Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨

The photonics industry in DACH focuses on harnessing light for innovative technologies, impacting sectors like telecommunications, healthcare, and manufacturing. Companies develop advanced optical systems, sensors, and lasers, which are integral to enhancements in communications and imaging. With substantial investment, Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ industry is poised for growth driven by emerging applications such as autonomous vehicles and smart cities. The collaboration between research institutions and startups fuels innovation, particularly in green photonics for sustainable solutions. DACH is a European hotspot for photonics ventures, featuring numerous incubators that nurture high-tech ideas, driving both economic progress and technological advancement.

In this article, we spotlight 13 prominent investors in Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ photonics space across DACH. The list includes venture capital firms, corporate investors, and private equity players, all strategically positioned in various localities. The investors range in size, with most founded between Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ mid-1990s and early 2010s, tailoring Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ir focus towards high-potential startups. In 2024 alone, Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ collective deal count approached 200, showcasing Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ir commitment to funding innovation. Notable investors include names like Verve Ventures based in Zurich and Bayern Kapital from Bavaria, illustrating Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ blend of local expertise driving Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ industry forward.

Top 13 Photonics 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 venture capital firm based in Zurich, Switzerland, founded in 2007. The firm specializes in investing in high-potential technology startups, providing not only financial support but also strategic advisory services to help Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨se startups access technical infrastructure and market channels. Swisscom Ventures operates across various technology sectors, including AI and Fintech, but has also shown a strong interest in photonics. Notably, Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨y have invested in ActLight, a company that develops Time-Of-Flight (TOF) solutions, participating in multiple funding rounds including Series A, B, and C. Additionally, Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨y were involved in Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ funding of Firecomms, which also operates in Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ photonics space. These transactions highlight Swisscom Ventures' active role in Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ photonics industry, making Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨m a relevant investor in this sector.

2. 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 venture capital firm based in Zurich, Switzerland, founded in 2010. The firm specializes in deep tech investments across Europe, providing funding and strategic support to science and technology startups. Their investment focus includes sectors such as climate tech, industrial technology, and health & bio. Notably, Verve Ventures has been involved in significant transactions within Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ photonics context, including investments in Zero Point Motion, a semiconductor startup that raised over $5 million in a seed round, and ActLight, which develops Time-Of-Flight (TOF) solutions. ActLight has successfully raised multiple funding rounds, including Series A, B, and C, indicating a strong trajectory in Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ photonics space. These investments highlight Verve Ventures' commitment to supporting innovative companies in Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ photonics 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, based in Ditzingen, Baden-Württemberg, Germany, is a leading manufacturing company specializing in advanced machine tools and laser technology. Founded in 2016, Trumpf has quickly established itself as a key player in various industries, including automotive, aerospace, and electronics. The company has made significant strides in Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ photonics sector through strategic acquisitions, such as Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ 100% acquisition of Photonics GmbH from Philips, which marked its largest acquisition since 2013 and aimed to enhance its offerings in photonics. Additionally, Trumpf acquired an 80% stake in Active Fiber Systems GmbH, a company known for its ultrashort-pulse laser systems, furÅ·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨r solidifying its position in Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ photonics market. Trumpf also participates in venture funding, as seen in its involvement with iThera Medical and Eyeware, indicating a broader interest in innovative technologies that intersect with photonics.

4. Bayern Kapital

• Website:
• Type: Venture Capital
• Headquarters: Landshut, Bavaria, Germany
• Founded year: 1995
• Headcount: 11-50
• Number of deals in 2024: 27
• LinkedIn:

Bayern Kapital is a venture capital firm based in Landshut, Bavaria, Germany, founded in 1995. The firm specializes in providing investment and growth capital to innovative high-tech startups and scale-ups in Bavaria. They support Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ir clients with financial resources and access to a network of industry experts, helping Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨m navigate Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ challenges of growth and development in various sectors, including life sciences and software. Notably, Bayern Kapital has participated in several transactions relevant to Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ photonics industry, such as Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ir investment in Photonics Healthcare, which raised funds in 2013. They also participated in funding rounds for healthtech startups like iThera Medical and deepeye, which may incorporate photonics technologies in Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ir solutions. This diverse portfolio showcases Bayern Kapital's engagement with Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ photonics sector, making Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨m a significant player in this field.

