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The optical communication systems industry in DACH focuses on innovative technologies that enable high-speed data transmission using light. Companies in this space include telecom giants, tech startups, and specialized manufacturers who develop equipment like fiber optic cables and multiplexers. As demand for faster connectivity surges, fueled by Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ proliferation of digital services and cloud computing, this sector is evolving rapidly with advancements in photonics and integrated optics. Notably, trends like quantum computing and 5G connectivity are shaping Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ future, driving investments and collaborations designed to enhance network capabilities.

The DACH region boasts a mix of investors engaging in Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ optical communication systems space. This collection includes venture capital firms like Earlybird and private equity players such as Partners Group. Most investors are headquartered in Germany and Switzerland with substantial deal activity reported in 2024—some firms executed over 30 investments. Established between 1846 and 2016, Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨se firms are positioned to influence Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ technological evolution in communications, underscoring Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ region's significant role in Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ global market.

Top 12 Optical Communication Systems Investors in DACH

1. Swisscom Ventures

• Website:
• Type: Venture Capital
• Headquarters: Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
• Founded year: 2007
• Headcount: 11-50
• Number of deals in 2024: 4
• LinkedIn:

Swisscom Ventures is a Zurich-based venture capital firm founded in 2007, specializing in high-potential technology startups. With a focus on providing financial support and strategic advisory services, Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨y help startups access technical infrastructure and market channels. Swisscom Ventures operates across various technology sectors, including AI and Fintech, but has also made significant investments in Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ optical communication systems space. Notable transactions include Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ir investment in AccelerComm, which raised £21.5m in Series B funding to expand its communication technology capabilities, and Kumu Networks, which secured $25 million in Series C funding to develop its core product lineup in advanced communication solutions. Additionally, Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ir participation in SWISSto12's Series B funding round highlights Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ir commitment to telecommunications components, furÅ·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨r emphasizing Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ir relevance in Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ optical communication industry.

2. Deutsche Bank

• Website:
• Type: Corporate
• Headquarters: Frankfurt, Hesse, Germany
• Founded year: 1870
• Headcount: 10001+
• Number of deals in 2024: 32
• LinkedIn:

Deutsche Bank AG, founded in 1870 and headquartered in Frankfurt, Hesse, Germany, is a leading investment bank and financial services provider. The bank offers a wide range of solutions including investment banking, corporate banking, cash management, trade finance, and securities services. It serves corporate and institutional clients, helping Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨m manage Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ir financial assets and liquidity effectively through its digital platform, Autobahn. In recent years, Deutsche Bank has been involved in several transactions relevant to Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ optical communication systems sector. For instance, it participated in debt financing for FirstDigital Telecom, a company that is likely engaged in telecommunications, which may include optical communication systems. Additionally, Deutsche Bank has been involved in financing for oÅ·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨r telecom-related entities such as Rostelecom and NBN Co, furÅ·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨r indicating its engagement in Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ telecommunications space. These transactions highlight Deutsche Bank's role as a financial supporter of companies that could be integral to Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ optical communication systems industry.

3. Trumpf

• Website:
• Type: Corporate
• Headquarters: Ditzingen, Baden-Württemberg, Germany
• Founded year: 2016
• Headcount: 10001+
• Number of deals in 2024: 2
• LinkedIn:

Trumpf SE + Co. KG, founded in 2016 and based in Ditzingen, Baden-Württemberg, Germany, is a leading manufacturing company specializing in advanced machine tools and laser technology. With a workforce of over 10,000 employees, Trumpf provides innovative solutions to various industries, including automotive, aerospace, and electronics. In recent years, Trumpf has made significant investments in Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ optical communication systems sector, including Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ acquisition of Photonics GmbH from Philips, which aims to enhance Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ir product portfolio in Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ photonics sector. Additionally, Trumpf acquired an 80% stake in Active Fiber Systems GmbH, a company known for its ultrashort-pulse laser systems, furÅ·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨r solidifying Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ir commitment to advancing technologies relevant to optical communications. Their investment in GLOphotonics also highlights Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ir strategic focus on companies that contribute to Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ optical communication landscape.

4. Partners Group

• Website:
• Type: Private Equity
• Headquarters: Baar, Zug, Switzerland
• Founded year: 1996
• Headcount: 1001-5000
• Number of deals in 2024: 19
• LinkedIn:

Partners Group Holding AG is a prominent investment management firm based in Baar, Zug, Switzerland, specializing in private equity, private infrastructure, private real estate, and private debt. Founded in 1996, Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ firm manages over USD 149 billion in assets and is recognized for its innovative investment strategies and commitment to sustainability. Notably, Partners Group has made significant strides in Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ optical communication systems sector, providing equity for Seaborn Networks, which is involved in Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ Seabras-1 subsea cable project connecting New York and Sao Paulo. This project highlights Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ir engagement in critical infrastructure for optical communications. FurÅ·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨rmore, Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ir acquisition of Axia NetMedia, a Canadian fiber business, underscores Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ir strategic focus on expanding Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ir portfolio in Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ fiber optic domain. These transactions reflect Partners Group's active role in Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ optical communication systems industry, alongside Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ir broader investment activities.

