Indraventures leads investment in FYLA
Indra Group has formalised, through Indraventures, its entry into the capital of FYLA, the Valencian deep-tech start-up specialising in ultra-fast lasers and unique in Spain in this sector, after acquiring a 24.8% stake in the company. This technology represents a strategic and revolutionary advance for next-generation communications, especially in defence, space and other environments where security and resilience are essential.
This investment in FYLA is the first of the operations to be integrated into the venture capital fund ‘Indraventures I, FCR’ promoted by the multinational and recently registered with the CNMV. With a budget of up to £200 million, this fund will focus on promoting the ecosystem of start-ups, SMEs and spin-offs working on disruptive solutions with dual applications that are key to Europe's technological sovereignty.
The free-space optical (FSO) communications developed by FYLA provide capabilities comparable to those of fibre optics, but without the need for cable installation. Information is transmitted wirelessly through the air using light beams, creating ultra-fast, accurate and highly directional links.
FYLA has created a laser technology that is capable of generating extremely short light pulses, in the order of picoseconds and even femtoseconds, units of time equivalent to one trillionth (0.000000000001) and one quadrillionth (0.000000000000001) of a second, respectively. This feature, combined with the short wavelength of light itself, allows for the establishment of directional data connections that are virtually impossible to intercept or interfere with, resilient, very long-range and low-energy consumption, which are essential characteristics for the most demanding defence systems.
For this reason, FYLA's laser is perfect for aircraft, drones and temporary links that require high bandwidth, especially in environments where physical infrastructure cannot be deployed or in adverse weather conditions.
FYLA already collaborates with Indra on initiatives such as FCAS, the sixth-generation air combat system in which Indra leads Spanish participation. This relationship is a sign of interest in this technological development and strategic value as a critical supplier of advanced photonic solutions.
With the backing of the Indra Group, FYLA will be able to accelerate the industrialisation of these systems, drawing on the group's global experience, its industrial network and its capacity for integration into major European defence and advanced telecommunications programmes.
"FYLA is a clear example of the deep-tech talent being developed in Spain, which will enable us to play a leading role in European industry. Collaborating with a business ecosystem that drives technologies at the frontier of knowledge is essential for Indra to continue adding innovation with agility and developing its own sovereign technologies capable of responding to the needs of the defence sector," said Manuel Ausaverri, General Manager of Strategy and M&A at Indra Group.
For his part, Pere Pérez-Millán, founder and CEO of FYLA, said that "the operation represents strong financial backing for the execution of our growth plan and the consolidation of FYLA's technological relationship with Indra Group. Having an industrial and technological player like Indra allows us to leverage the synergies between our development plans and benefit from the dual applications of laser communications. This collaboration gives us the opportunity to enter the defence sector while strengthening the advancement of laser use in civil communications."
Spanish talent and a driver of industrialisation
Founded in 2014 as a spin-off from the Optical Fibres Group at the University of Valencia, FYLA has developed a comprehensive innovation model based on cutting-edge research and in-house production. Since 2018, the company has received financial and strategic support from Bullnet Capital, a Spanish venture capital fund specialising in deep tech and technology transfer.
The versatility of its technology allows for applications outside the military sphere. The company currently has mature and consolidated products in scientific and civil applications. Its ultra-fast lasers are used in advanced microscopy, spectroscopy, bioscience, metrology, industrial inspection and materials processing. They also have applications in fields such as astrophysics, where they function as an optical ruler to accurately measure and calibrate stellar spectra.
In the civilian sphere, these solutions open up new possibilities in connectivity and telecommunications, replacing fibre optics in complex areas, connecting remote regions, restoring communications after emergencies and creating temporary high-bandwidth links.
Boosting European technological sovereignty
At a time when Europe is firmly committed to technological autonomy through the development of its own advanced and sovereign capabilities, this operation is in line with efforts to strengthen the photonics supply chain on the continent. It will also contribute to boosting the international projection of national technologies of high strategic value and generating skilled employment in Spain.
With this operation, Indra Group reaffirms its role as a technological driver of innovation and one of the most advanced players in technological solutions for the defence and communications fields. It also contributes to consolidating a more robust and competitive national and European ecosystem that is prepared to lead future technological developments in defence, science, industry and next-generation communications.
