VI Systems
VI Systems GmbH is a Berlin-based fabless developer and manufacturer of optoelectronic components — including VCSELs, PIN photodetectors, SiGe BiCMOS driver ICs, and fiber-coupled modules — serving data center, HPC, telecom, automotive sensing, and optical wireless markets with data rates up to 224 Gbps per channel.
- Company typePrivate
- Founded2006
- HeadquartersBerlin, Germany
- Headcount11–50
- GTM typeB2B
- OfferingHardware or Manufacturing
What VI Systems does
VI Systems GmbH (VIS), founded in 2006 and headquartered in Berlin, Germany (Hardenbergstr. 7, 10623 Berlin), is a privately held fabless developer and marketer of optoelectronic components for optical communication and sensor applications. The company builds, characterizes, and markets vertical-cavity surface-emitting lasers (VCSELs), PIN photodetectors, SiGe BiCMOS high-speed drivers and amplifiers, and fiber-coupled optical transmitter modules operating at 840-960nm wavelengths with data rates from 25 Gbps up to 224 Gbps per channel. Core technology includes electrically driven multi-aperture (MA) VCSELs with coupled oxide-confined apertures enabling self-injection locking — a proprietary architecture supporting modulation bandwidths up to 50-75 GHz and demonstrated achievements including 75GHz record modulation, 224 Gbps single-channel transmission, and 400m OM4 multimode fiber reach at 100G. The product portfolio is protected by 32 granted US patents (plus 2 pending) covering VCSEL designs, micropillar lasers, electrooptic modulators, and optical interconnect methods.
The company operates a vertically integrated fabless model: design and IP development in-house, manufacturing through partner foundries, with in-house characterization facilities supporting near/far-field analysis, high-frequency testing up to 128 Gb/s, wafer-level automated inspection, and 3D device modeling. Revenue comes from hardware sales of chips and modules, custom design and prototyping services, wafer-level characterization services, and licensing royalties from the patent estate. Primary served segments are data center and HPC operators (rack-to-rack optical interconnects, AI compute cluster connectivity, 400G Ethernet), telecom equipment vendors (5G fronthaul, FTTX), automotive and industrial sensing (high-temperature VCSELs up to 125°C), and optical sensing/healthcare/short-range optical wireless applications. Distribution is handled through a network of regional sales partners in China (OHSAR), Taiwan (Yusunid International), Japan (Hikari Inc.), South Korea (Enerteks), and Israel (Bitel Technologies), supplemented by direct sales. Disclosed named relationships are predominantly academic research collaborations — Technical University of Berlin, Warsaw University of Technology, TU Denmark, TU Dresden, Ruhr University Bochum, Politecnico di Torino, and Esslingen University — with no commercial OEM customers publicly identified.
VI Systems is led by a small senior team: CEO and co-founder Prof. Dr. Nikolay N. Ledentsov (formerly professor at TU Berlin, IEEE Senior Member, 1000+ publications, 40 US patents), CSO and co-founder Dr. Vitaly A. Shchukin (200+ papers, 15 patents, former Principal Scientist at NL-Nanosemiconductor/Innolume), Director of Integration Technologies and Packaging Dr. Joerg-R. Kropp (40+ patent families from Siemens/Infineon), and Director of Operations Ljudmila von Berg (former McKinsey). The company's only disclosed external capital event is a nearly €2 million Horizon 2020 SME Instrument grant awarded in June 2015 for the PhotoniX project; no venture or private equity funding is disclosed. It has received multiple industry recognitions including the EUREKA Label (2018), inclusion of CEO Ledentsov in The Photonics100 (2026), and a Company of the Year Awards Germany 2026 recognition in the optical communication components category.
VI Systems firmographics
Firmographics- Name
- VI Systems
- Legal name
- VI Systems GmbH
- Website
- https://v-i-systems.com
- Company type
- Private
- Founded year
- 2006
- Operating status
- Operating
- Headcount range
- 11–50 employees
- Short description
- VI Systems GmbH is a Berlin-based fabless developer and manufacturer of optoelectronic components — including VCSELs, PIN photodetectors, SiGe BiCMOS driver ICs, and fiber-coupled modules — serving data center, HPC, telecom, automotive sensing, and optical wireless markets with data rates up to 224 Gbps per channel.