5. Jenoptik

• Website:
• Type: Corporate
• Headquarters: Jena, Thuringia, Germany
• Founded year: 1991
• Headcount: 1001-5000
• LinkedIn:

Jenoptik AG is a corporate investor based in Jena, Thuringia, Germany, founded in 1991. The company specializes in photonics and optics, offering a diverse range of products including imaging solutions, laser technology, and optical systems. Jenoptik operates primarily in industries such as automotive, defense, and medical technology, providing advanced solutions that enhance product performance and safety. Notably, Jenoptik has made several strategic acquisitions to bolster its position in Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ photonics market. In 2008, Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨y acquired EPIGAP Optronic, a company that contributes to Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ir optical technology portfolio. In 2002, Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨y acquired Coastal Optical Systems, which specializes in custom precision optical assemblies, furÅ·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨r enhancing Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ir capabilities in Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ photonics sector. More recently, in 2017, Jenoptik acquired Five Lakes Automation to integrate automated manufacturing solutions with Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ir laser machine business, showcasing Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ir commitment to advancing photonics technology through strategic investments.

6. GoBeyond

• Website:
• Type: Venture Capital
• Headquarters: Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
• Founded year: 2008
• Headcount: 1-10
• LinkedIn:

GoBeyond is a venture capital investment platform based in Zurich, Switzerland, founded in 2008. It connects investors with early-stage startups, offering services such as individual portfolio investing, access to curated deal flow, and investment training. GoBeyond has facilitated investments in several companies, including notable transactions in Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ photonics sector. For instance, Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨y participated in funding rounds for ActLight, which raised funds in Series A, B, and a Convertible Note, and Attolight, which raised $2,791,781 in Series D. Additionally, Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨y invested in Fastree3D, which also aligns with photonics technology. These transactions highlight GoBeyond's active role in supporting startups within Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ photonics industry.

7. Sictic

• Website:
• Type: Venture Capital
• Headquarters: Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
• Founded year: 2014
• Headcount: 201-500
• Number of deals in 2024: 77
• LinkedIn:

Sictic is a not-for-profit venture capital organization based in Zurich, Switzerland, founded in 2014. It connects smart money investors with innovative Swiss early-stage technology startups, providing investment opportunities, networking events, and educational resources to facilitate Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ growth of startups and Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ investment community. Among Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ir notable transactions, Sictic has invested in companies like Miraex, which raised $4 million in a seed round in 2022, and LEDCity, which secured $2 million in a seed round in 2021. These companies are involved in photonics-related technologies, showcasing Sictic's engagement in Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ sector. Additionally, Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨y have supported oÅ·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨r technology startups, indicating a broad investment strategy while still maintaining a focus on relevant industries.

8. ams Sensors Germany

• Website:
• Type: Corporate
• Headquarters: Jena, Thuringia, Germany
• Founded year: 1981
• Headcount: 10001+
• LinkedIn:

ams Sensors Germany, part of ams-OSRAM AG, is a leading electronics manufacturer based in Jena, Thuringia, Germany, founded in 1981. The company specializes in Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ development and production of integrated circuits and microelectronic products, serving various sectors within Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ electronics industry. Notably, ams has made significant acquisitions to bolster its capabilities in Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ photonics domain. In 2015, Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨y acquired CMOSIS nv, a prominent supplier of high-end area scan and miniature medical CMOS image sensors, for approximately EUR 220 million, enhancing Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ir optical sensor portfolio. In 2016, Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨y furÅ·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨r expanded Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ir sensor technology capabilities by acquiring Cambridge CMOS Sensors, a spin-off from Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ University of Cambridge, which specializes in gas and infrared sensor technology. Additionally, ams has acquired AppliedSensor, a private gas sensor specialist, furÅ·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨r solidifying Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ir position in Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ sensor market. These strategic moves underscore ams Sensors Germany's commitment to innovation and leadership in Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ photonics industry.

9. 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 a workforce of over 10,000 employees, ZEISS offers a diverse range of products, including medical technology solutions, semiconductor manufacturing equipment, and high-quality optical systems. The company is committed to innovation and sustainability, serving various industries and enhancing customer experiences. Notably, ZEISS has made significant investments in Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ photonics sector, including a majority stake acquisition in arivis AG, which focuses on imaging technology for research microscopy. Additionally, ZEISS Ventures participated in a â‚�10 million Series A funding round for Scantinel Photonics, a startup developing FMCW LiDAR devices, and invested in Senorics GmbH to support Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ commercialization of material sensing technology. These transactions highlight ZEISS's strategic focus on advancing photonics technologies and its commitment to enhancing its capabilities in this field.

