The optical communication systems industry in Benelux focuses on the development and implementation of technologies that transmit data through light. Companies range from startups innovating in integrated photonics to established firms enhancing fiber optics infrastructure. With the growing demand for high-speed internet and expansive connectivity in telecommunications, the industry is poised for robust growth. Advancements in areas like fiber-to-the-home (FTTH) and satellite internet services signal a promising future and opportunities for investors. Countries in the Benelux region are strategically positioned at the crossroads of digital innovation, making them a hotbed for optical technology development.


This list highlights 12 investors actively engaged in the optical communication systems sector within Benelux. With a mix of venture capital, private equity, and corporate investors, these entities range from the established CVC Capital Partners of Luxembourg to the nimble M Ventures in Amsterdam. Operating sizes vary with significant deal counts reported in 2024, reflecting a strong focus on innovative investments. Together, they provide an overview of the investment landscape instrumental in shaping the future of optical communication technologies across the region.


Top 12 Optical Communication Systems Investors in Benelux


1. European Innovation Council (EIC)


The European Innovation Council (EIC) is a public entity based in Brussels, Belgium, established to support innovation and entrepreneurship across Europe. Founded in 1958, the EIC offers various funding programs, including the EIC Accelerator and EIC Pathfinder, aimed at helping startups and SMEs develop and scale their technologies. In recent years, the EIC has been involved in several transactions relevant to the optical communication systems sector. Notably, it supported Cailabs, an innovative photonics company that raised €26 million in a Series C funding round to expand its laser communications and optical ground station business. Additionally, the EIC provided grants to other companies in the optical domain, such as Lumiphase and iPronics, which received funding to advance their technologies. These activities demonstrate the EIC's commitment to fostering innovation in the optical communication systems industry.


2. European Investment Bank (EIB)


The European Investment Bank (EIB), founded in 1958 and based in Luxembourg, is a public entity that provides a range of financial services including loans, equity investments, guarantees, and advisory services. EIB aims to support sustainable projects that promote growth and job creation across various sectors. In recent years, EIB has been involved in several notable transactions relevant to the optical communication systems industry. For instance, it provided significant funding to Nokia, raising over $584 million in 2018, and to Ericsson, with a $455.2 million funding deal announced in December 2023. Additionally, EIB supported Deutsche Glasfaser with $391 million in debt financing in September 2024 and assisted Prysmian Group with $487 million in post-IPO debt in July 2024. These transactions highlight EIB's active role in financing key players in the optical communication systems sector, reinforcing its position as a relevant investor in this field.


3. SES Satellites

  • Website: ses.com
  • Type: Corporate
  • Headquarters: Betzdorf, Grevenmacher, Luxembourg
  • Founded year: 1985
  • Headcount: 1001-5000
  • Number of deals in 2024: 2
  • LinkedIn: ses

SES S.A. is a satellite telecommunications provider based in Betzdorf, Luxembourg, founded in 1985. The company operates a fleet of over 70 satellites in geostationary and medium Earth orbits, providing a range of services including video broadcast and data connectivity solutions across various sectors such as broadcasting, government, and maritime. In recent years, SES has made strategic investments that align with the optical communication systems industry. Notably, they participated in a Series A funding round for ALCAN Systems, a German start-up focused on next-generation smart antennas, raising EUR 7.5 million. Additionally, SES led a £29.2 million Series B investment in Isotropic Systems, which aims to enhance satellite communication technologies. Their acquisition of Intelsat for $3.1 billion is set to create the world's largest satellite services provider, further expanding their influence in the telecommunications landscape. These transactions highlight SES's commitment to advancing communication technologies, making them a relevant investor in the optical communication systems sector.


4. M Ventures

  • Website: m-ventures.com
  • Type: Venture Capital
  • Headquarters: Amsterdam, North Holland, Netherlands
  • Founded year: 2009
  • Headcount: 11-50
  • Number of deals in 2024: 18
  • LinkedIn: merck-ventures

M Ventures is a venture capital fund based in Amsterdam, Netherlands, founded in 2009. The firm specializes in investing in transformative ideas within the biotechnology and technology sectors, providing funding and strategic guidance to startups in healthcare, life sciences, and advanced technology. In recent transactions, M Ventures has demonstrated its interest in the optical communication systems industry by participating in funding rounds for companies like Celestial AI, which develops Photonic Fabric Optical Interconnect Technology, and Polaris Electro-Optics, an integrated photonics products company. These investments highlight M Ventures' commitment to supporting innovation in optical communication technologies, alongside their broader focus on advanced technology and life sciences.