- Ownership category
- akta.pro rank
VI Systems industry classification
Industry- Product category
- Optical Communication Components
- SIC
- Communications Equipment, Nec (3669), Optical Instruments & Lenses (3827), Electronic Components, Nec (3679)
- akta.pro primary industry
- Optoelectronic Emitters (LED/Laser/VCSEL) (HDAHALAL)
- akta.pro secondary industries
- Optoelectronic Receivers & Transceivers (Photodetectors/Optical Modules) (HDAHALAM), Photodiodes & Discrete Photodetectors (HDAHAHAL), Amplifiers & Comparators (HDAHAIAC)
Keywords
Where VI Systems is headquartered
LocationHeadquarters
- HQ city
- Berlin
- HQ country
- Germany
- HQ region
- Europe
Offices2 records
Markets served
VI Systems business model
Business model- GTM type
- B2B
- Offering type
- Hardware or Manufacturing
- Cost components
- Technology or R&D, Personnel, Operations, Marketing or Sales
Revenue model
- VCSEL Components and Chips: Sale of vertical cavity surface-emitting laser chips and arrays at wavelengths from 840-960nm for data communications, sensing, and automotive applications
- PIN Photodetectors: Sale of large aperture PIN photodetectors with 70GHz optical modulation bandwidth, Telcordia-qualified products
- Optical Modules and Transceivers: Fiber-coupled transmitter modules (e.g., VM64-850M, V50-850M) for high-speed optical transmission
- SiGe VCSEL Drivers and Amplifiers: High-speed SiGe BiCMOS driver and amplifier electronics for VCSEL-based optical links
- Custom Development and Prototyping: Custom design, prototyping, and technology transfer services for optical components and subsystems
- Wafer Testing and Characterization Services: High-speed characterization services on wafer level including nearfield/farfield analysis, high frequency testing up to 45GHz, and data transmission experiments up to 64 Gbit/s
- Licensing Royalties: IP licensing through 32 granted patents covering VCSEL technology, micropillar lasers, and optical interconnect innovations
Go-to-market motion1 record
Distribution channels3 records
Marketing channels4 records
VI Systems product offering
Product offeringCore offering
VI Systems develops, manufactures and markets optoelectronic components — vertical-cavity surface-emitting lasers (VCSELs), PIN photodetectors, SiGe BiCMOS driver/amplifier integrated circuits, and fiber-coupled optical transmitter modules — targeting data rates beyond 100–224 Gbps per channel for optical communication, sensing and automotive applications. The company complements its product portfolio with design, characterization, modeling, and technology transfer services.
Product overview
VI Systems GmbH (VIS) is a fabless developer and manufacturer of optoelectronic components for optical communication and sensor applications. The product portfolio includes Vertical-Cavity Surface-Emitting Lasers (VCSELs), PIN photodetectors, high-speed integrated circuits (drivers and amplifiers), and fiber-coupled optical modules. Products support data rates from 25 Gbps to 224+ Gbps per channel, operating at wavelengths from 840nm to 960nm. The company complements its component offerings with characterization, modeling, design/manufacturing, and technology transfer services. Core technology is protected by 32 granted US patents focusing on ultrafast optical interconnects for data centers and AI applications.
Differentiator
Problem solved
Functional benefit
Products and services
- Optical Chips (VCSELs, Single Mode Lasers, Photodiodes) Vertical-cavity surface-emitting lasers, single mode lasers, and photodiodes operating at wavelengths from 840 nm to 960 nm for optical communication and sensing applications with data rates up to 200+ Gbps. Sold as discrete chip products to optical module integrators and system developers.
- 200G VCSEL for Multimode Fiber VCSELs with 45 GHz intrinsic modulation bandwidth and narrow spectral width (RMS<0.1 nm) capable of 400 m multimode fiber transmission at 50+ Gbaud. Prototypes available at 850 nm, 880 nm, 910 nm, and 940 nm wavelengths.
- Multi-Aperture VCSEL Chips Coupled multi-aperture (MA) VCSEL chips at 850 nm, 880 nm, 910 nm, and 940 nm wavelengths using self-injection locking for high-speed modulation up to 50 GHz, delivering high single-mode output power (~30 mW CW for 2x2 configuration).
- Circular VCSEL Chip Array 850 nm multi-mode VCSEL chip array with 6 individually addressable emitters positioned on a 78 μm diameter circle, providing 3.5 mW per channel for multicore fiber sensor applications.
- 100G VCSEL and Photodetector for SWDM VCSEL chips at 850 nm, 880 nm, 910 nm, and 940 nm with companion D30-SWDM-C1 photodetector chip for 100 Gbps per channel SWDM applications with 40 GHz bandwidth.
- Large Aperture PIN Photodetectors 25 μm aperture PIN photodetectors with 70 GHz optical modulation bandwidth and approximately 80% quantum responsivity across 840–960 nm spectral range. Telcordia-qualified.
- VM64-850M VCSEL Transmitter Module Fiber-coupled 850 nm VCSEL transmitter module for 4-PAM/8-PAM encoding supporting data rates up to 64–80 Gbit/s with V-connector electrical input and FC/PC optical output.
