/Companies

NLM Photonics

Seattle, US · Founded 2018 · 32 employees on LinkedIn · 5 known investors

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NLM Photonics develops hybrid organic electro-optic modulation materials and devices that integrate into silicon photonics and other photonic integrated circuit platforms to improve modulation efficiency and reduce power consumption. Its technology targets data centers, quantum computing, mmWave communications, and AI applications across the semiconductor, computing, and telecommunications industries.

Founders & leadership

NLM Photonics was founded in 2018 by Gerard Zytnicki, Paul Nye, Delwin Elder, Lewis E. Johnson, and Bruce H. Robinson.

GZGerard Zytnicki
Gerard ZytnickiCo-Founder & Corporate AdvisorGerard Zytnicki co-founded NLM Photonics, a University of Washington spinout developing optical modulation materials for silicon photonics, and spent 25 years at Microsoft in product management and leadership roles managing global engineering teams and product launches across multiple markets and regions.
PNPaul Nye
Paul NyeCo-founderPaul Nye is co-founder of NLM Photonics, which develops hybrid organic electro-optic modulation materials for silicon photonic integrated circuits. He has experience in silicon photonic device design, business development, and venture capital.
DEDelwin Elder
Delwin ElderCo-founderDelwin Elder is Director of Materials Development at NLM Photonics and brings experience as a research chemist and materials scientist with expertise in organic electronic materials, polymer science, and nanomaterials, along with management experience in product development and cross-functional collaboration.
LELewis E. Johnson
Lewis E. JohnsonCo-Founder & Chief Technology Officer
BHBruce H. Robinson
Bruce H. RobinsonCo-Founder & Technical Advisor
BBBrad Booth
Brad BoothChief Executive Officer & Board DirectorBrad Booth has held roles in semiconductor design for telecom and datacom chips, and has led data center network architecture initiatives. He has participated in industry standards bodies and holds expertise in photonic technologies and ecosystem development.
VRVijay Raghavan
Vijay RaghavanChief Financial Officer (fractional)Vijay Raghavan is a finance leader with over 30 years of experience in startups, technology, healthcare, and public companies, including prior roles in capital formation, scaling, M&A, and public market preparation. He currently serves as fractional CFO across multiple companies in silicon photonics, spatial biology, and medical AR/VR applications.

Investors · 5

Non-dilutive funding · 4 SBIR/STTR awards

Federal grants — no equity taken
AgencyPhaseYearAmount
NASAPhase ISTTR2023$150K
U.S. Air ForceAir ForcePhase I2023$75K
National Science FoundationPhase ISTTR2021$256K
Department of EnergyPhase ISTTR2021$230K

Source: SBIR.gov award data (U.S. Small Business Administration). SBIR/STTR awards are competitive federal R&D grants and contracts — non-dilutive capital alongside any venture rounds above.

In the news

Frequently asked questions

What does NLM Photonics do?
NLM Photonics develops hybrid organic electro-optic modulation materials and devices that integrate into silicon photonics and other photonic integrated circuit platforms to improve modulation efficiency and reduce power consumption. Its technology targets data centers, quantum computing, mmWave communications, and AI applications across the semiconductor, computing, and telecommunications industries.
Who founded NLM Photonics?
NLM Photonics was founded by Gerard Zytnicki, Paul Nye, Delwin Elder, Lewis E. Johnson, Bruce H. Robinson in 2018.
Who are NLM Photonics's investors?
NLM Photonics's investors include Emerald Technology Ventures Ag, Ideaship, Oregon Venture Fund, Pack Ventures, StoryHouse.
Where is NLM Photonics headquartered?
NLM Photonics is headquartered in Seattle, US.