About us

We are pioneers in LiDAR technology and have evolved this powerful extra-sensory capability into compact, ultralight, and high-performing sensors that enable machines to perceive their surroundings, unlocking a new era of autonomy.

Our story

Almost 40 years ago founding member James Portman saw for the first time how sensors based on optical time-of-flight principles could detect and measure objects and surfaces in great detail, even from far away. Today, LightWare pioneers the design and production of quality LiDARs at a cost that allows widespread industry adoption.

We recognize that each application has very specific requirements, which is why we design our products to meet those requirements. The outcome? A suite of ultralight, high-performing and cost-effective sensors, tailored to a range of applications.

Our structure

LightWare is a global LiDAR manufacturing company that leverages the best the world has to offer, from top-quality components and reliable vendors, to cutting-edge technologies. With a growing global footprint, we have established a strong presence in various industries across the globe.

Corporate headquarters

Our corporate headquarters and ISO9001:2015-certified manufacturing facilities are operated by LightWare Optoelectronics (Pty) Ltd, based in South Africa, where our high-quality manufacturing processes produce thousands of microLiDAR® sensors each month.

LightWare in the USA

Our USA-based wholly-owned subsidiary, LightWare LiDAR Inc, is incorporated in Delaware and operates from Boulder, Colorado. It was founded with the purpose of streamlining our customers’ purchasing process, expediting deliveries through local stock availability, and enhancing services in one of our primary geographical markets.

Online and global

Our webstore allows engineers from all over the world to quickly and easily procure LightWare microLiDAR sensors for testing or OEM manufacturing purposes.

We’ve also partnered with nearly 30 distributors across the globe to ensure stock and support at the local level our customers need.

Meet our team

Executive and management team

Dynamic team of industry professionals

Nadia is the CEO and Co-Founder of LightWare. With a comprehensive background in technology and financial management, Nadia works to drive strategic growth and operational excellence through digital and structural advancements in LightWare.

Nadia has over 14 years of experience in technology and manufacturing, including significant roles at K-TEK and ABB before joining LightWare. She began her career managing the business through a final merger and acquisition at K-TEK and led the instrumentation business unit at ABB to significant growth in sales. Nadia holds an MBA from Unisa Graduate School of Business Leadership and a B.Com (Hons) in Financial Management.

“My passion lies in leveraging innovative solutions to address customer needs, fostering ground-breaking products and services that make a real difference.”

Anneke joined LightWare as the company’s Chief Operating Officer in 2023, bringing a combination of engineering and telecommunication experience. With twelve years experience overseeing various business units in different capacities within South Africa, Anneke managed multiple businesses for a group for Jasco, before joining LightWare.
Anneke holds an MBA from Unisa Graduate School of Business Leadership and a B.Eng in Electronics.

“I’m naturally inclined towards analytical thinking, which drives me to seek optimization and efficiency. I thrive on learning and constantly strive for improvement.”

Non-Executive Directors and investment partners

Dynamic team of industry professionals

A proud partner and portfolio company of Sanari Capital

Zoaib is the former CEO of Microsoft South Africa and has over 30 years of experience in the ICT sector, initially with IBM. Zoaib has been associated with Sanari since 2020, serving as an investment advisor and value add executive, working with management in their portfolio companies to unlock value through strategy and general management, sales and business development, leadership and management development, as well as leveraging his sectoral know-how and network. Zoaib has an MBA from the Open University in the UK and a BSC degree (Mathematics and Computer Science).

Ofentse is an Executive Director and Partner at Sanari Capital and brings a combination of entrepreneurial and corporate experience. With more than a decade in investment banking, private equity and venture capital in South Africa, Ofentse managed a boutique private equity firm, Frontier Impact Fund, before joining Sanari. Ofentse holds an MBA from INSEAD, a BCom Finance and is a CFA Charter Holder.

Samantha is the founder and CEO of Sanari Capital, a private equity firm focused on investments in growth companies emanating from Africa. With extensive experience in the fields of technology and psychology, Samantha works with portfolio companies to unlock business potential through digital and human enablement.
Samantha has twenty years of private equity and venture capital experience in the South African and United States markets with market leading investment firms. Samantha holds an MBA (Hons) from the University of Chicago Booth School of Business, a BCom and BA Honours and is a CFA Charter Holder.

At our core

Our purpose

We provide enhanced perception to machines, enabling them to operate more effectively for the advancement of humanity.

Locate your nearest distributor

Sensing your world starts here:
our clients’ stories

LightWare microLiDAR® is proud to support our pioneering clients as they deliver innovative solutions in their respective industries. Here’s how they apply LiDAR and what they have to say about our microlidar® sensors.

Chairman WüSpace

“We needed the best, smallest and most compact LiDAR out there. It was the only LiDAR that we found that was small enough and that had enough documentation that...”

Flying for WildLife

“We were completely blown away by both the SF30/D and the tablet app that was built for us in such a short period of time to really help us do what we do...”

Skyfish

“The LiDAR is fantastic. The form factor is great, it’s super light, super small, easy to mount doesn’t take up a lot of real estate. The level of customer service that...”