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The optical goods retail industry in Benelux consists of eyeglasses, contact lenses, and vision care products. Both local shops and large chain retailers cater to customers, often embracing digital transformation to enhance shopping experiences. E-commerce is gaining traction, especially with online eye-testing services and personalized eyewear options. The industry is increasingly focused on sustainability, cycling towards eco-friendly practices and innovative technologies that improve vision solutions. Factors such as an aging population and rising awareness of eye health are set to stimulate significant growth in Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ coming years, promising a brighter future for Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ sector.

The investors in this list reflect a mix of corporate entities, private equity firms, and venture capitalists, each playing a critical role in Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ optical goods retail space. Headquartered across Brussels, Amsterdam, Luxembourg, and oÅ·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨r locations, Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨se organizations vary in size and focus, ranging from 1 to over 5000 employees. Founded between 1917 and 2017, Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨y collectively participated in numerous investments in 2024, showcasing significant engagement in Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ optical goods market, including noteworthy contributions from entities like Vendis Capital and CVC Capital Partners.

Top 14 Optical Goods Retail Investors in Benelux

1. European Innovation Council (EIC)

• Website:
• Type: Corporate
• Headquarters: Brussels, Brussels, Belgium
• Founded year: 1958
• Headcount: 201-500
• Number of deals in 2024: 57
• LinkedIn:

The European Innovation Council (EIC) is a public entity based in Brussels, Belgium, established to support innovation and entrepreneurship across Europe. Founded in 1958, Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ EIC offers various funding programs, including Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ EIC Accelerator and EIC Pathfinder, aimed at helping startups and SMEs develop and scale Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ir technologies. The EIC also provides business acceleration services, networking opportunities, and prizes to foster innovation in multiple sectors. Notably, Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ EIC has been involved in significant transactions within Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ optical goods sector, such as providing grants to PhoneOptika and CREAL, and participating in a Series B funding round for NIL Technology ApS, a company specializing in advanced optical solutions. These transactions highlight Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ EIC's active role in supporting innovation in Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ optical goods industry, making it a relevant investor in this space.

2. Cvc

• Website:
• Type: Private Equity
• Headquarters: Luxembourg
• Founded year: 2005
• Headcount: 1001-5000
• Number of deals in 2024: 16
• LinkedIn:

CVC Capital Partners is a leading investment firm specializing in private equity, credit, secondaries, and infrastructure, managing approximately â‚�193 billion in assets for over 1000 clients, including pension funds and institutional investors. Founded in 2005 and based in Luxembourg, CVC focuses on delivering sustainable value and growth through strategic investments. Notably, CVC has made significant strides in Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ optical goods retail sector, exemplified by Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ir acquisition of Synsam Nordic A/S in 2014, which highlights Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ir commitment to enhancing growth in Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ optical retail market. This acquisition, along with Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ir diverse portfolio that includes investments in various retail sectors, positions CVC as a versatile investor with a keen interest in optical goods retail.

3. imec.xpand

• Website:
• Type: Venture Capital
• Headquarters: Leuven, Flanders, Belgium
• Founded year: 2017
• Headcount: 1-10
• Number of deals in 2024: 5
• LinkedIn:

imec.xpand is a venture capital fund based in Leuven, Flanders, Belgium, founded in 2017. The firm specializes in providing investment and operational support to early-stage deep tech companies, particularly in Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ semiconductor and nanotechnology sectors. They leverage imec's expertise and infrastructure to help startups navigate Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ir development and market challenges. Notably, imec.xpand has invested in Azalea Vision, which raised â‚�8 million to develop smart contact lenses aimed at addressing light sensitivity and ocular disorders. Additionally, Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨y have been involved with Swave Photonics, which has raised significant funding in multiple rounds, indicating Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ir commitment to advancing optical technologies. Their investments reflect a strategic interest in Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ optical goods sector, particularly in innovative solutions that enhance vision care.

4. Exor N.V.

• Website:
• Type: Venture Capital
• Headquarters: Amsterdam, North Holland, NeÅ·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨rlands
• Founded year: 2009
• Headcount: 11-50
• Number of deals in 2024: 26
• LinkedIn:

Exor N.V. is a holding company based in Amsterdam, NeÅ·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨rlands, founded in 2009. It operates across various sectors including automotive, healthcare, and media, and manages a diverse portfolio of companies such as Ferrari, Stellantis, and Philips. Exor focuses on enhancing value through strategic investments and operational support. Notably, Exor Ventures participated in a Series B financing round for Allotex, which is developing technology aimed at treating refractive errors, indicating a direct interest in Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ optical goods sector. Additionally, Exor has been involved in various oÅ·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨r transactions, including seed funding for startups in different industries, showcasing its broad investment strategy while still engaging in relevant sectors like optical health.

