nLight Raises $175M for Defense Laser Growth

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nLight, a high-power laser manufacturer, outlined its vertically integrated technology platform, defense-focused growth strategy, and rationale for a recent $175 million equity raise during a presentation at the TD Cowen Aerospace and Defense Conference. The company highlighted key priorities in directed energy, sensing, and advanced manufacturing, and discussed challenges around specialized component lead times and the need for further vertical integration.

Why it matters

nLight's focus on defense-driven growth in critical technology areas like directed energy weapons, sensing, and additive manufacturing for aerospace reflects broader trends in the U.S. military's technology investment priorities. The company's ability to rapidly scale high-power laser capabilities and integrate key subsystems could position it to benefit from increased defense spending in these domains.

The details

nLight CEO Scott Keeney described the company's vertically integrated laser technology platform, from semiconductor chips to complete high-power laser systems. He said defense has become the core market, highlighting priorities in directed energy, sensing, and advanced manufacturing. In directed energy, Keeney cited nLight's 300kW laser as the world's highest power, with plans to scale to 1MW. For sensing, he discussed the company's pulsed lasers for applications like rangefinding and LiDAR. In advanced manufacturing, Keeney focused on laser additive techniques for 3D printing metal parts, including for hypersonics and rocket engines. Keeney also addressed the recent $175 million equity raise, saying it will support investment ahead of expected demand.

• nLight raised $175 million, or $200 million including the greenshoe, in a recent capital raise.

What they’re saying

What’s next

The company plans to outfit its recently announced expansion in Longmont, Colorado using a portion of the capital raised.