The semiconductor equipment manufacturing industry in Benelux plays a crucial role in the global technology ecosystem. This sector includes companies that design and manufacture equipment essential for semiconductor production, from precision etching devices to inspection tools. Significant players also provide metrology solutions, enhancing efficiencies in chip fabrication processes. As demand for smaller, faster chips surges, especially in IoT and AI applications, this industry is evolving rapidly. Notably, innovations in photonics and advanced materials are becoming key focus areas, with both new startups and established firms scaling operations to meet industry demands.


The list highlights a mix of venture capital, corporate and private equity investors focused on semiconductor equipment manufacturing in Benelux. These investors, based primarily in key cities like Amsterdam, Antwerp, and Eindhoven, range in size from small teams to large corporations. Founded across several decades, their 2024 investment activities reveal varied approaches to funding, with notable deal counts from firms like the European Investment Bank and M Ventures. This spectrum of engagement underscores a robust interest in driving semiconductor innovation within the region.


Top 13 Semiconductor Equipment Manufacturing Investors in Benelux


1. European Investment Bank (EIB)


The European Investment Bank (EIB) is a public entity based in Luxembourg, established in 1958, that provides a range of financial services including loans, equity investments, guarantees, and advisory services aimed at supporting sustainable projects across various sectors. In 2024, the EIB was involved in 99 investments, showcasing its active role in financing initiatives that promote growth and job creation. Among its notable transactions in the semiconductor sector, the EIB participated in a significant post-IPO debt financing for NXP Semiconductors, raising over $1 billion in January 2025. Additionally, the EIB was involved in funding for Siltronics and SiPearl, further emphasizing its commitment to supporting companies within the semiconductor equipment manufacturing industry. These transactions highlight the EIB's strategic interest in fostering innovation and development in the semiconductor space, aligning with its broader mission of promoting sustainable economic growth.


2. 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 focuses on transformative ideas within the biotechnology and technology sectors, providing funding and strategic guidance to startups in healthcare, life sciences, and advanced technology. Notably, M Ventures has participated in several significant transactions within the semiconductor industry, including a $14 million seed funding round for UNISERS, a Swiss semiconductor metrology company, which highlights their engagement in the semiconductor equipment manufacturing sector. Additionally, they have invested in NeoLogic, a company developing advanced chip technologies, further showcasing their interest in semiconductor innovation. M Ventures collaborates closely with entrepreneurs to drive growth and innovation in their portfolio companies, making them a relevant player in the semiconductor equipment manufacturing landscape.


3. Brabantse Ontwikkelings Maatschappij (BOM)


The Brabantse Ontwikkelings Maatschappij (BOM) is a venture capital development agency based in Tilburg, North Brabant, Netherlands, founded in 1983. BOM supports startups and scale-ups in the Brabant region by offering various programs aimed at enhancing business growth, including readiness programs for venture capital and innovation in sustainable food and energy sectors. They collaborate with businesses to provide funding, expertise, and networking opportunities. Notably, BOM has been involved in several transactions relevant to the semiconductor equipment manufacturing context, including: 1) SMART-Photonics, which raised $44,562,237 in debt financing in July 2023, focusing on photonic technologies; 2) EFFECT Photonics, which raised an undisclosed amount in a Series A round in July 2016, also in the photonics space; and 3) Morphotonics, which raised $11,010,318 in a Series B round in September 2024, further indicating their engagement in technology sectors that intersect with semiconductor applications. These investments highlight BOM's role in fostering innovation within the semiconductor equipment manufacturing landscape.


4. 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, primarily targeting entrepreneurial companies seeking capital and expertise to navigate market challenges. Notably, Gimv has been involved in significant transactions within the semiconductor equipment manufacturing context, such as their recent acquisition of a majority stake in ERS Electronic, which specializes in thermal management services for semiconductor manufacturing. Additionally, they participated in a Series C funding round for Micron Technology, raising $16 million in 2009, further demonstrating their engagement in the semiconductor industry.


