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NLM Photonics — Series A Extension
In Conversation Fund: StoryHouse Fund II
Dossier generated 2026-06-01 by /deal-dossier  ·  Deal record: recdkfgPToncvW0FK  ·  Source: Airtable appjxAR3LPe3fkHOp

One-Liner & Thesis

Organic electro-optic materials supplier positioning as the 'Arm of photonics' for 400G+ silicon photonic transceivers. NLM is the architect of next-generation organic-modulator designs at a moment when Nvidia is pouring billions into transceiver vendors (Coherent, Lumentum, Intel, Nokia) that lack a credible path to 400G — NLM sells the blueprints those vendors need.

Cisco PO received in May 2026 for two 3.2T PICs; Tower called out the NLM partnership in their earnings; Global Foundries MOU in progress; Marvell relationship being re-established post-Polariton acquisition. Emerald and Idemitsu have both committed to co-lead the A2 at higher valuation; Mitsui, Pangea, and TOK in active discussions; competitors trail NLM by ~1 year on reliability data. StoryHouse is an existing investor evaluating follow-on participation in the Series A Extension; the round is sized at a minimum $6M with potential upside and a term sheet circulated early June 2026.

Deal Box

Lead Investor
Emerald and Idemitsu (co-leads)
Fund
StoryHouse Fund II
Funding Round
Series A Extension

Company Snapshot

Sector
Fiber Networks, Network Hardware
Location
Seattle, Washington
Headcount
12
Year Founded
2019-08-01
Total Raised
$4.9M
Website
https://www.nlmphotonics.com/
Status
Private

Founders

Brad Booth
CEO
Technology strategy and development leader with 30+ years experience spanning fabs, IC design, and data center network architecture. Active in industry standards and consortia work. Splits time between NLM and a Texas ranch.
Lewis Johnson
CTO
Co-founder and CTO. Pomona alum ('07) and former visiting faculty. PhD in Chemistry/Nanotechnology from the University of Washington; researcher at UW and PNNL. PBSJ 40 Under 40 honoree and co-author of Understanding Nanomaterials.

Latest Meeting Notes

2026-05-14 — Portfolio call with Brad Booth — A2 momentum

Strong momentum with existing investors: Emerald ($1–1.5M) and Idemitsu ($1.5M) both committed to co-lead at same terms, higher valuation. TOK considering super pro rata ($0.5–1M). Pangea and Mitsui in active dialogue. Cisco PO received for two 3.2T PICs; Tower mentioned partnership in earnings. Tar...

Source: Meeting Notes recq5As0jotoM9n09

2026-03-04 — Email update from Brad Booth re: Series A2 and Nvidia photonics signal

Brad forwarded an investor update: Nvidia just invested $2B each in Coherent and Lumentum, on top of $1B each in Intel and Nokia. Photonic suppliers are being capitalized at scale, but none have a credible path to 400G on silicon photonics — which is NLM's wedge. Story is shifting: 'we are the archi...

Source: Meeting Notes recRF605LUVoA1K99