Oriole Networks is making waves in the tech industry by harnessing the power of light to tackle some of artificial intelligence's most pressing challenges. The startup has successfully raised an additional $22 million in funding to scale its groundbreaking “super-brain” solution, which trains Large Language Models (LLMs) with significantly reduced energy consumption. This funding round was spearheaded by Plural, with all existing investors, including UCL Technology Fund, XTX Ventures, Clean Growth Fund, and Dorilton Ventures, contributing further to the cause.
Founded in 2023 at University College London (UCL), Oriole Networks addresses the critical issues of speed, latency, and sustainability that plague AI development. By utilizing advanced photonics technology, the company creates networks of AI chips powered by light, enabling LLMs to train up to 100 times faster while consuming far less energy. This innovative approach not only enhances the efficiency of algorithms but also alleviates the growing pressure on energy grids in both the U.S. and Europe. Research by Rhodium Group warns that if data center demand triples by 2035, emissions could surge by more than 56% due to the difficulty of integrating renewable energy sources.
At the helm of Oriole Networks is CEO James Regan, a tech entrepreneur with a proven track record in the sector, including his previous success with EFFECT Photonics. Regan has assembled a highly experienced commercial team, drawing from the innovative research developed at UCL over the past two decades by founding scientists Professor George Zervas, Alessandro Ottino, and Joshua Benjamin. With Ian Hogarth from Plural joining the board, the company is well-positioned for crucial growth.
In less than a year, Oriole has built an unparalleled photonics team in the UK, including experts from Lumentum and professionals specializing in high-performance clusters, supported by XTX Markets’ venture arm, which operates one of the world’s largest GPU clusters. As AI's energy consumption becomes an increasing concern—recent reports suggest that ChatGPT uses enough energy to power Gibraltar for a year—Oriole’s technology emerges as a promising solution that prioritizes environmental sustainability.
The recent funding brings Oriole Networks' total raised this year to $35 million, enabling the company to accelerate its growth, expand its workforce, and collaborate with high-volume suppliers. By 2025, Oriole aims to deliver its early-stage products to customers, creating a robust ecosystem of photonic networking for AI applications.
James Regan emphasized the significance of this milestone: “This funding is yet another step forward for Oriole following a year of rapid growth. We’re in a booming market hungry for solutions. Our ambition is to create a photonic networking ecosystem that can reshape the AI industry by overcoming current bottlenecks and enhancing competition at the GPU layer. Building on decades of research, we’re paving the way for faster, more efficient, and more sustainable AI.”
Ian Hogarth echoed Regan’s enthusiasm, stating, “Leveraging 20 years of deep research in photonics to revolutionize AI infrastructure showcases the potential for ongoing innovation. The Oriole Networks team combines proven company-building expertise with a commitment to commercializing cutting-edge science, fundamentally shifting the design of next-generation networked systems while drastically reducing data center energy impact.”
With its innovative approach and robust support, Oriole Networks is poised to lead the charge toward a more efficient and sustainable future for AI technology.
