Phi Optics
Champaign, US · Founded 2009 · Illinois corporation · 2 known investors
Phi Optics develops quantitative phase imaging (QPI) technology that upgrades existing microscopes to enable non-invasive, real-time 3D imaging of live cells, tissues, organoids, and small organisms without labels or specimen damage. The technology serves research institutions and clinical laboratories in life sciences and diagnostics.
Founders & leadership
Phi Optics was founded in 2009 by Catalin Chiritescu and Gabriel Popescu.
Board
Investors · 2
Competitors · 2
by search overlapCompanies competing with Phi Optics for the same Google search keywords, organic and paid, via search-intersection analysis.
Reported raises · per SEC filings
Form D private placements$450K disclosed across 2 of 3 rounds · 2013–2018
▶$200KraisedApr 2018 · 3 investors · Other TechnologyRule 506(b)
- Catalin ChiritescuExecutive Officer, Director, Promoter
- Gabriel PopescuExecutive Officer, Director, Promoter
- Jed TaylorDirector
- Timothy HoerrDirector
- Offering amount
- $200K
- Amount sold
- $200K
- Minimum investment
- $50K
- First sale
- Apr 2018
- Incorporated
- Corporation, Illinois
- Federal exemptions
- 06b
▶$550KofferedMar 2016 · Other TechnologyRule 506(b)
- Catalin ChiritescuExecutive Officer, Director, Promoter
- Timothy HoerrDirector
- Gabriel PopescuExecutive Officer, Director, Promoter
- Jed TaylorDirector
- Offering amount
- $550K
- Minimum investment
- $150K
- Incorporated
- Corporation, Illinois
- Federal exemptions
- 06b
▶$250KraisedApr 2014 · 3 investors · Other TechnologyRule 506(b)
- Gabriel PopescuExecutive Officer, Director, Promoter
- Catalin ChiritescuExecutive Officer, Director, Promoter
- Offering amount
- $250K
- Amount sold
- $250K
- Minimum investment
- $50K
- First sale
- May 2013
- Incorporated
- Corporation, Illinois, 2009
- Federal exemptions
- 06b
Source: SEC EDGAR Form D. Amounts as filed; amended filings shown once at their latest values.
Non-dilutive funding · 5 SBIR/STTR awards
Federal grants — no equity taken| Agency | Phase | Year | Amount |
|---|---|---|---|
| National Institutes of Health (NIH)National Institutes of Health | Phase II | 2022 | $1.5M |
| National Institutes of Health (NIH)National Institutes of Health | Phase I | 2022 | $225K |
| National Institutes of Health (NIH)National Institutes of Health | Phase I | 2019 | $225K |
| National Science Foundation | Phase II | 2014 | $743.8K |
| National Science Foundation | Phase I | 2013 | $150K |
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.
Frequently asked questions
- What does Phi Optics do?
- Phi Optics develops quantitative phase imaging (QPI) technology that upgrades existing microscopes to enable non-invasive, real-time 3D imaging of live cells, tissues, organoids, and small organisms without labels or specimen damage. The technology serves research institutions and clinical laboratories in life sciences and diagnostics.
- Who founded Phi Optics?
- Phi Optics was founded by Catalin Chiritescu, Gabriel Popescu in 2009.
- Who are Phi Optics's investors?
- Phi Optics's investors include Illinois Ventures, Serra Ventures.
- How much funding has Phi Optics raised?
- Phi Optics has disclosed $450K raised across 2 of its 3 known rounds.
- Where is Phi Optics headquartered?
- Phi Optics is headquartered in Champaign, US.