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§ Public · Hillsboro, OR, USA
nLIGHT is a technology company.
nLIGHT develops and manufactures high-power semiconductor and fiber lasers. These advanced laser technologies offer precise control for demanding applications, exemplified by innovative beam-shaping capabilities like their Corona® AFX® lasers. The company continuously advances semiconductor laser performance to create sophisticated laser solutions for various industries.
Co-founded in 2000 in Vancouver, Washington, by Scott Keeney, Robert Martinsen, and Jason Farmer, nLIGHT originated from a key insight. Keeney, CEO, and Martinsen, CTO, believed semiconductor lasers would rapidly improve, driving them to develop high-performance laser products for industrial utility and diverse applications.
nLIGHT's products support critical sectors such as aerospace and defense, optical sensing, and advanced manufacturing, enabling applications requiring high precision and power. Its vision involves continuous innovation in laser technology, delivering essential tools that enhance mission-critical applications and elevate industrial processes worldwide.
nLIGHT has raised $159.0M across 8 funding rounds.
nLIGHT has raised $159.0M in total across 8 funding rounds.
nLIGHT has raised $159.0M across 8 funding rounds. Most recently, it raised $26.0M Series G in May 2017.
| Date | Round | Lead Investors | Other Investors | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| May 1, 2017 | $26M Series G | — | SignalFire | Announced |
| Apr 1, 2015 | $25M Series F | — | General Catalyst, SignalFire, Wildcat Ventures, Dharmesh Shah | Announced |
| Aug 1, 2011 | $18M Series E | — | SignalFire, Menlo Ventures, Mohr Davidow Ventures, OAK Investment Partners | Announced |
| Jan 1, 2009 | $11M Series D | — | SignalFire | Announced |
| May 1, 2007 | $15M Series D | — | SignalFire | Announced |
| Oct 1, 2004 | $13M Series C | — | SignalFire | Announced |
| Jan 1, 2001 | $44M Series B | — | SignalFire | Announced |
| Aug 1, 2000 | $7M Series A | — | General Catalyst, Wildcat Ventures, Dharmesh Shah | Announced |
nLIGHT, Inc. (NASDAQ: LASR) is a vertically integrated photonics company specializing in high-power semiconductor fiber lasers and direct diode lasers for mission-critical applications in advanced manufacturing, industrial processing, aerospace, defense, and sensing.[1][2][4][5] Headquartered in Vancouver, Washington, it designs, develops, and manufactures lasers that enable innovations like metal cutting, welding, additive manufacturing, microfabrication, directed energy systems, and medical devices, serving customers in industrial, aerospace & defense, and emerging high-power sectors with a focus on power, precision, programmability, reliability, and cost-efficiency.[1][2][4][5] The company has demonstrated strong growth, with revenues achieving over 30% compound annual growth rate (CAGR) in recent years outpacing the broader laser industry, supported by a portfolio of over 450 patents and a U.S.-based supply chain.[1][2]
nLIGHT was founded in 2000 in Vancouver, Washington, emerging as a pioneer in semiconductor laser innovation during a period of rapid advancement in photonics and fiber laser technologies.[1][2][4] Key early leaders include Scott Keeney (President and CEO) and Rob Martinsen, who have driven its evolution from initial focus on industrial applications like cutting and welding to broader markets including additive manufacturing, marking/engraving, surgical devices, and directed energy.[2][7] Over 25 years, pivotal moments include building a vertically integrated technology stack—from semiconductor chips to full systems—resulting in over 200-450 patents and trade secrets, rapid product introductions via customer co-design, and recognition like TechAmerica Oregon's System/Hardware Company of the Year in 2012 for regional impact.[1][2][7] This foundation enabled consistent revenue growth exceeding industry averages, expanding from core manufacturing to defense-critical systems manufactured in the U.S.[1][2]
nLIGHT stands out through its end-to-end vertical integration and innovation in high-power lasers:
(Note: References to Acuity Brands' nLight lighting controls [3][6] describe a separate entity unrelated to nLIGHT lasers.)
nLIGHT rides the surge in photonics-driven trends like advanced manufacturing (e.g., additive manufacturing, microfabrication), directed energy weapons for defense, and precision sensing amid U.S. reshoring and national security priorities.[1][2][5] Timing aligns with escalating demand for high-power, reliable lasers in electric vehicles, aerospace, and counter-threat systems, where legacy technologies fall short; its vertical integration counters supply chain vulnerabilities exposed post-2020.[1][2][4] Market tailwinds include industrial laser growth (~20% CAGR) and defense spending on laser-based directed energy, with nLIGHT's 30%+ revenue CAGR and U.S. manufacturing amplifying its role in securing domestic tech leadership.[2] It influences the ecosystem by enabling "next-generation applications once thought impossible," fostering innovation in materials processing and defense while contributing to regional tech hubs in the Pacific Northwest.[1][7]
nLIGHT is poised to capitalize on expanding defense contracts, industrial automation, and high-power sensing amid geopolitical tensions and manufacturing renaissance, potentially accelerating its outperformance through new directed energy platforms and wavelength innovations.[1][2] Trends like AI-optimized laser systems and sustainable manufacturing will shape its path, with vertical integration providing a moat against competitors. Its influence may evolve toward dominating U.S.-centric high-power laser supply, scaling from cutting-edge manufacturing to transformative defense capabilities—reinforcing its lead in semiconductor fiber lasers for mission-critical futures.[1][2]
nLIGHT has raised $159.0M in total across 8 funding rounds.
nLIGHT's investors include SignalFire, General Catalyst, Wildcat Ventures, Dharmesh Shah, Menlo Ventures, Mohr Davidow Ventures, Oak Investment Partners.