The virtual reality hardware manufacturing industry in Europe is booming, characterized by a range of companies that design and produce innovative hardware solutions. This sector includes manufacturers of headsets, motion sensors, tracking systems, and other technologies that enable immersive experiences across gaming, education, and training. The industry is set to grow exponentially as applications expand beyond entertainment into fields like healthcare and real estate. Additionally, advancements in AI and interactivity are shaping a future where virtual environments become increasingly indistinguishable from reality, offering exciting prospects for businesses and consumers alike.


This list features a mix of corporate entities and venture capital firms based across Europe, varying in size from small startups to large organizations. Investors like Scottish Enterprise and Accenture have made substantial impacts, executing numerous deals in 2024. While most investors were founded in the 21st century, some have deeper roots, with experiences tracing back to the last century. The 13 investors collectively made over 400 transactions, underscoring their commitment to nurturing innovation in virtual reality hardware.


Top 13 Virtual Reality Hardware Manufacturing Investors in Europe


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 such as the EIC Accelerator and EIC Pathfinder, aimed at helping startups and SMEs develop and scale their technologies. The EIC provides business acceleration services, networking opportunities, and prizes to foster innovation in diverse sectors. Notably, the EIC has been involved in funding transactions relevant to the virtual reality hardware manufacturing industry, including grants to companies like Lightspace Labs, which raised over $4.5 million in funding through grants and venture rounds. This involvement highlights the EIC's commitment to supporting innovative technologies, including those in the virtual reality space.


2. Bpifrance French Tech Accélération


Bpifrance French Tech Accélération is a venture capital investor based in Paris, Île-De-France, France, founded in 2015. As a public entity and financial institution, Bpifrance supports entrepreneurs and businesses both in France and internationally through various services, including direct funding and private equity investments. Notably, Bpifrance has been involved in several transactions relevant to the virtual reality sector, such as the funding of Esports Virtual Arenas, which raised over $7 million in July 2022, indicating a focus on innovative technologies that enhance user experiences in virtual environments. Additionally, Bpifrance's broader investment strategy includes supporting startups in diverse fields, which may encompass virtual reality hardware manufacturing as part of its commitment to fostering entrepreneurship and innovation.


3. Accenture

  • Website: accenture.com
  • Type: Corporate
  • Headquarters: Dublin, Dublin, Ireland
  • Founded year: 2001
  • Headcount: 10001+
  • Number of deals in 2024: 51
  • LinkedIn: accenture

Accenture is a global consulting firm based in Dublin, Ireland, specializing in information technology and management consulting services. Founded in 2001, the company has grown to employ over 10,000 professionals and operates across various industries, providing solutions that help businesses innovate and navigate digital transformation. In recent years, Accenture has made significant investments in the virtual reality sector, including a notable investment in STRIVR, a leading platform for enterprise-scale VR solutions, where they participated in a $35 million Series B extension funding round. Additionally, Accenture has invested in Talespin, which focuses on immersive learning and training solutions, and Upskill, a provider of enterprise augmented reality software. These transactions highlight Accenture's strategic interest in the virtual reality and augmented reality markets, positioning them as a relevant player in the hardware manufacturing investment landscape.


4. European Investment Bank (EIB)


The European Investment Bank (EIB) is a public entity based in Luxembourg, established in 1958, that provides financial services including loans, equity investments, guarantees, and advisory services to support sustainable projects across various sectors. EIB's clientele includes both public and private organizations seeking funding for initiatives that promote growth and job creation. In the context of virtual reality hardware manufacturing, EIB has made significant investments in companies such as Varjo, which raised over $22 million in debt financing to enhance its virtual reality headset technology. Additionally, EIB has supported NavVis with €20 million to advance its technology in reality capture and computer vision, which are crucial for virtual reality applications. Other relevant transactions include investments in USound and TactoTek, which, while not exclusively focused on virtual reality, contribute to the broader technology ecosystem that supports VR hardware development.


5. Scottish Enterprise


Scottish Enterprise is a public entity established in 1991, dedicated to fostering economic development in Scotland. With a workforce of 1001-5000, it provides a variety of services including funding, business development advice, and support for innovation and exports. In 2024, Scottish Enterprise made 55 investments, showcasing its active role in supporting businesses. Notably, they have invested in companies like Changingday, which is developing a game, and StretchSense, which is creating a center of excellence in AI and spatial computing, both of which are relevant to the virtual reality sector. Furthermore, their investment in Pufferfish, a company focused on interactive and immersive display technologies, highlights their involvement in the virtual reality hardware manufacturing context. These transactions illustrate Scottish Enterprise's commitment to enhancing Scotland's economic landscape through support for innovative technologies, including those related to virtual reality.


