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Olee

Category: Robotics / Embodied AI

A deep-tech defense and photonics startup developing high-power AI-enabled laser systems for secure communication and directed energy applications. Olee was founded in 2019. The company is led by James Solomon. Based in Pune, India. Team size: 6-10. Total funding raised: $3.0M. Latest round: Seed. Key investors include Rockstud Capital, AIC-Pinnacle, MIT WPU Technology Business Incubator (TBI).

Founded
2019
Headquarters
Pune, India
Team size
6-10
Total funding
$3.0M

Value proposition

Provides high-bandwidth, jam-proof, and quantum-secure communication and defense solutions that overcome the limitations of traditional RF-based systems.

Products and solutions

AI Laser Sniper: A 2 KW AI-enabled laser system integrated with Unmanned Ground Vehicles (UGVs) for precision defense., Free-Space Optical Communication (FSOC): High-speed wireless laser links capable of 10 Gbps data transfer over 20 km., Directed Energy Weapon (DEW) Systems: High-power laser solutions for tactical defense operations., Quantum-Encrypted Networking: Secure communication protocols using photonics for intercept-proof data transmission.

Unique value

Olee is one of the few global players successfully integrating high-power laser hardware with AI-driven targeting and quantum encryption in a compact, mobile form factor (UGVs).

Target customer

Defense forces (Indian Armed Forces), space agencies, telecommunications providers, and strategic government organizations.

Industries served

Defense & National Security, Aerospace & Space-Tech, Telecommunications, Cybersecurity

Technology advantage

Proprietary photonics architecture allowing for 10 Gbps speeds over long distances (20km) and high-power (2 KW) laser precision; supported by a strategic advisory board including former IAF and Bharat Electronics leadership.

How they differentiate

Olee differentiates through a dual-use photonics platform that integrates high-power (2 KW) lasers for both 10 Gbps secure communication (FSOC) and kinetic defense (AI Laser Sniper). Unlike competitors who focus solely on communication or imaging, Olee combines AI-driven targeting with mobile Directed Energy Weapon (DEW) capabilities on Unmanned Ground Vehicles (UGVs).

Main competitors

Astrome Technologies, Transcelestial, Tonbo Imaging, BridgeComm

Key partnerships

Rockstud Capital (Lead Investor), AIC-Pinnacle (Incubation), MIT WPU Technology Business Incubator (TBI), Strategic advisors from the Indian Air Force (IAF) and Bharat Electronics Limited (BEL)

Notable customers

Indian Armed Forces (Strategic trials), Indian Defense Sector (Strategic partners)

Major milestones

Successfully demonstrated a 20 km, 10 Gbps wireless laser communication system., Secured $3 million in Seed funding led by Rockstud Capital in August 2024., Unveiled a 2 KW AI-enabled laser sniper system integrated with Unmanned Ground Vehicles (UGVs) in early 2025., Onboarded former Indian Air Force and Bharat Electronics Limited (BEL) leadership as strategic advisors.

Growth metrics

Transitioned from R&D phase (2019-2023) to commercial launch in 2024; currently scaling a specialized team of 6-10 photonics and AI engineers.

Market positioning

Deep-tech defense and aerospace challenger specializing in next-generation photonics and quantum-secure networking.

Geographic focus

India (Primary focus on Indian Armed Forces and strategic sectors), with long-term expansion goals for global defense and space markets.

Patents and IP

Proprietary technology in photonics and laser control systems (specific public patent filings not disclosed, but IP is held in laser-based communication and DEW architectures).

About James Solomon

James Solomon is an IIT Bombay alumnus (Materials Science) with over five years of specialized R&D experience in photonics and laser systems. He has led Olee from its research phase in 2019 to its commercial launch, focusing on Free-Space Optical Communication (FSOC) and Directed Energy Weapon (DEW) systems for defense and strategic sectors.

Official website: