Ciena Launches Ciena Ventures to Expand Innovation Across the AI Networking Ecosystem

• Corporate venture capital fund supports early-stage investments in emerging technologies that address AI-driven transformation of networks
• Amplifies Ciena (CIEN)’s long-term strategy to invest in innovations that complement organic R&D and strategic acquisitions

Ciena Corporation (NYSE: CIEN) announced the launch of Ciena Ventures, a new corporate venture capital (CVC) program designed to complement the company’s organic innovation investments and strategic acquisitions. With an initial commitment of $200 million, Ciena Ventures will invest in early-stage companies and technology-focused venture funds that align with Ciena's strategic focus areas and help advance the future of networking and connectivity in the AI era.

“As technologies such as AI reshape the networking landscape, Ciena Ventures provides another vehicle for executing on our long-term strategy and capital allocation priorities,” said David Rothenstein, Executive Vice President and Chief Strategy Officer, Ciena. “Investing in companies and funds through Ciena Ventures will enable the accelerated development of transformative solutions, strengthen the broader innovation ecosystem, expand our visibility into emerging technologies, and help Ciena to evolve its portfolio, develop new solutions, and pursue opportunities in adjacent markets.”

Led by Loai Louis, Vice President of Corporate Development, Ciena Ventures represents Ciena’s first company-wide CVC initiative and will focus on technologies that:

• Advance networking infrastructure and operations
• Accelerate next-generation data center architectures
• Enable innovations in optical networking technologies and interconnects
• Expand opportunities in adjacent areas such as computing, materials and emerging communications technologies

Through Ciena Ventures, Ciena looks forward to connecting with innovators working on technologies that will shape the future of AI-driven networking and connectivity. Organizations interested in discussing potential opportunities may contact CienaVentures@ciena.com.