5. Deutsche Telekom

• Website:
• Type: Corporate
• Headquarters: Bonn, North Rhine-Westphalia, Germany
• Founded year: 1995
• Headcount: 10001+
• Number of deals in 2024: 1
• LinkedIn:

Deutsche Telekom AG, founded in 1995 and headquartered in Bonn, North Rhine-Westphalia, Germany, is a leading telecommunications company providing a wide range of services including mobile communications, fixed-network, broadband, and ICT solutions for both consumers and businesses. With a strong presence in over 50 countries, Deutsche Telekom focuses on delivering integrated digital solutions to enhance connectivity and support digital transformation for its diverse customer base. Notably, Deutsche Telekom has been involved in several transactions relevant to Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ optical communication systems sector. In 2014, Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨y participated in a Series B funding round for Ranovus, a company specializing in optical interconnect solutions, which highlights Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ir commitment to advancing optical technologies. Additionally, in 2022, Deutsche Telekom acquired a minority stake in Teridion Technologies, a company that may also be engaged in optical networking solutions. These investments reflect Deutsche Telekom's strategic interest in enhancing its capabilities in optical communication systems, making Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨m a relevant investor in this field.

6. Earlybird Venture Capital

• Website:
• Type: Venture Capital
• Headquarters: Germany
• Founded year: 1997
• Headcount: 51-200
• Number of deals in 2024: 29
• LinkedIn:

Earlybird Venture Capital is a venture capital firm based in Germany, founded in 1997. The firm specializes in investing in European technology innovators, providing financial resources and strategic support to early-stage startups, particularly in Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ digital health and deep tech sectors. Notably, Earlybird has been involved in significant transactions within Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ optical communication systems context, such as Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ir recent investment in NcodiN, which secured â‚�3.5 million for its optical interposer technology. This funding aims to accelerate Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ development of NcodiN’s integrated optical link prototype, highlighting Earlybird's commitment to supporting advancements in optical communication. Additionally, Earlybird has a history of investing in various technology companies, showcasing Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ir diverse portfolio while maintaining a focus on innovation.

7. Dtcp

• Website:
• Type: Venture Capital
• Headquarters: Hamburg, Hamburg, Germany
• Founded year: 2015
• Headcount: 51-200
• Number of deals in 2024: 6
• LinkedIn:

DTCP is a Hamburg-based venture capital firm founded in 2015, specializing in Growth Equity and Infrastructure investments. The firm focuses on transformative technology leaders and digital infrastructure to support Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ir growth and accelerate digital transformation. DTCP's investment portfolio includes notable transactions in Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ optical communication systems context, such as Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ir lead investment in RtBrick, which raised $6 million in Series A funding to enhance networking infrastructure software. They also participated in Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ Series C funding round for Kumu Networks, which raised $25 million to develop its core product lineup, potentially relevant to optical communication technologies. OÅ·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨r investments include Actelis Networks and ASSIA, which furÅ·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨r demonstrate DTCP's engagement in sectors that intersect with optical communication systems.

8. Speedinvest

• Website:
• Type: Venture Capital
• Headquarters: Vienna, Vienna, Austria
• Founded year: 2011
• Headcount: 51-200
• Number of deals in 2024: 45
• LinkedIn:

Speedinvest is a venture capital firm based in Vienna, Austria, founded in 2011. The firm specializes in funding early-stage tech startups across Europe, providing both capital and hands-on support to help Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨se startups scale Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ir operations. Speedinvest's investment focus spans various technology sectors, including Deep Tech, Fintech, and SaaS. Notably, Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨y have participated in funding rounds for QphoX, a Dutch startup that is working on creating a link between quantum computers and Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ quantum internet, which could have implications for optical communication systems. Additionally, Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨y have invested in Sipwise, a company that has raised funds for its communication technology solutions, although Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ direct relevance to optical communication systems is less clear. Overall, Speedinvest leverages a vast network of industry experts to assist Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ir portfolio companies, which may include those in Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ optical communication space.

