Pune | August 14, 2025 — Photonics and defense technology startup Olee.space has raised $3 million in a seed funding round led by Rockstud Capital, with participation from multiple global investors. The capital will be used to scale production, strengthen quantum-secure communication protocols, and expand the company’s next-generation defense technology roadmap.
Founded in 2023 by James Solomon and Suman Hiremath, Olee.space specializes in Free Space Optical Communication (FSOC), quantum-encrypted networking, and Directed Energy Weapons (DEW). These innovations are designed for high-security, low-latency data transmission and advanced aerial threat defense.
Revolutionizing Defense with Photonics
Olee.space’s FSOC technology uses low-powered infrared laser beams to establish ultra-fast, secure communication links across land, air, sea, and space offering an alternative to traditional radio frequency systems. Its quantum encrypted networking ensures data integrity even against the most advanced cyber threats.
The company’s DEW platform, still in development, is aimed at anti-drone/UAV and anti-satellite operations, featuring precision tracking, real-time targeting, and effective neutralization of aerial threats.
Founder’s Vision
Speaking about the company’s mission, founder and CEO James Solomon shared:
“Working with light gives me happiness. What we do here is rewarding to the country, and we will continue doing so.”
Strategic Significance
As global defense systems shift toward laser-based and quantum secure solutions, Olee.space’s innovations position it at the forefront of India’s deep-tech defense ecosystem. The seed funding will help accelerate production and bring these advanced systems closer to deployment—strengthening both national security and India’s role in the global defense technology market.
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