5. PhotonDelta

  • Website: photondelta.com
  • Type: Corporate
  • Headquarters: Eindhoven, North Brabant, Netherlands
  • Founded year: 2018
  • Headcount: 11-50
  • Number of deals in 2024: 1
  • LinkedIn: photondelta

PhotonDelta is a corporate investor based in Eindhoven, North Brabant, Netherlands, founded in 2018. The company specializes in integrated photonics, focusing on the research, development, and manufacturing of photonic integrated circuits (PICs). PhotonDelta offers investment opportunities in this sector, catering to various industries including healthcare, telecommunications, and agriculture, which seek advanced photonic solutions to enhance their operations. Notably, PhotonDelta has been involved in significant transactions relevant to the optical communication systems industry, such as co-leading a $37 million Series C funding round for EFFECT Photonics, which is focused on developing single-chip coherent optics. Additionally, they have supported SMART Photonics through various funding rounds, including a loan agreement aimed at scaling production of photonic integrated circuits, and have participated in a funding round that included substantial contributions from strategic players in the semiconductor industry. These activities highlight PhotonDelta's commitment to strengthening the integrated photonics ecosystem, particularly in the context of optical communication systems.


6. Cipio Partners

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

Cipio Partners is a venture capital firm based in Luxembourg, founded in 2003. The firm specializes in European growth capital and minority buyouts for technology companies, providing both financial support and strategic guidance to help businesses scale and prepare for liquidity events. Cipio Partners focuses on technology firms with proven business models and significant revenue, primarily in the software and B2B sectors. Notably, they have been involved in several funding rounds for BridgeWave Communications, a supplier of 4G millimeter wave backhaul solutions, which is directly related to optical communication systems. Their investments in BridgeWave include a Series B round in 2005 and multiple venture rounds from 2009 to 2013, indicating a sustained interest in the optical communications space.


7. Cvc

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

CVC Capital Partners is a prominent investment firm founded in 2005, specializing in private equity, credit, secondaries, and infrastructure. With approximately €193 billion in assets under management for over 1000 clients, including pension funds and institutional investors, CVC focuses on delivering sustainable value and growth through strategic investments. Notably, CVC has made significant investments in the telecommunications sector, including the acquisition of a 50% stake in Arteria Networks, a fiber operator, for approximately US$150 million. This acquisition underscores CVC's commitment to the B2B segment of the telecom market, where fiber networks play a critical role in optical communication systems. Additionally, CVC's acquisition of Hong Kong Broadband Network further demonstrates their interest in telecom infrastructure, although it is not directly related to optical communication systems. Overall, CVC's strategic investments in relevant companies position them as a player in the optical communication systems industry.


8. Brabantse Ontwikkelings Maatschappij (BOM)


The Brabantse Ontwikkelings Maatschappij (BOM) is a venture capital firm based in Tilburg, North Brabant, Netherlands, founded in 1983. BOM serves as a development agency that supports startups and scale-ups in the Brabant region by providing funding, expertise, and networking opportunities. They focus on enhancing business growth through various programs, including readiness programs for venture capital and innovation in sustainable food and energy sectors. Notably, BOM has been involved in significant transactions within the optical communication systems sector, including investments in EFFECT Photonics, which raised funds in Series A rounds in 2015 and 2016, and SMART-Photonics, which secured $44,562,237 in debt financing in 2023. These investments highlight BOM's engagement in the optical communication field, showcasing their role in fostering technological advancements in this area.


