Relativity Networks raises $22 million to develop faster hollow-core fiber for data centers
Relativity Networks has raised $22 million in SAFE note funding led by Rhapsody Venture Partners, Bell Ventures Inc., and Faster Than Glass LLC. The company is developing hollow-core fiber technology that transmits data up to 30% faster than traditional fiber-optic cables by using a vacuum chamber instead of glass. This innovation could reduce latency from five microseconds per kilometer in conventional systems down to three and a half, offering significant advantages for large-scale AI compute operations. As hyperscalers expand their infrastructure across multiple campuses spanning hundreds of acres, reducing signal delay becomes increasingly critical. Relativity’s CEO Jason Eisenholz argues that faster fiber could allow data centers to operate over 30% greater distances without performance degradation—potentially reshaping the geographic constraints currently limiting expansion. The company has also secured a $40 million follow-on order from an unnamed hyperscaler, signaling strong industry interest in this emerging technology.
Topics: AI compute latency data center expansion hollow-core fiber venture funding