5. Innovation Industries


Innovation Industries is a venture capital firm based in Amsterdam, North Holland, Netherlands, founded in 2017. The firm specializes in deep tech investments, focusing on catalyzing growth in technology companies across various sectors, including industrial tech, med tech, and food & agri tech. In 2024, they have already made 10 investments, showcasing their active role in the venture capital landscape. Notably, Innovation Industries has been involved in significant transactions within the semiconductor equipment manufacturing context, particularly with Nearfield Instruments, a Dutch semiconductor metrology equipment company. They participated in several funding rounds for Nearfield Instruments, including a €7M investment in a Series B round that raised €17.5M, as well as subsequent investments in Series C and other venture rounds. This involvement highlights their commitment to supporting companies that are integral to the semiconductor industry.


6. Invest-NL

  • Website: invest-nl.nl
  • Type: Venture Capital
  • Headquarters: Amsterdam, North Holland, Netherlands
  • Founded year: 2020
  • Headcount: 51-200
  • Number of deals in 2024: 17
  • LinkedIn: invest-nl

Invest-NL is an impact investment firm based in Amsterdam, North Holland, founded in 2020. The firm focuses on financing sustainable and innovative projects in the Netherlands, particularly in the energy and technology sectors. They support entrepreneurs with promising plans for societal transitions by mobilizing capital from various sources to make impactful investments that contribute to a more sustainable economy. Notably, Invest-NL has been involved in several transactions within the semiconductor equipment manufacturing context, including a €10.5M investment in Nearfield Instruments during its Series B funding round, which raised a total of €17.5M. They also participated in a Series C round for Nearfield Instruments, raising over $147 million, further solidifying their commitment to the semiconductor sector. Additionally, they have engaged with other technology-focused companies like SMART-Photonics and QuantWare, indicating a broader interest in innovative technology ventures.


7. 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 fund specializes in providing investment and operational support to early-stage deep tech companies, with a strong emphasis on the semiconductor and nanotechnology sectors. imec.xpand leverages imec's extensive expertise and infrastructure to assist startups in overcoming development and market challenges. Notably, imec.xpand has led significant funding rounds for companies such as Ferroelectric Memory GmbH, which raised $20 million in a Series B round, highlighting their commitment to semiconductor technology. They also participated in the Series B funding for Wise Integration, which raised €15 million to support the mass production of semiconductor-related products. Their involvement in these transactions underscores their active role in the semiconductor equipment manufacturing landscape.


8. Exor N.V.

  • Website: exor.com
  • Type: Venture Capital
  • Headquarters: Amsterdam, North Holland, Netherlands
  • Founded year: 2009
  • Headcount: 11-50
  • Number of deals in 2024: 26
  • LinkedIn: exor_2

Exor N.V. is a holding company based in Amsterdam, Netherlands, founded in 2009. It operates across multiple 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. In recent years, Exor has made significant investments in the semiconductor technology space, including a $24 million investment in DustPhotonics, which is scaling production of its advanced optical products for high-speed data applications. Additionally, Exor participated in a $50 million Series B funding round for Quantum Machines, a company specializing in quantum computing technologies that rely on semiconductor advancements. These transactions highlight Exor's commitment to investing in innovative technologies that intersect with the semiconductor industry.


9. VDL Groep

  • Website: vdlgroep.com
  • Type: Corporate
  • Headquarters: Eindhoven, North Brabant, Netherlands
  • Founded year: 1953
  • Headcount: 10001+
  • Number of deals in 2024: 1
  • LinkedIn: vdl-groep

VDL Groep is a corporate investor based in Eindhoven, North Brabant, Netherlands, specializing in industrial manufacturing across various sectors, including transportation solutions, automation systems, and food processing equipment. Founded in 1953, the company has grown significantly, operating over 100 subsidiaries. Notably, VDL Groep has made strategic acquisitions that enhance its capabilities in the semiconductor equipment manufacturing context. For instance, their acquisition of Siemens Hengelo's operations in 2018 included development work for ASML, a leading semiconductor equipment manufacturer. In 2023, VDL Groep further strengthened its position in electronics by acquiring Rena Electronica, which focuses on high-quality electronics, relevant to semiconductor applications. These transactions highlight VDL Groep's commitment to expanding its footprint in the semiconductor industry, making it a noteworthy investor in this sector.


