, and i4 Capital, a Canadian deep-tech fund. Additional contributors include Quantacet, Boreal Ventures, and Eureka along with globally recognized photonic technology funds Hamamatsu Ventures, and VIGO Ventures.
Torsten Varhenkamp, from ELAS Technology Investment, says, “Femtum’s innovative approach to laser technology aligns perfectly with our investment focus. We believe in their ability to drive significant advancements in the fast-growing industry for Photonic Integrated Circuits (PICs).”
“Femtum is poised to solve major manufacturing issues affecting advanced semiconductor chips that will lead to higher yields and improved energy efficiency. We are delighted to invest with such highly strategic international and domestic domain experts.“, adds Jean-François Grenon, Founding Partner at i4 Capital.
Pioneering semiconductor innovation with laser technology
Femtum’s groundbreaking laser technology will drive innovation in the advanced manufacturing of semiconductors, particularly in the field of artificial intelligence, communication, and quantum technologies. Femtum aims at leveraging this investment to become a key player in the Canadian & international semiconductor ecosystem. “This strategic investment will catalyze Femtum’s engagement with high-tech manufacturers and innovators globally; we are excited to work with world-class strategic partners for our ambitious goal of becoming a standard in semiconductor laser manufacturing,” said Louis-Rafaël Robichaud, co-founder and CEO of Femtum.
About Femtum
Femtum is a leading Quebec-based company specializing in manufacturing of mid-infrared fiber lasers. Co-founded by Louis-Rafaël Robichaud, MSc, and Simon Duval, PhD, Femtum is committed to pushing the boundaries of laser technology with the goal of revolutionizing semiconductor and high-tech industries through disruptive laser solutions. Discover our products and applications.
About ELAS
ELAS Technology Investment GmbH (ELAS) is a privately funded, german-based, globally oriented early-stage investor focusing on disruptive photonic technologies. For additional information visit www.elas-investment.com.
About i4 Capital
i4 Capital is a Canadian early-stage deep tech venture capital fund, managing over $45 million. i4 Capital’s core thesis is to lead investments in outstanding entrepreneurs that are bringing disruptive and transformational technologies to market. For additional information visit www.i4capital.vc.
About Boreal Ventures
Boreal Ventures backs Canada’s most promising deep-tech innovation, from pre-seed to Series A. For additional information visit www.boreal.vc.
About Hamamatsu Ventures
Hamamatsu Ventures is the corporate venture capital arm of Hamamatsu Photonics K.K. a world leader in photonic technologies. We invest in early-stage companies with unique enabling technologies, business models, and applications. To learn more visit cvc.hamamatsu.com.
About Quantacet
Quantacet is a Quebec-based venture capital fund dedicated to early-stage quantum companies who will have a transformative impact on society in various fields including healthcare, cybersecurity, energy, transportation, and many more. For additional information visit www.quantacet.com.
About VIGO Ventures
VIGO Ventures is an early-stage fund focused on the photonic industry, making global investments. With their evergreen structure, possible follow-on investment and hands-on business approach they support teams with outstanding, scalable technologies that solve identified problems or change the status quo. VIGO Ventures – Shedding light on the future by investing in photonics. You can find more at www.vigo.ventures.
For more information
Louis-Rafaël Robichaud, MSc
CEO & Co-founder
info@femtum.com