Phlux lands £9m to take InGaAs sensors to next level
UK-based Phlux Technology, a startup in infrared sensor technology, has announced a £9 million Series A funding round.
BGF, the UK and Ireland’s most active growth capital investor, led the round with funding from existing backers including Octopus Ventures, Northern Gritstone, and Foresight.
The funding will accelerate Phlux’s expansion into optical communications and sensing industries by building on its world-first InGaAs semiconductor technology to deliver faster, more energy-efficient sensor and connectivity systems.
Building on its research from the University of Sheffield, Phlux will use the investment to scale its team, ramp up production, and launch two new product ranges targeting optical communications and sensing systems.
Phlux' ultra-low-noise infrared sensors can improve the performance of communications systems to enable up to 5x higher data rates for free-space and fibre-optic communication systems. Early engineering samples have shown sensitivity improvements of 5dB or more are realisable, compared to current commercial devices.
Additionally, the company's infrared sensors will play a crucial role in advanced sensing technologies that include driver-assisted safety features in vehicles, industrial automation, defence and security, and high-precision gas sensing.
Since its £4 million seed funding round led by Octopus Ventures in 2022, the company has built a global, fabless supply chain to address high volume markets and already serves customers in Asia, Europe and North America.
Phlux has ambitions to become the world leader in IR sensing and with this new funding, will expand its engineering and commercial teams, ramp up production, and accelerate the commercial launch of its new product lines. The company will also deepen partnerships with other industry players.
Commenting on how the new funds will be used, Phlux CEO, Ben White, said: “This funding comes at a pivotal moment as demand for high-speed optical communication systems is growing enormously. By developing world-class, high-performance infrared sensors, we are enabling industries to push the boundaries of connectivity, efficiency, and security by removing a technology bottleneck that has persisted for over 20 years.”
Luke Rajah, partner at BGF, said: "Phlux has developed a game-changing technology in a sector that’s long overdue for disruption. With strong academic roots, early commercial traction, and a compelling roadmap, the team is well-positioned to lead in infrared sensing. Backed by BGF’s deep tech investment experience, we’re excited to support Phlux in scaling globally across the sensing and telecommunications markets."
Owen Metters, Investor at Octopus Ventures, said: “When we first invested in Phlux, we were impressed with both the team’s expertise in developing novel semiconductor materials, and their ambition to revolutionise infrared sensing. We’ve been delighted with their progress to date and are excited to see this funding deployed to grow the team and bring two exciting new product ranges to market.”
For Northern Gritstone, CEO, Duncan Johnson added, “Infrared sensors are advancing many critical everyday areas such as providing internet access to people's homes and aiding advanced safety and mobility. Phlux is a fantastic example of semiconductor innovation in the North of England and Northern Gritstone is proud to continue supporting the Phlux team under Ben White’s leadership.”