5. M Ventures

• Website:
• Type: Venture Capital
• Headquarters: Amsterdam, North Holland, NeÅ·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨rlands
• Founded year: 2009
• Headcount: 11-50
• Number of deals in 2024: 18
• LinkedIn:

M Ventures is a venture capital fund based in Amsterdam, NeÅ·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨rlands, founded in 2009. The firm specializes in investing in transformative ideas within Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ biotechnology and technology sectors, providing funding and strategic guidance to startups in healthcare, life sciences, and advanced technology. Notably, M Ventures has participated in significant transactions such as Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ Series A and Series B funding rounds for Metalenz, a metasurface optics startup that is advancing high-performance 3D sensing solutions. This involvement highlights M Ventures' engagement in Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ optical technology space, particularly in applications that could impact consumer electronics and automotive industries. Additionally, M Ventures has invested in oÅ·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨r innovative companies like PxE Holographic Imaging, furÅ·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨r showcasing Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ir commitment to supporting cutting-edge technologies that may intersect with optical goods.

6. Vendis Capital

• Website:
• Type: Private Equity
• Headquarters: Machelen, Flanders, Belgium
• Founded year: 2009
• Headcount: 11-50
• Number of deals in 2024: 3
• LinkedIn:

Vendis Capital is a private equity investment firm based in Machelen, Flanders, Belgium, founded in 2009. The firm specializes in consumer scale-ups, providing capital and strategic support to help consumer businesses grow internationally and implement effective digitalization strategies. Vendis Capital focuses on collaboration with entrepreneurs to enhance market presence and achieve sustainable growth. Notably, Vendis Capital acquired eyes+more, a retailer in Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ optical goods sector, on October 28, 2010, marking a significant investment in Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ optical retail industry. Additionally, Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨y have made investments in oÅ·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨r consumer-focused businesses, such as Kamera Express, a retailer for photo and video equipment, and ZEB, furÅ·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨r showcasing Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ir commitment to consumer markets.

7. Pmv

• Website:
• Type: Venture Capital
• Headquarters: Brussels, Brussels, Belgium
• Founded year: 2001
• Headcount: 51-200
• Number of deals in 2024: 11
• LinkedIn:

Participatiemaatschappij Vlaanderen (PMV) is a public entity that acts as an investment company for Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ Flemish government, founded in 2001. It provides a range of financing solutions, including loans and co-financing, to startups, scale-ups, and established businesses across various sectors such as real estate, clean tech, and life sciences. Notably, PMV has been involved in significant transactions within Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ optical goods sector, particularly with Morrow Optics, which raised substantial funding in multiple rounds, including $10,511,563 in July 2018 and $4,307,464 in November 2020. These investments highlight PMV's commitment to supporting innovation and growth in Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ optical goods retail industry, alongside its broader investment strategy.

8. Quilvest Capital Partners

• Website:
• Type: Private Equity
• Headquarters: Luxembourg
• Founded year: 1917
• Headcount: 51-200
• Number of deals in 2024: 2
• LinkedIn:

Quilvest Capital Partners is an investment management firm based in Luxembourg, specializing in private equity, real estate, and private credit. Founded in 1917, Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ firm manages over $7 billion in assets and serves a diverse clientele, including institutions and family offices, by providing tailored investment strategies to meet Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ir financial objectives. Recently, Quilvest has made notable investments in Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ optical goods retail sector, including a venture round for Lunettes Pour Tous, which focuses on affordable eyewear solutions. Additionally, Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨y acquired a majority stake in Cabaïa, a French accessories brand, showcasing Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ir broader interest in consumer goods. These transactions highlight Quilvest's commitment to investing in innovative retail concepts, including those in Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ optical goods market.

9. Cipio Partners

• Website:
• Type: Venture Capital
• Headquarters: Luxembourg
• Founded year: 2003
• Headcount: 11-50
• Number of deals in 2024: 2
• LinkedIn:

Cipio Partners is a venture capital firm based in Luxembourg, founded in 2003. The firm specializes in European growth capital and minority buyouts, primarily targeting technology companies with proven business models and significant revenue. Cipio Partners provides financial support and strategic guidance to help businesses scale and prepare for liquidity events. Notably, Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨y have invested in MyOptique Group, a London-based online optical retailer, which raised significant funding for international expansion and acquisitions. This investment highlights Cipio's engagement in Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ optical goods retail sector, alongside Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ir broader focus on technology and B2B firms. Additionally, Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨y have participated in various funding rounds for oÅ·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨r technology companies, demonstrating Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ir diverse investment portfolio.

10. Qbic Fund | Venture Capital

• Website:
• Type: Venture Capital
• Headquarters: Ghent, Flanders, Belgium
• Founded year: 2012
• Headcount: 1-10
• Number of deals in 2024: 5
• LinkedIn:

Qbic Fund | Venture Capital is a venture capital fund based in Ghent, Flanders, Belgium, founded in 2012. The fund specializes in seed and early-stage investments in innovative companies across various sectors, with a focus on creating impact by transforming technological breakthroughs into sustainable businesses. Qbic supports its portfolio companies throughout Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ir growth, particularly in sectors such as biotechnology and technology. Notably, Qbic has invested in Morrow Optics, which raised funds in both 2016 and 2022, indicating a commitment to Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ optical goods sector. Additionally, Qbic has also invested in Swave Photonics, which has raised significant funding in recent years, furÅ·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨r showcasing its engagement in Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ optics and photonics fields. These transactions highlight Qbic's relevance in Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ optical goods retail context.

