Southampton Photonics scores $56 million initial investment

University of Southampton spin-out Southampton Photonics (Southampton, UK) has raised $56 million in a funding round. The fiber optic components manufacturer plans to expand its employee base by 200 over the next 18, locating most of the personnel at a purpose-built development and production facility at the University's Science Park at Chilworth. The company will also establish design, production and sales facilities in California, where it expects to employ more than 200 staff by the end of 2002.

Founded by erbium-doped fibre amplifier developer David Payne, the company is focusing on distributed feedback (DFB) fibre laser arrays, optical filters, and broadband optical amplifiers. The fiber optic components manufacturer has licensed technology from the university's Optoelectronics Research Centre (ORC), of which Payne is director.

Investors include Quantum Technology Partners, a Silicon Valley-based investment company formed especially for the purpose of investing in the company, as well as Interwest Partners, Sevin Rosen, Amadeus Capital Partners, Mercer Capital, and the University of Southampton.

Edited by Kristin Lewotsky