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, the 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 the 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 the mid-1990s and early 2010s, tailoring their focus towards high-potential startups. In 2024 alone, the collective deal count approached 200, showcasing their commitment to funding innovation. Notable investors include names like Verve Ventures based in Zurich and Bayern Kapital from Bavaria, illustrating the blend of local expertise driving the industry forward.


Top 13 Photonics Investors in DACH


1. Swisscom Ventures


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 these 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, they 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, they were involved in the funding of Firecomms, which also operates in the photonics space. These transactions highlight Swisscom Ventures' active role in the photonics industry, making them a relevant investor in this sector.


2. 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 investment focus includes sectors such as climate tech, industrial technology, and health & bio. Notably, Verve Ventures has been involved in significant transactions within the 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 the photonics space. These investments highlight Verve Ventures' commitment to supporting innovative companies in the photonics industry.


3. Trumpf

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

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 the photonics sector through strategic acquisitions, such as the 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, further solidifying its position in the 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: 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 various sectors, including life sciences and software. Notably, Bayern Kapital has participated in several transactions relevant to the photonics industry, such as their 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 their solutions. This diverse portfolio showcases Bayern Kapital's engagement with the photonics sector, making them a significant player in this field.


5. Jenoptik

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

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 the photonics market. In 2008, they acquired EPIGAP Optronic, a company that contributes to their optical technology portfolio. In 2002, they acquired Coastal Optical Systems, which specializes in custom precision optical assemblies, further enhancing their capabilities in the photonics sector. More recently, in 2017, Jenoptik acquired Five Lakes Automation to integrate automated manufacturing solutions with their laser machine business, showcasing their commitment to advancing photonics technology through strategic investments.


6. GoBeyond


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 the photonics sector. For instance, they 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, they invested in Fastree3D, which also aligns with photonics technology. These transactions highlight GoBeyond's active role in supporting startups within the photonics industry.


7. 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 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 the growth of startups and the investment community. Among their 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 the sector. Additionally, they have supported other technology startups, indicating a broad investment strategy while still maintaining a focus on relevant industries.


8. ams Sensors Germany

  • Website: ams.com
  • Type: Corporate
  • Headquarters: Jena, Thuringia, Germany
  • Founded year: 1981
  • Headcount: 10001+
  • LinkedIn: mazet-gmbh

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 the development and production of integrated circuits and microelectronic products, serving various sectors within the electronics industry. Notably, ams has made significant acquisitions to bolster its capabilities in the photonics domain. In 2015, they acquired CMOSIS nv, a prominent supplier of high-end area scan and miniature medical CMOS image sensors, for approximately EUR 220 million, enhancing their optical sensor portfolio. In 2016, they further expanded their sensor technology capabilities by acquiring Cambridge CMOS Sensors, a spin-off from the University of Cambridge, which specializes in gas and infrared sensor technology. Additionally, ams has acquired AppliedSensor, a private gas sensor specialist, further solidifying their position in the sensor market. These strategic moves underscore ams Sensors Germany's commitment to innovation and leadership in the photonics industry.


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

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 the photonics sector, including a majority stake acquisition in arivis AG, which focuses on imaging technology for research microscopy. Additionally, ZEISS Ventures participated in a €10 million Series A funding round for Scantinel Photonics, a startup developing FMCW LiDAR devices, and invested in Senorics GmbH to support the 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


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 these businesses thrive in competitive markets. Among their 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)


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 the photonics sector, including the 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 the photonics industry, supporting companies that contribute to advancements in optical technologies.


12. Quan Technology Fund


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 the technology sector. Their flagship product, the 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 the 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 their active role in the photonics sector, alongside their broader technology investment strategy.


13. 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 focuses on nurturing early-stage companies through funding and mentorship, helping them navigate growth challenges. Notably, they have participated in significant transactions such as Quantum Diamonds, which raised €7 million for the development of quantum sensors, highlighting their engagement in the photonics field. Additionally, their investment in Arga Medtech, which is developing a pulsed field ablation system, further illustrates their involvement in advanced technologies that may leverage photonics. Overall, Earlybird's diverse portfolio and strategic investments position them as a relevant player in the technology landscape, including photonics-related ventures.



Photonics Insights: Key Investors in DACH


InvestorHeadquarterSizeFoundedDeals 2024
Swisscom VenturesZurich, Zurich, Switzerland11-5020074
Verve VenturesZurich, Zurich, Switzerland11-50201025
TrumpfDitzingen, Baden-Württemberg, Germany10001+20162
Bayern KapitalLandshut, Bavaria, Germany11-50199527
JenoptikJena, Thuringia, Germany1001-500019910
GoBeyondZurich, Zurich, Switzerland1-1020080
SicticZurich, Zurich, Switzerland201-500201477
ams Sensors GermanyJena, Thuringia, Germany10001+19810
ZEISS GroupOberkochen, Baden-Württemberg, Germany10001+18464
IBB VenturesBerlin, Berlin, Germany11-50199718
Deutsche Private Equity (DPE)Munich, Bavaria, Germany51-20020072
Quan Technology FundGeneva, Geneva, Switzerland11-5019970
Earlybird Venture CapitalGermany51-200199729


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