10. IBB Ventures

• Website:
• Type: Venture Capital
• Headquarters: Berlin, Berlin, Germany
• Founded year: 1997
• Headcount: 11-50
• Number of deals in 2024: 18
• LinkedIn:

IBB Ventures is a venture capital firm based in Berlin, Germany, founded in 1997. The firm specializes in early-stage financing and has supported over 270 startups, providing not only capital but also expertise and resources to help Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨se businesses thrive in competitive markets. Among Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ir notable investments are EPIGAP Optronic, which focuses on optoelectronic technologies, and Nanotron Technologies, known for its innovations in wireless communication and sensor technologies that leverage photonics principles. Additionally, IBB Ventures has invested in Scienion, a company that develops precision dispensing systems, which can also relate to photonics applications. Their diverse portfolio demonstrates a commitment to fostering innovation across various sectors, including those relevant to photonics.

11. Deutsche Private Equity (DPE)

• Website:
• Type: Private Equity
• Headquarters: Munich, Bavaria, Germany
• Founded year: 2007
• Headcount: 51-200
• Number of deals in 2024: 2
• LinkedIn:

Deutsche Private Equity (DPE) is a private equity firm based in Munich, Bavaria, Germany, founded in 2007. The firm specializes in providing growth capital to medium-sized enterprises, primarily in Germany, Austria, and Switzerland. DPE manages investment funds with a focus on fostering growth and creating sustainable corporate values for its portfolio companies. Notably, DPE has made significant investments in Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ photonics sector, including Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ acquisition of a majority stake in Sill Optics, a company that produces optical components and systems essential for various photonics applications. Additionally, DPE was involved in a funding round for First Sensor, a company that develops sensor technology, which often intersects with photonics. These transactions highlight DPE's active role in Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ photonics industry, supporting companies that contribute to advancements in optical technologies.

12. Quan Technology Fund

• Website:
• Type: Corporate
• Headquarters: Geneva, Geneva, Switzerland
• Founded year: 1997
• Headcount: 11-50
• LinkedIn:

Quan Technology Fund is an investment management firm based in Geneva, Switzerland, founded in 1997. The firm specializes in technology-focused funds and provides investment management services to accredited investors and institutions, aiming for absolute returns in Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ technology sector. Their flagship product, Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ Quan Technology Fund, has demonstrated strong historical performance, making it an attractive option for growth-seeking investors. Notably, Quan Technology Fund has participated in significant transactions within Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ photonics industry, including investments in Lumotive, a company specializing in lidar technology, and ActLight, which focuses on Time-Of-Flight (TOF) solutions. These investments highlight Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ir active role in Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ photonics sector, alongside Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ir broader technology investment strategy.

13. 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 founded in 1997, based in Germany, that specializes in investing in European technology innovators. They provide financial resources and strategic support to startups, particularly in Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ digital health and deep tech sectors. Earlybird focuses on nurturing early-stage companies through funding and mentorship, helping Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨m navigate growth challenges. Notably, Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨y have participated in significant transactions such as Quantum Diamonds, which raised â‚�7 million for Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ development of quantum sensors, highlighting Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ir engagement in Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ photonics field. Additionally, Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ir investment in Arga Medtech, which is developing a pulsed field ablation system, furÅ·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨r illustrates Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ir involvement in advanced technologies that may leverage photonics. Overall, Earlybird's diverse portfolio and strategic investments position Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨m as a relevant player in Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ technology landscape, including photonics-related ventures.

Photonics Insights: Key Investors in DACH

Investor	Headquarter	Size	Founded	Deals 2024
	Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland	11-50	2007	4
	Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland	11-50	2010	25
	Ditzingen, Baden-Württemberg, Germany	10001+	2016	2
	Landshut, Bavaria, Germany	11-50	1995	27
	Jena, Thuringia, Germany	1001-5000	1991	0
	Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland	1-10	2008	0
	Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland	201-500	2014	77
	Jena, Thuringia, Germany	10001+	1981	0
	Oberkochen, Baden-Württemberg, Germany	10001+	1846	4
	Berlin, Berlin, Germany	11-50	1997	18
	Munich, Bavaria, Germany	51-200	2007	2
	Geneva, Geneva, Switzerland	11-50	1997	0
	Germany	51-200	1997	29

Want to find more investors focusing on Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ photonics industry?

If you want to find more investors that are active in Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ photonicsindustry, you can do that with Inven. We built this list and analysis throughInven's Investor Search, and Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨re are a lot more private equity, venturecapital, and corporate investors like Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨se globally.

With Inven, you'll also get to know:

• Deal History: Number of deals and Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ir sizes.
• Portfolio: Companies Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨y've invested in.
• Contact data: Key dealmakers, including Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ir emails and phonenumbers.
• ...and much more!