The ophthalmic instruments industry in the DACH region focuses on developing medical devices and technologies for eye care. Companies here produce a wide range of products, including surgical instruments, diagnostic tools, and therapeutic devices aimed at treating eye diseases. Given the increasing prevalence of vision problems and a growing demand for innovative solutions, the industry is on a trajectory of significant growth. Advances in technology, such as digital imaging and laser treatment, are propelling the market forward. For instance, telemedicine applications are becoming more prominent, allowing for remote diagnosis and treatment options.


The list of top investors in the ophthalmic instruments sector includes a mix of venture capital firms and corporate giants. Hailing primarily from Switzerland and Germany, these investors vary in size, with newcomers and established firms both making substantial contributions. Founded between 1993 and 2014, their collective deal counts for 2024 highlight a robust commitment to the sector. This combination of expertise and financial backing signifies a bright future for companies developing innovative eye care solutions.


Top 13 Ophthalmic Instruments Investors in DACH


1. Verve Ventures

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

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 focus spans various sectors, including climate tech, industrial technology, and health & bio. In recent years, Verve Ventures has been involved in several notable transactions, including a significant investment in ARTIRIA Medical, which raised US$6 million in a Series A2 round to support stroke studies and product development. This investment highlights their engagement in the health sector, particularly in medical technologies that could intersect with ophthalmic applications. Additionally, they participated in the seed funding round for EarlySight, a startup that may have relevance in the ophthalmic space, although the specifics of its focus are less clear. Overall, Verve Ventures demonstrates a commitment to supporting innovative health technologies, which may include ophthalmic instruments.


2. Alcon

  • Website: alcon.com
  • Type: Corporate
  • Headquarters: Geneva, Geneva, Switzerland
  • Founded year: 1945
  • Headcount: 10001+
  • Number of deals in 2024: 2
  • LinkedIn: alcon

Alcon is a leading eye care company founded in 1945, headquartered in Geneva, Switzerland. With a workforce of over 10,000 employees, Alcon specializes in innovative vision products and surgical solutions, offering a comprehensive range of products including contact lenses, eye care solutions, and surgical instruments for treating various eye diseases. Alcon's commitment to enhancing the quality of life through improved vision is evident in their strategic acquisitions. Notably, they acquired Aerie Pharmaceuticals for $770 million in 2022, which focuses on developing therapies for eye diseases. In 2021, they acquired Ivantis for $475 million, a company known for its minimally invasive glaucoma surgery technology. Additionally, Alcon's acquisition of LENSAR in 2025 for $356 million further solidifies their position in the ophthalmic instruments market, as LENSAR specializes in advanced laser technology for cataract surgery. Their acquisition of BELKIN Vision in 2024 for $535 million also highlights their ongoing investment in innovative eye care solutions. Alcon's global operations and diverse product offerings make them a key player in the ophthalmic instruments industry.


3. Sictic

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

SICTIC is a not-for-profit organization based in Zurich, Switzerland, that connects smart money investors with innovative Swiss early-stage technology startups. Founded in 2014, SICTIC provides investment opportunities, networking events, and educational resources to facilitate the growth of startups and the investment community. Among their notable transactions, SICTIC has invested in PeriVision, a company focused on ophthalmic instruments, which raised between CHF 0.5 and 1 Million in a Seed Round to accelerate research and development for their inaugural product. Additionally, SICTIC has been involved in funding rounds for CREAL, a company that has raised significant amounts in various stages, although its direct relevance to ophthalmic instruments is less clear. Overall, SICTIC's engagement in the ophthalmic sector through specific investments makes them a relevant player in this field.


4. SHS Capital


SHS Gesellschaft für Beteiligungsmanagement mbH, known as SHS Capital, is a private equity firm based in Germany that specializes in healthcare investments. Founded in 1993, the firm focuses on providing capital and strategic support to fast-growing healthcare companies, helping them scale and succeed in the market. SHS Capital has been involved in several notable transactions, including the acquisition of Spiegelberg and TNI Medical, both of which operate in the medical technology space. In 2023, they invested EUR 18 million in MESI Medical, a diagnostic company, further demonstrating their commitment to the healthcare sector. While their transactions do not specifically highlight ophthalmic instruments, their broad focus on healthcare investments positions them as a potential investor in this field.