- V50-850M 850 nm VCSEL Transmitter Module 850 nm VCSEL chip based transmitter module in high-frequency package, suitable for multimode fiber transmission up to 50 Gbit/s.
- Optical Modules (Fiber-Coupled Transmitters) Fiber-coupled optical transmitter modules including VCSEL-based modules for high-speed data transmission up to 100+ Gbit/s over multimode fiber, sold to system integrators and equipment manufacturers.
- SiGe BiCMOS Integrated Circuits (Drivers and Amplifiers) High-speed SiGe BiCMOS VCSEL drivers and amplifiers supporting data rates up to 56+ Gbaud for optical communication systems, designed to match the performance of VI Systems' ultrahigh-speed optical components.
- Testboards and Evaluation Boards Evaluation boards and test fixtures for characterizing optical components and modules at high frequencies up to 128 Gb/s.
- Design and Manufacturing Services Custom design, prototyping, and manufacturing services for optical components and subassemblies with technology transfer to customer facilities. For OEMs and system integrators requiring tailored optoelectronic solutions.
- Wafer-Level Characterization Services High-speed characterization services on wafer level including nearfield/farfield analysis, high-frequency testing up to 45 GHz, and data transmission experiments up to 64 Gbit/s. Provided to customers as a paid service.
- Modeling and Simulation Services 3D modeling and simulation services for optical components using advanced computer simulation software for device optimization.
- Technology Transfer Services
Quantifiable outcome
- 75GHz+ modulation bandwidth achieved with coupled aperture VCSELs
- +4 more outcomes
Companies that use VI Systems
Customer profileNamed customers7 records
Segments5 records
Ideal customer profiles4 records
VI Systems technology and API
TechnologyTechnology focussed Yes
API detail
- Has API
- No
- API docs
- API detail
Core technology
AI maturity
App detail
Feature6 records
VI Systems partnerships and signals
Strategic signalPartnerships
Eleven partnerships are on record, tiered core and minor.
- SpinDataCom ConsortiumcoreSpinDataCom project (01.06.2025-30.11.2028) developing spin-polarized VCSELs (spin-VCSELs) for next-generation data networks. Partners include CNRS (France), Thales (France), Ruhr-Universität Bochum, TU Eindhoven, Université de Rennes, University of Rijeka. Funded by EISMEA Horizon Europe (€3M total, 101184694).
- Ruhr University BochumcoreResearch collaboration on self-injection-locked coupled-aperture VCSEL arrays achieving modulation bandwidth up to 50GHz. Supported by PERFECT project (10184223) funded by Investitionsbank Berlin (IBB) with EU EFRE co-financing.
- COHORT Project ConsortiumcoreCOHORT project (01.10.2024-30.09.2027) developing coherent multi-aperture VCSEL arrays for data communications and radio over fiber (ROF) applications. Partners: Ruhr-Universität Bochum, Julight Srl (Italy), Politecnico di Torino. Eurostars-Eureka funded (€921K total).
- Enplas CorporationcoreJoint development of Multi-Mode Fiber transmission technology using Multi-Aperture Single-Mode VCSELs and optimized plastic lens arrays. Achieved 2-4x extension of transmission distance at 53 Gbaud (106 Gbit/s PAM-4), extending beyond 200m of OM4 fiber for enhanced AI and cloud computing interconnects.
- InPhoTechminorCollaboration on multicore fiber sensor development. VI Systems provided circular 850nm VCSEL chip array with 6 emitters for coupling into multicore fiber developed by InPhoTech.
- EPIGAP OSA Photonics GmbHcoreStrategic cooperation in the development of Vertical Cavity Surface Emitting Lasers (VCSELs) designed for sensing and medical applications. The partnership combines EPIGAP's semiconductor expertise with VI Systems' VCSEL technology platform.
- OHSAR Technology Co., LtdminorSales partner for China market covering Wuhan region (East Lake New Technology Development Zone). Provides local sales support, customer engagement, and business development in China.
- Yusunid International Co., Ltd.minorSales partner for Taiwan market (Hsinchu County). Provides local sales and customer support for Taiwan region.
- Hikari Inc.minorSales partner for Japan market (Tokyo). Provides local sales engagement and customer support for Japanese customers.
- Enerteks Co. Ltd.minorSales partner for South Korea market (Seongnam-si, Gyeonggi-do). Provides local sales and customer support for Korea.
- Bitel Technologies Ltd.minorSales partner for Israel market (Yehud). Provides local sales engagement and customer support for Israeli customers.
Scale indicators6 records
Recent moves6 records
Expansion highlights6 records
VI Systems competitors and assessment
Company assessmentDirect peers
- Broadcom: Broadcom is the incumbent merchant supplier of 850nm VCSELs and short-reach optical transceivers for hyperscaler datacenters. It directly competes with VI Systems in VCSEL chips and SR optical modules, with much greater scale and customer entrenchment.