10. 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. Notably, PhotonDelta has been involved in significant funding transactions within the semiconductor context, such as a €100 million funding round for SMART Photonics, a Dutch foundry for photonic integrated circuits, which included strategic players from the semiconductor industry like ASML and NXP. Additionally, they provided a loan agreement of €3.75 million to SMART Photonics to scale up production, further emphasizing their commitment to strengthening the integrated photonics ecosystem. Their involvement in funding rounds for companies like LioniX International and EFFECT Photonics also highlights their active role in supporting semiconductor-related technologies.


11. 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 been involved in significant transactions within the semiconductor sector, including the acquisition of MagnaChip Semiconductor in 2004, which highlights their engagement in the semiconductor equipment manufacturing industry. Additionally, their strategy to expand in the technology sector, as seen in their negotiations to acquire Linxens, further emphasizes their interest in technology-related investments.


12. Finindus

  • Website: finindus.be
  • Type: Venture Capital
  • Headquarters: Zelzate, Flanders, Belgium
  • Founded year: 1926
  • Headcount: 1-10
  • Number of deals in 2024: 6
  • LinkedIn: finindus

Finindus is a venture capital firm based in Zelzate, Flanders, Belgium, founded in 1926. The firm specializes in providing early-stage and growth financing to innovative technology companies, particularly in the fields of materials, sustainable manufacturing, and Industry 4.0. They focus on maximizing long-term value creation for their portfolio companies through proactive and pragmatic assistance. Notable transactions include their investment in Hystar, a company that raised $26 million in a Series B round to develop advanced manufacturing capabilities, which could be relevant to semiconductor equipment manufacturing. Additionally, their investments in companies like Borit and Fortius Metals further demonstrate their engagement in technology sectors that may intersect with semiconductor manufacturing.


13. 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, specializing in European growth capital and minority buyouts for technology companies. With a team size of 11-50, they provide financial support and strategic guidance to help businesses scale and prepare for liquidity events. Their investment strategy focuses on technology firms with proven business models and significant revenue, primarily in the software and B2B sectors. Notably, Cipio Partners has been involved in several transactions relevant to the semiconductor industry, including a Series B funding round for Silicon Mobility, which raised $10M to enhance semiconductor technology for smart mobility. They also participated in funding rounds for MicroOLED, a company developing OLED solutions, which are closely related to semiconductor technologies. These investments highlight Cipio Partners' engagement in the semiconductor equipment manufacturing context, showcasing their commitment to supporting innovative technology firms.



Semiconductor Equipment Manufacturing Insights: Key Investors in Benelux


InvestorHeadquarterSizeFoundedDeals 2024
European Investment Bank (EIB)Luxembourg1001-5000195899
M VenturesAmsterdam, North Holland, Netherlands11-50200918
Brabantse Ontwikkelings Maatschappij (BOM)Tilburg, North Brabant, Netherlands51-200198310
GimvAntwerp, Flanders, Belgium51-20019808
Innovation IndustriesAmsterdam, North Holland, Netherlands11-50201710
Invest-NLAmsterdam, North Holland, Netherlands51-200202017
imec.xpandLeuven, Flanders, Belgium1-1020175
Exor N.V.Amsterdam, North Holland, Netherlands11-50200926
VDL GroepEindhoven, North Brabant, Netherlands10001+19531
PhotonDeltaEindhoven, North Brabant, Netherlands11-5020181
CvcLuxembourg1001-5000200516
FinindusZelzate, Flanders, Belgium1-1019266
Cipio PartnersLuxembourg11-5020032


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