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BGF leads £9 million funding round for Phlux Technology
The infrared sensor startup raised a Series A round, to drive its expansion into the optical communications and sensing markets.
31 March 2025
Phlux Technology, a Sheffield-based infrared sensor startup, has raised £9 million in a Series A funding round led by BGF, to enable the next generation of fibre broadband connectivity. Existing investors Octopus Ventures, Northern Gritstone, and Foresight also participated.
The funding will drive Phlux’s expansion into the optical communications and sensing markets, based on its pioneering antimonide-based semiconductor technology.
Phlux’s infrared sensors are significantly more sensitive than current alternatives, while requiring less power. This enables faster, more efficient connectivity for applications like fibre optic broadband and advanced LIDAR sensing for vehicles and a range of industrial applications.
With the ability to boost data transmission speeds by up to five times, Phlux’s technology will enable the next generation of internet connectivity, with data rates as high as 50 gigabits per second.
“This funding comes at a pivotal moment, as demand for high-speed optical communication systems is growing enormously. By developing world-class, high-performance infrared sensors, we are enabling industries to push the boundaries of connectivity, sensitivity and efficiency, by removing a technology bottleneck that has persisted for over 20 years.”
Ben White
CEO of Phlux
Founded in 2020, as a spinout from the University of Sheffield, Phlux has already built a global supply chain, and serves customers across Asia, Europe and North America. The company now plans to scale its team, increase production capacity, and strengthen its commercial partnerships, to meet growing international demand.
“Phlux has developed a game-changing technology in a sector that’s long overdue for disruption. With strong academic roots, early commercial traction, and a compelling roadmap, the team is well-positioned to lead in infrared sensing. Backed by BGF’s deeptech investment experience, we’re excited to support Phlux in scaling globally, across the sensing and telecommunications markets.”
Luke Rajah
Partner at BGF
Owen Metters, Investor at Octopus Ventures, added: “When we first invested in Phlux, we were impressed with both the team’s expertise in developing novel semiconductor materials and their ambition to revolutionise infrared sensing. We’ve been delighted with their progress to date and are excited to see this funding deployed, to grow the team and bring two exciting new product ranges to market.”
Duncan Johnson, CEO of Northern Gritstone, said: “Infrared sensors are advancing many critical everyday areas, such as providing internet access to people’s homes and aiding advanced safety and mobility. Phlux is a fantastic example of semiconductor innovation in the North of England, and Northern Gritstone is proud to continue supporting the Phlux team under Ben White’s leadership.”
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