9. Gimv

  • Website: gimv.com
  • Type: Venture Capital
  • Headquarters: Antwerp, Flanders, Belgium
  • Founded year: 1980
  • Headcount: 51-200
  • Number of deals in 2024: 8
  • LinkedIn: gimv

Gimv is a venture capital investment firm based in Antwerp, Flanders, Belgium, founded in 1980. The firm partners with innovative companies across various sectors, including Consumer, Healthcare, Life Sciences, Smart Industries, and Sustainable Cities. Gimv provides investment management and strategic support to help businesses grow sustainably. Notably, Gimv has been involved in several transactions relevant to the optical communication systems context, particularly with CoWare, a company that raised significant funding in multiple rounds from 1999 to 2007, indicating a long-term investment in technology that could relate to optical communications. Additionally, their acquisition of Onedirect Comunicaciones in 2010 for over $19 million showcases their active role in the telecommunications sector, which may also intersect with optical communication systems.


10. Kpn

  • Website: kpn.com
  • Type: Corporate
  • Headquarters: Rotterdam, South Holland, Netherlands
  • Founded year: 1989
  • Headcount: 10001+
  • Number of deals in 2024: 2
  • LinkedIn: kpn

KPN is a leading telecommunications provider based in Rotterdam, South Holland, Netherlands, founded in 1989. With over 10,000 employees, KPN offers a comprehensive range of services including fixed and mobile telephony, internet, and television to both consumers and businesses. The company is known for its reliable network and extensive service offerings. KPN has been involved in several significant transactions that enhance its capabilities in the telecommunications sector. Notably, KPN acquired Solcon, a Dutch internet service provider, to strengthen its service offerings. Additionally, KPN participated in a funding round for Actility, a provider of IoT network solutions, indicating its interest in advanced communication technologies. These transactions align with KPN's strategy to enhance its connectivity and ICT solutions, which are essential components of optical communication systems.


11. ABN AMRO Clearing Bank

  • Website: abnamro.com
  • Type: Venture Capital
  • Headquarters: Amsterdam, North Holland, Netherlands
  • Founded year: 1982
  • Headcount: 501-1000
  • Number of deals in 2024: 19
  • LinkedIn: abn-amro-clearing-bank-n-v-

ABN AMRO Clearing Bank is a banking institution based in Amsterdam, Netherlands, founded in 1982. It provides a range of financial services, including personal banking, business banking, and investment management. In 2024, the bank has been involved in 19 investments, showcasing its active role in the financial market. Notably, ABN AMRO has participated in several key transactions relevant to the optical communication systems sector. For instance, they were part of the financing for Glasfaser Nordwest, which raised approximately €800 million to expand its fiber-to-the-home (FTTH) network in Germany, aiming to reach 1.5 million customers by 2030. Additionally, they were involved in the capex financing for Deutsche GigaNetz GmbH, which secured significant funding to enhance its fiber network capabilities. These transactions highlight ABN AMRO's commitment to supporting the growth of optical communication infrastructure.


12. imec.xpand

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

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 the semiconductor and nanotechnology sectors. Leveraging imec's expertise and infrastructure, imec.xpand aims to foster innovation and help startups navigate their development and market challenges. Notably, imec.xpand has participated in significant funding rounds for companies relevant to optical communication systems, including Celestial AI, which raised $100 million in Series B funding for its Photonic Fabric Optical Interconnect Technology, and Pharrowtech, which raised €15 million in Series A funding to enhance its product capabilities for wireless applications. These transactions highlight imec.xpand's active role in supporting technologies that are integral to the optical communication landscape.



Optical Communication Systems Insights: Key Investors in Benelux


InvestorHeadquarterSizeFoundedDeals 2024
European Innovation Council (EIC)Brussels, Brussels, Belgium201-500195857
European Investment Bank (EIB)Luxembourg1001-5000195899
SES SatellitesBetzdorf, Grevenmacher, Luxembourg1001-500019852
M VenturesAmsterdam, North Holland, Netherlands11-50200918
PhotonDeltaEindhoven, North Brabant, Netherlands11-5020181
Cipio PartnersLuxembourg11-5020032
CvcLuxembourg1001-5000200516
Brabantse Ontwikkelings Maatschappij (BOM)Tilburg, North Brabant, Netherlands51-200198310
GimvAntwerp, Flanders, Belgium51-20019808
KpnRotterdam, South Holland, Netherlands10001+19892
ABN AMRO Clearing BankAmsterdam, North Holland, Netherlands501-1000198219
imec.xpandLeuven, Flanders, Belgium1-1020175


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