11 Mar 2027
10:15 - 11:45
Expo Theater I
This panel will examine whether acquisition has effectively become the default—or only viable—exit path for photonics startups, and what that implies for innovation, capital formation, and long-term industry structure. Unlike software, photonics ventures face capital-intensive development cycles, complex supply chains, and long qualification timelines, which can make independent scaling difficult. The discussion will explore whether public-market success is realistically achievable, what distinguishes the few companies that have managed to scale independently, and whether emerging markets such as AI interconnects, sensing, and quantum technologies are changing the exit landscape. Panelists will debate the tradeoffs between early acquisition and long-term value creation, the role of strategic vs. financial investors, and what founders should optimize for when building a photonics company today.