11. Groupe HLD

• Website: groupehld.com
• Type: Private Equity
• Headquarters: Luxembourg
• Founded year: 2010
• Headcount: 11-50
• LinkedIn:

Groupe HLD is a private equity firm based in Luxembourg, founded in 2010. The firm specializes in supporting high-growth-potential European companies across various sectors, including business services, healthcare, and consumer goods. HLD provides investment management, operational development, and strategic consulting to help its portfolio companies thrive in competitive markets. Notably, HLD is in exclusive talks to acquire a majority stake in Jimmy Fairly, a French eyewear brand, which aims to enhance Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ brand's development and expand its European presence. This transaction highlights HLD's active involvement in Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ optical goods retail sector, showcasing Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ir commitment to investing in companies that operate within this industry.

12. H2 Equity Partners

• Website:
• Type: Private Equity
• Headquarters: Amsterdam, North Holland, NeÅ·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨rlands
• Founded year: 1991
• Headcount: 11-50
• LinkedIn:

H2 Equity Partners is a private equity investment firm based in Amsterdam, NeÅ·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨rlands, founded in 1991. The firm specializes in private equity investments in mid-sized companies across various sectors, providing hands-on support and consulting services to help management teams achieve growth and operational improvements. Notably, H2 Equity Partners has been involved in significant transactions, including Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ acquisition of Optegra UK Ltd, which operates a network of eye clinics, including Lexum in Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ Czech Republic. This acquisition highlights Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ir engagement in Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ optical goods retail context, as it relates to eye care services. Additionally, Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨y have made acquisitions in oÅ·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨r sectors, such as Eurocell and Dummen Orange, showcasing Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ir diverse investment portfolio.

13. Ergon Capital

• Website:
• Type: Private Equity
• Headquarters: Brussels, Brussels, Belgium
• Founded year: 2005
• Headcount: 11-50
• LinkedIn:

Ergon Capital is a private equity firm based in Brussels, Belgium, founded in 2005. The firm specializes in investment management and sustainability consulting, partnering with families, entrepreneurs, and management teams to enhance business value while promoting ESG initiatives. Among Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ir notable transactions, Ergon Capital acquired a majority stake in Indo Optical on June 21, 2018. Indo Optical is recognized as a leading producer of ophthalmic lenses and a major distributor of optical and ophthalmologic equipment, showcasing Ergon's commitment to Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ optical goods sector. This strategic investment reflects Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ir capability to provide support and growth opportunities within Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ optical industry, alongside Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ir broader investment strategy across various sectors.

14. Nimbus

• Website:
• Type: Private Equity
• Headquarters: Zeist, Utrecht, NeÅ·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨rlands
• Founded year: 1999
• Headcount: 11-50
• Number of deals in 2024: 3
• LinkedIn:

Nimbus is a private equity investment firm based in Zeist, Utrecht, NeÅ·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨rlands, founded in 1999. The firm specializes in private equity investments, focusing on medium-sized businesses that require transformational change. Nimbus provides capital and hands-on support to enhance operational performance and drive growth. Their clients primarily include management teams from various industries, including manufacturing and technical trade, seeking strategic guidance and financial backing. Notably, Nimbus has invested in Easee, an Amsterdam-based online eye-test startup, which secured growth capital from Nimbus Ventures in July 2018. This investment aims to enable individuals to undergo fast and reliable eye tests without visiting an optician, showcasing Nimbus's engagement in Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ optical goods retail sector.

Optical Goods Retail Insights: Key Investors in Benelux

Investor	Headquarter	Size	Founded	Deals 2024
	Brussels, Brussels, Belgium	201-500	1958	57
	Luxembourg	1001-5000	2005	16
	Leuven, Flanders, Belgium	1-10	2017	5
	Amsterdam, North Holland, NeÅ·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨rlands	11-50	2009	26
	Amsterdam, North Holland, NeÅ·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨rlands	11-50	2009	18
	Machelen, Flanders, Belgium	11-50	2009	3
	Brussels, Brussels, Belgium	51-200	2001	11
	Luxembourg	51-200	1917	2
	Luxembourg	11-50	2003	2
	Ghent, Flanders, Belgium	1-10	2012	5
Groupe HLD	Luxembourg	11-50	2010	0
	Amsterdam, North Holland, NeÅ·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨rlands	11-50	1991	0
	Brussels, Brussels, Belgium	11-50	2005	0
	Zeist, Utrecht, NeÅ·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨rlands	11-50	1999	3

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