9. Deutsche Beteiligungs AG

• Website:
• Type: Private Equity
• Headquarters: Frankfurt, Hesse, Germany
• Founded year: 1965
• Headcount: 51-200
• Number of deals in 2024: 2
• LinkedIn:

Deutsche Beteiligungs AG (DBAG) is a private equity firm based in Frankfurt, Hesse, Germany, founded in 1965. The firm specializes in providing capital and advisory services to enhance Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ growth potential of mid-sized companies, primarily in sectors such as telecommunications, IT services, software, and healthcare. With over 55 years of experience, DBAG operates a successful fund advisory business. Among Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ir notable transactions, Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨y have invested in companies like DNS:Net and inexio, which are involved in telecommunications, indicating a potential interest in optical communication systems. Additionally, Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ir acquisition of Netzkontor Nord, a telecommunications service provider, furÅ·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨r emphasizes Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ir focus on Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ telecommunications sector. These transactions highlight DBAG's capability and interest in sectors that may intersect with optical communication technologies.

10. Target Partners

• Website:
• Type: Venture Capital
• Headquarters: Munich, Bavaria, Germany
• Founded year: 1999
• Headcount: 11-50
• LinkedIn:

Target Partners is a venture capital firm based in Munich, Bavaria, Germany, founded in 1999. The firm specializes in early-stage technology investments, providing capital and strategic support to innovative startups in Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ tech sector. Notably, Target Partners has been involved in several key transactions in Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ optical communication systems industry. They led a â‚�3.5 million Series A funding round for Sicoya GmbH, which focuses on product development and global sales in optical communication. FurÅ·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨rmore, Target Partners has invested in Cube Optics across multiple funding rounds, including Series B, C, D, and E, supporting Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ company's expansion in access network products and next-generation multi-wavelength EÅ·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨rnet interfaces. This track record highlights Target Partners' commitment to fostering growth in Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ optical communication sector.

11. Verve Ventures

• Website:
• Type: Venture Capital
• Headquarters: Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
• Founded year: 2010
• Headcount: 11-50
• Number of deals in 2024: 25
• LinkedIn:

Verve Ventures is a Zurich-based venture capital firm founded in 2010, specializing in deep tech investments across Europe. The firm provides funding and strategic support to science and technology startups, helping Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨m grow in various markets. Their investment focus includes sectors such as climate tech, industrial technology, and health & bio. Notably, Verve Ventures has participated in significant transactions, including a $15 million Series A funding round for ORCA Computing, a company at Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ forefront of photonic quantum computing, which is directly relevant to optical communication systems. They have also invested in oÅ·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨r innovative startups like CREAL, which is developing advanced light-field display technologies, and EarlySight, indicating Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ir commitment to supporting cutting-edge technology ventures.

12. ZEISS Group

• Website:
• Type: Corporate
• Headquarters: Oberkochen, Baden-Württemberg, Germany
• Founded year: 1846
• Headcount: 10001+
• Number of deals in 2024: 4
• LinkedIn:

The ZEISS Group, founded in 1846 and based in Oberkochen, Germany, is a leading technology enterprise specializing in optics and optoelectronics. With over 10,000 employees, ZEISS offers a diverse range of products, including medical technology solutions, semiconductor manufacturing equipment, and high-quality optical systems for consumers and businesses. The company is committed to innovation and sustainability, serving a wide array of customers across various industries. In recent years, ZEISS has made significant investments in companies relevant to optical technologies. Notably, Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨y participated in Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ â‚�10 million Series A funding round for Scantinel Photonics, a startup focused on FMCW LiDAR devices, which showcases Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ir interest in advanced optical systems. Additionally, Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ir acquisition of GOM Metrology aims to enhance Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ir Industrial Quality & Research segment, strengÅ·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ning Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ir position in optical digitization systems. These transactions highlight ZEISS's strategic focus on expanding its capabilities in optics, making it a relevant player in Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ optical communication systems sector.

Optical Communication Systems Insights: Key Investors in DACH

Investor	Headquarter	Size	Founded	Deals 2024
	Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland	11-50	2007	4
	Frankfurt, Hesse, Germany	10001+	1870	32
	Ditzingen, Baden-Württemberg, Germany	10001+	2016	2
	Baar, Zug, Switzerland	1001-5000	1996	19
	Bonn, North Rhine-Westphalia, Germany	10001+	1995	1
	Germany	51-200	1997	29
	Hamburg, Hamburg, Germany	51-200	2015	6
	Vienna, Vienna, Austria	51-200	2011	45
	Frankfurt, Hesse, Germany	51-200	1965	2
	Munich, Bavaria, Germany	11-50	1999	0
	Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland	11-50	2010	25
	Oberkochen, Baden-Württemberg, Germany	10001+	1846	4

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