Technologies are generally described for implementing non-linear VCSEL equalization. In some examples, a rising edge tap parameter, a falling edge tap parameter, an equalization delay and a bias current may be used to equalize a data signal to be output from a VCSEL. A VCSEL model may be used to derive a VCSEL response to one or more isolated data pulses. The derived response may then be used to determine the rising and falling edge tap parameters and an equalization delay, based on a bias current value for the VCSEL and a data rate associated with the data signal. The data signal may then be adjusted based on the equalization delay and the rising and falling edge tap parameter and sent to the VCSEL for output. At the same time, the VCSEL may be biased with a bias current having the bias current value.