- Lumentum: Lumentum manufactures VCSELs, photodiodes, and high-speed optical components for datacom, 3D sensing, and industrial markets. It is a direct competitor across VI Systems' core product categories including 100G/200G+ VCSELs and PIN photodetectors.
- Coherent: Coherent (formerly II-VI) is a vertically integrated supplier of GaAs-based VCSELs, photodetectors, and optical subassemblies for datacom, sensing, and automotive LiDAR. It overlaps with VI Systems across VCSEL chips, photodetectors, and SiGe driver electronics.
- Trumpf Photonic Components: Trumpf Photonic Components (a subsidiary of Trumpf) is a leading European VCSEL supplier targeting datacom, automotive LiDAR, and sensing. It is a direct European-headquartered peer competing with VI Systems in single-mode and multi-mode VCSELs.
- ams OSRAM: ams OSRAM produces VCSELs and edge-emitting lasers primarily for 3D sensing, automotive, and industrial applications. It overlaps with VI Systems in VCSEL chip manufacturing and automotive-grade (high-temperature) laser qualification.
- Source Photonics: Source Photonics designs and manufactures optical transceivers and components including VCSEL-based SR modules for datacenter and 5G applications. It is a direct downstream competitor integrating VCSELs into pluggable modules that compete with VI Systems' component-level offering.
- Innolight Technology: Innolight is a leading Chinese supplier of high-speed optical transceivers (400G/800G) used by global hyperscalers. It is a direct comparable in the short-reach VCSEL-based optical interconnect value chain where VI Systems sells components and modules.
Emerging players
- Vertilas: Vertilas is a Munich-based startup developing long-wavelength VCSELs for gas sensing, datacenter optical interconnects, and LiDAR. It is a smaller-scale German peer with overlapping GaAs-based VCSEL technology and similar target applications.
- Bandwidth10: Bandwidth10 is a US-based startup developing 1060nm single-mode VCSELs for datacenter and high-speed networking applications. It is a similarly-sized emerging peer with overlapping single-mode VCSEL technology competing for the same next-generation SR optics market.
Broad incumbents
- Hisense Broadband: Hisense Broadband Multimedia Technologies is a Chinese manufacturer of optical modules and VCSELs for telecom and datacom. It operates as both a VCSEL chip vendor and module integrator, overlapping VI Systems' component portfolio at scale.
Market position
Strengths5 records
Weaknesses5 records
Competitive moat3 records
Key risks6 records
Key highlights7 records
Customer concentration
VI Systems social profiles
Digital presenceVI Systems financial estimates
Financial estimateRevenue estimate
Valuation estimate
VI Systems leadership team
Management profileNumber of profiles
Profiles4 records
VI Systems funding detail
Funding detailFunding overview
Funding rounds2 records
Investors1 record
Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
VI Systems M&A and investment
M&A and investmentM&A
Investments
M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
Frequently asked questions about VI Systems
What does VI Systems do?
VI Systems develops, manufactures and markets optoelectronic components — vertical-cavity surface-emitting lasers (VCSELs), PIN photodetectors, SiGe BiCMOS driver/amplifier integrated circuits, and fiber-coupled optical transmitter modules — targeting data rates beyond 100–224 Gbps per channel for optical communication, sensing and automotive applications. The company complements its product portfolio with design, characterization, modeling, and technology transfer services.
Is VI Systems a public or private company?
VI Systems is a private company. It is classified as founder individual operated bootstrapped and is currently operating.
When was VI Systems founded?
VI Systems was founded in 2006. It employs 11 to 50 people.
Where is VI Systems based?
VI Systems is headquartered in Berlin, Germany, in the Europe region.
How does VI Systems make money?
Seven revenue lines are on record. VCSEL Components and Chips are the primary driver. The others are PIN Photodetectors, optical Modules and Transceivers, siGe VCSEL Drivers and Amplifiers, custom Development and Prototyping, wafer Testing and Characterization Services and licensing Royalties.
Who are VI Systems's main competitors?
Direct peers on record are Broadcom, Lumentum, Coherent, Trumpf Photonic Components, ams OSRAM, Source Photonics and Innolight Technology. Emerging players are Vertilas and Bandwidth10. Hisense Broadband is listed as a broad incumbent.
Does VI Systems have an API?
No public API is recorded for VI Systems.
What industry is VI Systems in?
VI Systems's product category is Optical Communication Components. Its primary akta.pro industry code is HDAHALAL, Optoelectronic Emitters (LED/Laser/VCSEL), with a secondary code of HDAHALAM, Optoelectronic Receivers & Transceivers (Photodetectors/Optical Modules). Its SIC code is 3669.