Staera Semiconductor has emerged from stealth with US$4.6 million in Pre-Seed funding. The company builds optical data links directly into silicon chips to move data faster between AI components. Openspace Capital led the round, with participation from SGInnovate, Black Kite Capital, 28 Holdings, In Group, and Decimus Technologies.
Use of funds
Staera will use the funding to advance its technology. It will also expand its team. The company plans to deepen engagement with customers and supply chain partners.
Company background
Staera was formerly known as New Silicon Corporation. The company has built GaN LEDs into silicon chips in commercial foundries since 2016. These processes now run at 98 to 99 percent yield.
What Lightwire does
Lightwire carries data on light generated inside the chip itself. It is designed to use less than a tenth of the energy of today's best optical links. Moving 24 terabytes of data per second would take under 50 watts, compared with nearly a kilowatt using co-packaged optics.
Staera won the 3rd ECTC Start-up Competition in May 2026. It placed runner-up in the 2026 Lam Capital Venture Competition. Commercial release is targeted for 2030.