Pune-based deep-tech startup Olee Space, founded by James Solomon and Suman Hiremath, has raised $3 million in seed funding from Rockstud Capital and a consortium of global investors. This strategic funding round marks a significant milestone in India’s ambitions to lead the future of photonics, defense, and quantum-ready communication.
Building Photonics for Defense and Security
At its core, Olee Space specializes in advanced photonics systems that combine high-performance hardware with secure, future-proof communication. Its innovations span across:
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Free-Space Optical Communication (FSOC): enabling ultra-fast, secure laser-based data transmission across land, air, sea, and space.
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Quantum-Encrypted Networking: delivering next-generation encryption for unbreakable communication security.
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Directed Energy Weapons (DEW): harnessing laser-based targeting systems for precision defense applications.
These technologies represent the cutting edge of communication, national security, and defense infrastructure, positioning Olee Space as one of India’s most ambitious deep-tech defense startups.
Scaling with Seed Funding
With this $3 million seed investment, Olee Space plans to:
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Scale manufacturing of its photonics systems to meet defense and enterprise demand
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Strengthen its quantum-secure communication infrastructure
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Accelerate R&D for laser-based directed energy systems
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Expand its defense technology roadmap for both domestic and global markets
COO Suman Hiremath emphasized the company’s long-term vision: “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.”
Why This Matters
India is targeting technological self-reliance across critical sectors, and Olee Space is a pioneer in deep-tech and defense innovation. By advancing FSOC and quantum-secure systems, the startup is addressing some of the toughest challenges in communication, cybersecurity, and national defense.
This investment underscores how global and domestic capital is backing India’s defense tech ecosystem, empowering startups to compete at a world-class level.
The Bigger Picture
At Startup Veda, we highlight founders who combine technical depth with strategic vision. The story of deep-tech startup Olee Space demonstrates how Indian innovation is expanding beyond software into critical hardware and defense infrastructure—ushering in a new era of photonics, lasers, and quantum-ready technologies.
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