Lightyear
4 known investors
Find your way into Lightyear
31 people in our graph share verified history with the Lightyear team — schools, employers, funds. One of them is your warm intro.
Sandro Etalleunlockedknows Lex Hoefsloot · together at Eindhoven University of Technology (overlapped)
×10knows the team · via Eindhoven University of Technology
knows the team · via Lightyear
Lightyear develops solar charging systems integrated into vehicle exteriors to enable electric vehicles to generate their own power and operate with reduced grid dependence. The company serves the automotive industry by offering scalable solar integration technology that increases EV range and reduces charging frequency.
Founders & leadership
LH
Lex HoefslootinCo-founder, CEO2016–2024Lex Hoefsloot founded Lightyear, which developed solar charging technology for electric vehicles, raising €250M and bringing a solar car to production before pivoting to a technology supplier model for the automotive industry in 2024. He now advises hardware and deep tech founders on fundraising, manufacturing scale-up, and governance challenges.
DB
Dr. Bonna NewmanChief Executive Officer (CEO)
Investors · 4
Funding
SEC filings, press & company announcements$23M disclosed across 1 of 3 rounds · 2020–2026
- $23MraisedJul 2025 · 2 sourcesSource ↗
- Undisclosed amountseed roundOct 2020
Amplo (lead), Ludlow Ventures, Susa Ventures
Source ↗
Source: company announcements and press reports — follow each round's link for the claim.
In the news
Frequently asked questions
- What does Lightyear do?
- Lightyear develops solar charging systems integrated into vehicle exteriors to enable electric vehicles to generate their own power and operate with reduced grid dependence. The company serves the automotive industry by offering scalable solar integration technology that increases EV range and reduces charging frequency.
- Who founded Lightyear?
- Lightyear was founded by Lex Hoefsloot.
- Who are Lightyear's investors?
- Lightyear's investors include BOM, Amplo, Ludlow Ventures, Susa Ventures.
- How much funding has Lightyear raised?
- Lightyear has disclosed $23M raised across 1 of its 3 known rounds.