5. Bayern Kapital

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

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 their clients with financial resources and access to a network of industry experts, helping them navigate the challenges of growth and development in sectors such as life sciences and software. Notably, Bayern Kapital has participated in several transactions relevant to the ophthalmic instruments field, including a seed funding round for Deepeye Medical, a Munich-based healthtech startup focused on ophthalmic solutions, and multiple funding rounds for GME Medical Engineering, which develops medical technologies that may encompass ophthalmic applications. Their active engagement in these sectors highlights their commitment to fostering innovation in healthtech.


6. Wellington Partners


Wellington Partners is a venture capital firm based in Munich, Bavaria, Germany, founded in 1998. The firm specializes in life sciences, focusing on early- and growth-stage companies. They provide capital and strategic support to entrepreneurs in sectors such as therapeutics and medical devices. Notably, Wellington Partners has been involved in significant transactions within the ophthalmic instruments context, including a Series C financing round for Sensimed AG, which raised 17 million CHF to support the commercialization of its innovative eye health technology. Additionally, they participated in the Series A funding for Sensimed, raising $6.9 million, and were involved in a financing round for invendo medical, which aims to enhance production capacity for medical devices. These investments highlight Wellington Partners' active role in supporting companies that develop breakthrough technologies in the ophthalmic sector.


7. Earlybird Venture Capital


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 the digital health and deep tech sectors. Earlybird has been involved in several notable transactions in the ophthalmic instruments space, including a $91 million investment in Oculis, which focuses on delivering transformative therapies for eye conditions. Additionally, they participated in funding rounds for Alesi Surgical, which is known for its proprietary Ultravision technology that has received FDA approval. These investments highlight Earlybird's commitment to nurturing early-stage companies in the ophthalmic field, helping them navigate growth challenges and expand their market presence.


8. Novartis

  • Website: novartis.com
  • Type: Corporate
  • Headquarters: Basel, Basel, Switzerland
  • Founded year: 1996
  • Headcount: 10001+
  • Number of deals in 2024: 7
  • LinkedIn: novartis

Novartis AG is a pharmaceutical company based in Basel, Switzerland, founded in 1996. It develops and manufactures innovative medicines targeting serious diseases across various therapeutic areas. The company emphasizes research and development to improve patient outcomes. Notably, Novartis has made significant investments in the ophthalmic instruments sector, including the acquisition of Alcon in December 2010 for $12.9 billion, which is a major player in eye care. In 2019, Novartis announced its agreement to acquire Xiidra from Takeda Pharmaceutical for up to $5.3 billion, enhancing its portfolio in treating dry eye disease. Additionally, the acquisition of Encore Vision in 2022, although the drug developed was ultimately abandoned, reflects Novartis's ongoing interest in ophthalmology. These transactions highlight Novartis's active role in the ophthalmic instruments market, alongside its broader pharmaceutical focus.


9. ZEISS Group

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

ZEISS Group, founded in 1846 and based in Oberkochen, Germany, is a leading technology enterprise specializing in optics and optoelectronics. The company has a diverse portfolio that includes medical technology solutions, particularly in the ophthalmic sector. Notably, Carl Zeiss Meditec has made significant acquisitions to strengthen its position in ophthalmic instruments, including the acquisition of Aaren Scientific, an IOL manufacturer, which enhances their offerings for ophthalmic surgeons. Additionally, ZEISS's joint acquisition of Sola International, an eyeglass lens maker, further solidifies their commitment to the ophthalmic market. Their recent investments, such as in Morrow Optics and CREAL, indicate ongoing interest in innovative technologies that can complement their existing ophthalmic solutions. With a focus on innovation and sustainability, ZEISS serves a diverse customer base across various industries, enhancing their capabilities and experiences in the ophthalmic field.


