Photopumped operation of a vertical-cavity surface-emitting laser using a single GaInNAs/GaAs quantum well active layer is demonstrated for the first time. The device lases at continuous-wave at room temperature, with an active wavelength of 1.22 mu m and a threshold pump intensity of 3-5 kW/cm(2), for an equivalent current density of 2-3 kA/cm(2).