Infinera is a global leader in cloud-based network automation and optical transport solutions, delivering advanced photonic integration technologies that support high-performance digital networks. The company provides telecom carriers, content service providers, and cloud operators with next-generation equipment enabling faster, more reliable, and scalable data transmission across long-haul, metro, and subsea networks. Infinera’s portfolio includes open optical systems, advanced coherent DSPs, and cutting-edge automation tools that modernize operational workflows and reduce network complexity.
What Is Infinera and What Does It Do?
Infinera, founded in 2000 in Sunnyvale (United States), is a cloud-based enterprise networking and telecom infrastructure provider specializing in optical transport and network automation solutions. The company delivers high-capacity optical transmission equipment using photonic integrated circuits and open, programmable architectures.
Infinera employs over 1,314 people, powering mission-critical networks for telecom carriers, data centers, cable operators, and subsea infrastructure operators.
The company’s platform includes its Transcend software suite, Maestro orchestrator, network controllers, and intelligent automation tools. Infinera enables operators to scale bandwidth, reduce latency, automate network operations, and support the growing demand for 5G, cloud connectivity, and high-performance transport networks.
How Much Funding Has Infinera Raised?
1. Grant (Prize Money)
- Amount Raised: $14M
- Date: November 2023
- Lead Investors: State of California
- Motivation: Support next-generation optical networking R&D and strengthen domestic telecom infrastructure.
2. Post IPO
- Amount Raised: $325M
- Date: August 2022
- Motivation: Fuel expansion of optical systems, manufacturing scale-up, and automation products.
3. Grant (Prize Money)
- Amount Raised: $696K
- Date: November 2021
- Lead Investors: European Union
- Motivation: Advance photonic innovation and support EU-aligned network research.
Total Funding Raised: $235M
Current Valuation: $2.3B (as of June 2024)
Latest Funding Date: November 2023
Key Investors
1. State of California
- Details: Government-backed innovation and technology grant provider.
- Investment Focus Areas: Energy, telecom, infrastructure modernization.
- Notable Investments: Bloom Energy, Infinera, ChargePoint, Fisker, Redwood Materials.
2. European Union (EU Innovation Grants)
- Details: Funding body supporting technological innovation across member and partner nations.
- Investment Focus Areas: Deep tech, telecom, cloud, sustainability, hardware innovation.
- Notable Investments: Nokia, Ericsson R&D programs, Infinera, Graphcore, Quantum Flagship initiatives.
3. Benchmark
- Details: Top-tier venture capital firm known for early-stage tech investments.
- Investment Focus Areas: Consumer tech, enterprise software, infrastructure.
- Notable Investments: Uber, Snap, Twitter, Dropbox, Elastic.
4. Ontario Teachers’ Pension Plan
- Details: One of the largest Canadian institutional investors.
- Investment Focus Areas: Infrastructure, telecom, growth equity.
- Notable Investments: SpaceX, Comcast, Infinera, Mitratech, Arco Platform.
5. Sequoia Capital (early-stage involvement)
- Details: Global venture capital firm backing category-defining technology companies.
- Investment Focus Areas: SaaS, hardware, cloud, fintech, AI.
- Notable Investments: Apple, Google, Nvidia, Stripe, Airbnb.
Where Is Infinera’s Headquarters?
Infinera is headquartered in Sunnyvale, California, strategically positioned in Silicon Valley. This location allows access to a rich ecosystem of telecom innovators, semiconductor talent, optical networking researchers, and hardware manufacturing partners making it ideal for high-performance network technology development.
What’s Next for Infinera?
Infinera is expected to accelerate advancements in open optical networking and AI-driven automation. The company plans to expand its ICE (Infinite Capacity Engine) technology, enhance its Transcend automation suite, and deepen partnerships with global carriers adopting 5G and cloud-scale architectures. With increasing demand for high-capacity fiber and global digital infrastructure, Infinera aims to strengthen its presence across subsea, long-haul, and metro networks, while investing heavily in next-gen photonics and energy-efficient transport solutions.
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