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LBTEK

AM-Adjacent EquipmentChangsha, ChinaFounded 2018· One of 180 AM-Adjacent Equipment companies tracked by AMPulse

A high-tech enterprise specializing in the R&D and manufacturing of liquid crystal micro-nano optical components and precision laser beam shaping systems.

CEO / Founder
Li Xiaochun
Team Size
201-500
Stage
Active
Total Funding
$11.1M
Latest Round
Series B
Key Investors
Hunan High-tech Investment Group, Lugu Capital, Xingxiang Capital, Zhuhai Hengqin Haichao Jiaying

Technology & Products

Key Products

Optical components, optical modules, optical systems, and optical instruments.

Technological Advantage

Proprietary liquid crystal micro-nano fabrication processes that allow for complex phase control and high damage thresholds required for industrial laser environments.

Differentiation

Value Proposition

Bridging the gap between advanced micro-nano optical research and industrial applications by providing high-precision, customizable beam shaping solutions that enhance laser processing efficiency.

How They Differentiate

First Chinese company to mass-produce liquid crystal polymer polarization gratings with proprietary alignment materials and large-aperture (up to 400mm) customization capabilities.

Market & Competition

Target Customers

Industrial laser manufacturers, 3D printing companies, scientific research institutions, and optoelectronic system integrators.

Industry Verticals

Additive Manufacturing (3D Printing), Industrial Laser Processing, Scientific Research & Education, Biomedical Imaging, Optical Communication

Competitors

Thorlabs; Meadowlark Optics; Holoeye Photonics

Growth & Milestones

Growth Metrics

Online catalog 10,000+ SKUs; serves 200+ universities/research institutes, 300+ innovative companies, and 30,000+ researchers; Changsha smart manufacturing park Phase 1 topped out Jul 2026 (est. >¥1B annual output, 800+ jobs).

Major Milestones

Founded in January 2018, Completed ¥30M Series A funding in Dec 2022, Won OFweek 2023 Best Laser Component Technology Innovation Award, Launched the point-ring beam stepless adjustment system for SLM metal 3D printing in 2024, Secured tens of millions of RMB Series B funding in Oct 2024, Strategic partnership with CIQTEK (国仪量子) Mar 2026, Precision optics smart manufacturing park Phase 1 topped out Jul 2026 (est. >¥1B annual output), HAWK series won OFweek 2026 Optical Industry Innovation Product Award Aug 2026

Notable Customers

Chinese Academy of Sciences; China Academy of Engineering Physics; Tsinghua University; Peking University

https://www.lbtek.com

Recent coverage of LBTEK

Funding rounds

  • Series B¥50.0M2024-10Lead: Hunan High-tech Investment Group · Source: 投资界/OFweek
  • Series A¥30.0M2022-12Lead: Zhuhai Hengqin Haichao Jiaying · Source: 新湖南/36Kr

Why this company matters

AMPulse analysis, not a company disclosure

LBTEK occupies a niche between advanced micro-nano optical research and industrial laser applications, focusing on liquid crystal-based components that can withstand high-power laser environments. Founded in 2018, the company has industrialized liquid crystal polymer polarization gratings with proprietary alignment materials, enabling stepless adjustment of beam profiles for applications such as SLM metal 3D printing.

The company's core technology involves liquid crystal micro-nano fabrication processes that provide complex phase control and high damage thresholds. Key products include optical components, modules, systems, and instruments, with a notable 2024 launch of a point-ring beam stepless adjustment system designed for SLM metal 3D printing. LBTEK offers large-aperture customization up to 400mm, a capability that differentiates it from established competitors like Thorlabs, Meadowlark Optics, and Holoeye Photonics.

LBTEK serves over 10,000 researchers and 300+ innovative companies globally, with named customers including the Chinese Academy of Sciences, China Academy of Engineering Physics, Tsinghua University, and Peking University. The company targets industrial laser manufacturers, 3D printing companies, scientific research institutions, and optoelectronic system integrators across additive manufacturing, industrial laser processing, biomedical imaging, and optical communication verticals.

The company has raised approximately ¥80M in total funding from investors including Hunan High-tech Investment Group, Lugu Capital, and Xingxiang Capital. Its strategic moat lies in being the first Chinese company to mass-produce liquid crystal polymer polarization gratings, though it faces competitive risk from established global optics suppliers and the need to maintain technological leadership as laser processing demands evolve.