SDL Ventures

SDL Ventures, founded in 2003 and based in Los Altos, California, is a venture capital firm that specializes in early-stage investments. The firm primarily focuses on companies that demonstrate clear technical differentiation and possess strong founding teams. While a significant portion of its investments has been directed towards optical technology, SDL Ventures also explores opportunities in medical, alternative energy, communications, biotechnology, and internet-related sectors. Since its inception, SDL Ventures has participated in over twenty financings across fourteen companies, serving as the lead investor for half of these ventures. Notably, in mid-2005, one of its portfolio companies, Photonic Power, achieved a successful exit through acquisition.

Michael Foster

Partner and Vice President

11 past transactions

SelectION Therapeutics

Series A in 2019
SelectION is a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company focused on developing innovative peptide therapies for autoimmune diseases and select cancer indications. The company leverages a specialized technology platform to create potent and highly selective peptide blockers that target ion channels associated with various diseases. By functionally inhibiting chronically activated T cells, SelectION aims to eliminate disease-associated immune responses while preserving the protective functions of the immune system. This approach provides the potential for enhanced efficacy and safety in therapeutic applications, ultimately enabling healthcare institutions to deliver effective treatments for pain management and oncology.

Retrotope

Series B in 2015
Retrotope Inc. is a biotechnology company based in Los Altos, California, focused on developing innovative therapeutics for degenerative diseases. Founded in 2006, Retrotope specializes in preserving and restoring mitochondrial health, addressing conditions associated with oxidative stress. The company’s primary therapeutic candidates target a range of neurological disorders, including Parkinson's disease, Alzheimer's disease, and specific mitochondrial myopathies. Notably, Retrotope is developing RT001, a drug aimed at treating infantile neuroaxonal dystrophy. Through its unique drug platform, Retrotope employs isotope effects to mitigate cellular damage caused by lipid peroxidation, positioning itself as a leader in the treatment of intractable and degenerative disorders. The company engages in multiple discovery and development programs, emphasizing its commitment to advancing healthcare solutions for challenging neurological conditions.

RetroSense Therapeutics

Series A in 2015
RetroSense Therapeutics is a biotechnology company developing life-enhancing gene therapies designed to restore vision in patients suffering from blindness due to retinitis pigmentosa (RP) and advanced dry age-related macular degeneration (advanced dry-AMD). There are currently no FDA approved drugs to improve or restore vision in patients with these retinal degenerative conditions. The company's approach to using optogenetics in vision restoration is based on pioneering, proprietary research conducted at Wayne State University and Massachusetts General Hospital. Founded in 2009, RetroSense Therapeutics is headquartered in Ann Arbor, Michigan.

BridgeWave Communications

Venture Round in 2009
BridgeWave Communications, Inc. specializes in the design, manufacture, and marketing of microwave and millimeter wave backhaul and fronthaul systems. The company serves a diverse clientele, including operators, carriers, service providers, governments, and private enterprises. Its product lineup features advanced solutions such as the NAVIGATOR, a multi-gigabit all-outdoor licensed microwave radio system, and various Flex4G systems that deliver high data throughput and performance. These systems are utilized as alternatives to fiber in applications like mobile backhaul, broadband connectivity, disaster recovery, and video surveillance. BridgeWave markets its products through a global network of authorized resellers, distributors, and system integrators. Founded in 1999 and headquartered in San Diego, California, BridgeWave Communications operates as a subsidiary of REMEC Broadband Wireless Networks, LLC.

BridgeWave Communications

Series C in 2007
BridgeWave Communications, Inc. specializes in the design, manufacture, and marketing of microwave and millimeter wave backhaul and fronthaul systems. The company serves a diverse clientele, including operators, carriers, service providers, governments, and private enterprises. Its product lineup features advanced solutions such as the NAVIGATOR, a multi-gigabit all-outdoor licensed microwave radio system, and various Flex4G systems that deliver high data throughput and performance. These systems are utilized as alternatives to fiber in applications like mobile backhaul, broadband connectivity, disaster recovery, and video surveillance. BridgeWave markets its products through a global network of authorized resellers, distributors, and system integrators. Founded in 1999 and headquartered in San Diego, California, BridgeWave Communications operates as a subsidiary of REMEC Broadband Wireless Networks, LLC.

