Ciena launches VC fund to back next-gen networking startups

Ciena has launched a corporate venture capital program to invest in early-stage companies developing next-generation networking technologies.

The aptly named Ciena Ventures will be led by Loai Louis, the vendor’s VP for corporate development, with an initial tranche of $200 million.

Among the areas Ciena is looking to invest in are next-generation data center architectures, optical networking technologies, and interconnects. The vendor will also look at opportunities in adjacent areas such as materials and emerging communications technologies.

“Investing in companies and funds through Ciena Ventures will enable the accelerated development of transformative solutions, strengthen the broader innovation ecosystem, expand our visibility into emerging technologies, and help Ciena to evolve its portfolio, develop new solutions, and pursue opportunities in adjacent markets,” David Rothenstein, EVP and chief strategy officer at Ciena, added.

Flush with cash from soaring revenues, Ciena has already invested in Quintessent, a startup developing optical interconnect solutions for AI data centers. The company joined Cycle Capital and Goldman Sachs XIG-Industry Ventures in backing a startup developing dense wavelength division multiplexing (DWDM) lasers that use gallium arsenide over supply-chain-constrained indium phosphide for AI cluster links.