US-based optical communications company Skorpios Technologies closed a $19m round of series B funding on Thursday with investment from Germany-based telecommunications firm Nokia Siemens Network and Sweden-based telecommunications company Ericsson.
Skorpios first formed a partnership with Nokia Siemens Networks in March to create more advanced optical networking solutions. Other investors included venture capital firms Sun Mountain Capital and Cottonwood Technology Fund, both of which earlier contributed to a $2m round of financing in August 2010.
Alexander Niepel, head of business development for optical networks at Nokia Siemens Networks, said: "Our continued interest and investment in Skorpios is a key part of our next generation optical connectivity portfolio. We believe the combination of Skorpios’ differentiating component technology and Nokia Siemens Networks’ innovative connectivity solutions can create an ecosystem that brings significant benefits in terms of both cost and performance."
Jan Haglund, president of product area intellectual property and broadband at Ericsson, said: "Skorpios’ large scale silicon photonics technology and integration process is spearheading the evolution of the networking industry. With this technology we will be able to bring even better solutions to our customers."
Skorpios develops optical communications technology which has the potential to make video streaming on phones faster and more affordable. The capital will be invested in expanding Skorpios’ infrastructure and bringing its technology to the market.