olee.space raises $3 million to advance laser-based quantum communications and directed energy weapon systems

Photonics and defense technology startup olee.space has raised $3 million in a seed funding round from leading international and domestic investors, including Rockstud Capital. 

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Founded by IIT Bombay alumnus James Solomon and engineer Suman Hiremath, the startup builds next-generation systems in Free-Space Optical Communication (FSOC), quantum-encrypted networking, and directed energy weapons, catering to India’s defense, aerospace, and telecom sectors.

Its advanced solutions include resilient systems for terrestrial, inter-satellite, and ground-to-space links, designed for low latency, maximum security, and optimised data throughput. 

“Have always been fascinated by how Lasers function. Working with light gives me happiness and I am here to do as much justice to this domain as any of my able team members. What we do here is rewarding to the country, would continue doing so,” said James Solomon, who is also the CEO of olee.space. 

“This funding validates our belief that India can lead in photonics and laser-based technologies. We’re building not just for today, but for the future of national security, space, and strategic infrastructure,” said Suman Hiremath, Co-Founder and COO. 

olee.space claims to have achieved several field-level deployments and is now aiming to scale production, advance its quantum-secure communication protocols, and expand its defense tech roadmap.

Abhishek Agarwal, Managing Partner of Rockstud Capital, said, “olee.space is building a future where freedom to communicate thrives under the shield of unbreakable security, and limitless data empowers organizations and individuals. James has a vision to build a self-healing, ultra-high-bandwidth mesh network composed of agile LEO, powerful MEO, and GSO satellites equipped with cutting-edge optical payloads adhering to ESA's ECSS standards. We are truly in awe of the mission, and we are excited to make an impact on our cosmos and on mankind.”