Back in 2021, when Sachin and I founded Retym, we were driven by a shared vision and a deep passion for optical communications technology. Little did we know that an explosive AI boom was just around the corner. However, we did recognize a significant turning point in optical communications—specifically in the realm of coherent digital signal processors (DSPs).
At that time, coherent optics, long regarded as the go-to technology for high-performance, long-haul, high-capacity networks. It only began to be adopted for sub 100km distance applications, especially in the rapidly growing field of datacenter interconnect (DCI). While this new application was promising, we in Retym, noticed that the powerful DSP chips enabling coherent DCI were controlled by a handful of large semiconductor companies. Some of these suppliers even ended up competing directly with their own customers, creating friction and stifling innovation. This felt like a missed opportunity, and we envisioned a different path driven by an open, collaborative ecosystem where innovation could flourish without the constraints of conflicting interests.
Fast forward to today, and the landscape has evolved significantly. Coherent optics are now being used even for shorter reach applications, with physics often necessitating coherent solutions. As these technologies become more critical, the pressure on cost-efficiency and power consumption are higher than ever.
At Retym, we saw these pressures early on and understood that the key to unlocking the next level of efficiency lies in pioneering analog design for DAC/ADC and advanced DSP algorithms. That’s why we’ve invested heavily in mixed-signal analog capabilities and intellectual property. By tightly integrating high performance DACs and ADCs with intelligent DSP processor, we’re optimizing at the system level, allowing us to bring coherent optics closer than ever to cost and power parity with incumbent technologies.
Reflecting on our journey, I am incredibly proud of what we have achieved. From our humble beginnings to stepping out of stealth mode, our mission has always been clear:
To empower the next generation of optical infrastructure through a combination of innovation, openness, and unparalleled expertise.
Building the Retym team has been one of the most rewarding experiences of my career. Sachin and I were fortunate to attract a group of talented and passionate individuals who shared our vision. Together, we have fostered a culture of collaboration, creativity, and relentless pursuit of excellence. Our team’s agility and dedication have been crucial in navigating the challenges and opportunities in the DSP market.
Partnering with many companies has been another cornerstone of our success. By collaborating with industry leaders, we have been able to leverage diverse expertise and resources to drive our mission forward. These partnerships have not only helped us stay ahead of the curve but also reinforced our commitment to an open and collaborative ecosystem.
Looking ahead, we are filled with anticipation and excitement. We have so much more to share, and we can’t wait to unveil the next chapter of our journey. Stay tuned for more exciting news and developments from Retym.
Thank you for being part of our story.
Dr. Roni (Aharon) El-Bahar, Co-founder & CTO, Retym