10. Novartis Venture Fund

  • Website: nvfund.com
  • Type: Venture Capital
  • Headquarters: Basel, Basel, Switzerland
  • Founded year: 1996
  • Headcount: 11-50
  • Number of deals in 2024: 10

The Novartis Venture Fund is a venture capital firm based in Basel, Switzerland, specializing in life sciences investments. Founded in 1996, the fund focuses on providing funding and support to innovative biotechnology and biopharmaceutical companies. Notably, the fund has been involved in several key transactions in the ophthalmic sector, including significant investments in Oculis, a biotechnology company dedicated to developing therapies for eye diseases. Oculis raised $91 million in post-IPO equity in March 2023 and previously secured $57 million in a Series C financing round in May 2021, as well as CHF20 million in a Series B financing round in January 2018, aimed at advancing treatments for Diabetic Macular Edema. Additionally, the fund participated in a $65 million Series D round for ONL Therapeutics in September 2024, further emphasizing its active role in supporting companies that are innovating in the ophthalmic field.


11. Swisscom Ventures


Swisscom Ventures is a Zurich-based venture capital firm founded in 2007, specializing in high-potential technology startups. With a team size of 11-50, they provide not only financial support but also strategic advisory services to help startups access technical infrastructure and market channels. Their investment portfolio spans various technology sectors, including AI and Fintech. Notably, Swisscom Ventures has made significant investments in the ophthalmic instruments space, including SENSIMED, which raised funds in a Series B round in 2010, focusing on innovative eye health solutions. They also led a Series C financing round for ActLight in 2019, a company advancing Time-Of-Flight (TOF) solutions, which have potential applications in ophthalmic imaging. Their investment in CREAL, which is developing augmented reality technologies, also hints at a broader interest in optical technologies that could intersect with ophthalmic applications.


12. b2venture

  • Website: b2venture.vc
  • Type: Venture Capital
  • Headquarters: St. Gallen, St. Gallen, Switzerland
  • Founded year: 2000
  • Headcount: 11-50
  • Number of deals in 2024: 15
  • LinkedIn: btovpartners

b2venture is a venture capital firm based in St. Gallen, Switzerland, founded in 2000. The firm specializes in early-stage investments in innovative startups across various sectors, providing financial backing and support to entrepreneurs. They have been involved in notable transactions, including investments in OrCam Technologies, which raised significant funding for developing artificial vision devices, and SamanTree Medical, which focuses on medical imaging technology. Their collaboration with a community of angel investors enhances their investment strategy, making them a key player in the European venture capital landscape, with a growing interest in health-related technologies.


13. Vi Partners

  • Website: vipartners.ch
  • Type: Venture Capital
  • Headquarters: Altendorf, Schwyz, Switzerland
  • Founded year: 2001
  • Headcount: 11-50
  • Number of deals in 2024: 6
  • LinkedIn: vi-partners-ag

Vi Partners is a venture capital firm based in Altendorf, Schwyz, Switzerland, founded in 2001. The firm specializes in providing funding and advisory services to innovative companies primarily in the tech and healthcare sectors. In recent years, Vi Partners has been involved in several notable transactions within the ophthalmic instruments context, including a significant investment in Oculis, which raised $91 million in a post-IPO equity round in March 2023 and previously closed a $57 million Series C financing round in May 2021. Additionally, they participated in funding rounds for MedLumics, a medical device company that may have applications in ophthalmology, further showcasing their engagement in the healthcare sector. Vi Partners operates mainly in Switzerland and Europe, helping startups secure the necessary capital and strategic guidance to grow and succeed in their respective markets.



Ophthalmic Instruments Insights: Key Investors in DACH


InvestorHeadquarterSizeFoundedDeals 2024
Verve VenturesZurich, Zurich, Switzerland11-50201025
AlconGeneva, Geneva, Switzerland10001+19452
SicticZurich, Zurich, Switzerland201-500201477
SHS CapitalGermany11-5019932
Bayern KapitalLandshut, Bavaria, Germany11-50199527
Wellington PartnersMunich, Bavaria, Germany11-5019989
Earlybird Venture CapitalGermany51-200199729
NovartisBasel, Basel, Switzerland10001+19967
ZEISS GroupOberkochen, Baden-Württemberg, Germany10001+18464
Novartis Venture FundBasel, Basel, Switzerland11-50199610
Swisscom VenturesZurich, Zurich, Switzerland11-5020074
b2ventureSt. Gallen, St. Gallen, Switzerland11-50200015
Vi PartnersAltendorf, Schwyz, Switzerland11-5020016


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