Tria Beauty

Series D in 2007
TRIA Beauty, Inc. is a developer and marketer of light-based medical devices aimed at the consumer market, specializing in beauty and skincare solutions. Founded in 2003 and headquartered in Dublin, California, the company offers a range of innovative products including a hand-held, cordless diode laser for hair removal, a Skin Perfecting Blue Light device for acne treatment, a Skin Rejuvenating Laser for anti-aging purposes, and an Age-Defying Eye Wrinkle Correcting Laser. These devices utilize advanced light technology, which is preferred by dermatologists for effective skincare treatments, allowing users to achieve professional results at home. TRIA Beauty products are available through its e-commerce platform and various indirect sales channels, including retail outlets, television, and physician offices. The company serves a global market, reaching customers in the United States, Japan, South Korea, Canada, the United Kingdom, Germany, and Spain.

Tria Beauty

Series C in 2005
TRIA Beauty, Inc. is a developer and marketer of light-based medical devices aimed at the consumer market, specializing in beauty and skincare solutions. Founded in 2003 and headquartered in Dublin, California, the company offers a range of innovative products including a hand-held, cordless diode laser for hair removal, a Skin Perfecting Blue Light device for acne treatment, a Skin Rejuvenating Laser for anti-aging purposes, and an Age-Defying Eye Wrinkle Correcting Laser. These devices utilize advanced light technology, which is preferred by dermatologists for effective skincare treatments, allowing users to achieve professional results at home. TRIA Beauty products are available through its e-commerce platform and various indirect sales channels, including retail outlets, television, and physician offices. The company serves a global market, reaching customers in the United States, Japan, South Korea, Canada, the United Kingdom, Germany, and Spain.

Tria Beauty

Series B in 2005
TRIA Beauty, Inc. is a developer and marketer of light-based medical devices aimed at the consumer market, specializing in beauty and skincare solutions. Founded in 2003 and headquartered in Dublin, California, the company offers a range of innovative products including a hand-held, cordless diode laser for hair removal, a Skin Perfecting Blue Light device for acne treatment, a Skin Rejuvenating Laser for anti-aging purposes, and an Age-Defying Eye Wrinkle Correcting Laser. These devices utilize advanced light technology, which is preferred by dermatologists for effective skincare treatments, allowing users to achieve professional results at home. TRIA Beauty products are available through its e-commerce platform and various indirect sales channels, including retail outlets, television, and physician offices. The company serves a global market, reaching customers in the United States, Japan, South Korea, Canada, the United Kingdom, Germany, and Spain.

Konarka Technologies

Series C in 2004
Konarka Technologies, Inc. develops and advances nano-enabled polymer photovoltaic materials for commercial, industrial, government, and consumer applications. It provides standard products to serve portable power needs; and custom solutions, such as roll up chargers, personal accessories, and fold up chargers. The company's products are used in outdoor, portable power, indoor and remote sensing, and mission critical applications. It has strategic partnerships with Air Products, 24 Innovations, Kurz, SkyShades, Chevron, Merck, Toppan Forms, Dupont, Siemens, and the U.S. Air Force. Konarka Technologies, Inc. was founded in 2001 and is headquartered in Lowell, Massachusetts with business development offices in Asia. It has a research and development facility in Austria. The company has operations in the United States, Europe, and Asia.

CALIENT Technologies

Series D in 2004
CALIENT Technologies, Inc. specializes in designing and manufacturing photonic optical circuit switching systems that enhance optical layer optimization in data centers and software-defined networks. The company offers a range of products, including the S-series optical circuit switches tailored for applications in data centers, cloud computing, and government sectors. Additionally, CALIENT provides an OEM subsystem solution functioning as a white-label optical switching system and the LightConnect fabric manager, which allows data center operators to manage various optical circuit switch nodes efficiently. Its advanced 3D MEMS (Micro-Electro-Mechanical Systems) technology enables dynamic optical-layer sharing and automation, improving resource utilization in high-performance environments. The company also delivers professional services encompassing network design, installation, and training. Founded in 1999, CALIENT Technologies is headquartered in Goleta, California.

Tria Beauty

Series A in 2003
TRIA Beauty, Inc. is a developer and marketer of light-based medical devices aimed at the consumer market, specializing in beauty and skincare solutions. Founded in 2003 and headquartered in Dublin, California, the company offers a range of innovative products including a hand-held, cordless diode laser for hair removal, a Skin Perfecting Blue Light device for acne treatment, a Skin Rejuvenating Laser for anti-aging purposes, and an Age-Defying Eye Wrinkle Correcting Laser. These devices utilize advanced light technology, which is preferred by dermatologists for effective skincare treatments, allowing users to achieve professional results at home. TRIA Beauty products are available through its e-commerce platform and various indirect sales channels, including retail outlets, television, and physician offices. The company serves a global market, reaching customers in the United States, Japan, South Korea, Canada, the United Kingdom, Germany, and Spain.
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