6. Enterprise Ireland


Enterprise Ireland is a public entity that serves as the Irish government's enterprise development agency, founded in 1998. It supports Irish businesses at all stages of their growth journey by providing funding, advisory services, and market access assistance. The agency focuses on helping companies scale and compete internationally across various industries, including technology and manufacturing. Notably, Enterprise Ireland has participated in funding rounds for companies in the virtual reality sector, such as Immersive VR Education, which raised €1M to accelerate its growth, and VRAI, which combines virtual reality, AI, and IoT technology for VR simulation training. These transactions highlight Enterprise Ireland's role in promoting innovation and development within the virtual reality hardware manufacturing 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. Notably, Sictic has been involved in several transactions relevant to the virtual reality sector, particularly with HEGIAS, which raised significant funds in multiple seed rounds from 2018 to 2021, indicating a strong focus on virtual reality solutions. Additionally, Sictic has invested in CREAL, which is also involved in the virtual reality space, further solidifying their relevance in this industry.


8. Amadeus Capital Partners


Amadeus Capital Partners is a London-based venture capital firm founded in 1997, specializing in technology investments across diverse sectors, including AI, Cyber Security, and FinTech. The firm provides funding and strategic support to help startups and growth-stage companies scale their operations and bring innovative technologies to market. Notably, Amadeus has been involved in significant transactions such as the seed round for Improbable, a company known for its virtual reality and gaming technologies, and a venture round for Immerse, which raised over $1.26 million in 2014, indicating their engagement in the virtual reality space. Their investment portfolio also includes companies like XMOS and CSR, showcasing their broad technology focus and commitment to supporting innovative ventures.


9. SoftBank Investment Advisers


SoftBank Investment Advisers, also known as the SoftBank Vision Fund, is a venture capital fund founded in 2017 and based in London, UK. The fund specializes in investing in technology-focused companies, particularly those developing innovations in artificial intelligence. With a diverse portfolio, SoftBank has made notable investments across various sectors, including health tech and fintech. Among its significant transactions, SoftBank led a $502 million funding round for Improbable, a company that develops technology for creating virtual worlds, which is directly relevant to the virtual reality industry. Additionally, the fund has invested in other technology firms like NVIDIA and SprintRay, showcasing its commitment to fostering technological advancement and innovation. This diverse investment strategy positions SoftBank as a key player in the technology landscape, including areas that intersect with virtual reality hardware manufacturing.


10. 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 Zurich-based venture capital firm founded in 2010, specializing in deep tech investments across Europe. With a team size of 11-50, they provide funding and strategic support to science and technology startups, helping them grow in their respective markets. Their investment focus spans various sectors, including climate tech, industrial technology, and health & bio. Notably, Verve Ventures has participated in funding rounds for CREAL, a company that is advancing light-field display technology aimed at producing cutting-edge augmented reality (AR) glasses. This involvement highlights their engagement in the virtual reality hardware manufacturing context, showcasing their commitment to supporting innovative technologies that intersect with virtual and augmented reality.


11. CDP Venture Capital SGR


CDP Venture Capital SGR is a venture capital firm based in Rome, Italy, founded in 2015. The firm focuses on supporting startups and innovative companies across various sectors in Italy, providing financial backing and strategic resources for growth. In 2024, CDP Venture Capital has made 41 investments, showcasing its active role in the venture capital landscape. Notable transactions include their investment in Weart, which raised funds for its innovative technology, and Zakeke, a visual commerce startup that aims to enhance online shopping experiences with features like Virtual Try-On. These investments highlight CDP Venture Capital's commitment to fostering innovation in technology, which is relevant to the virtual reality hardware manufacturing industry.


12. Mercia Asset Management PLC

  • Website: mercia.co.uk
  • Type: Venture Capital
  • Headquarters: Henley-In-Arden, England, United Kingdom (UK)
  • Founded year: 1982
  • Headcount: 51-200
  • Number of deals in 2024: 41
  • LinkedIn: mercia-asset-management

Mercia Asset Management PLC is a venture capital firm based in Henley-In-Arden, England, specializing in providing funding to support the growth of UK businesses, particularly in technology and innovation sectors. Founded in 1982, Mercia has a strong focus on startups and established companies, helping them secure necessary funding to scale operations. Notably, Mercia has been involved in several transactions within the virtual reality space, including multiple funding rounds for nDreams, a prominent player in the VR industry, raising significant amounts over the years. Additionally, they invested in Luminous Group, a digital survey specialist that is developing VR software, showcasing their commitment to supporting advancements in virtual reality technology.


13. Kima Ventures

  • Website: kimaventures.com
  • Type: Venture Capital
  • Headquarters: Paris, Île-De-France, France
  • Founded year: 2010
  • Headcount: 1-10
  • Number of deals in 2024: 50
  • LinkedIn: kima-ventures

Kima Ventures is a Paris-based venture capital firm founded in 2010, specializing in early-stage investments across a diverse range of sectors. The firm is known for its rapid investment pace, backing two startups per week, and providing not only financial support but also mentorship to help these companies navigate their initial challenges. Among their notable transactions, Kima Ventures invested in Wisear, which raised over $1.25 million in a pre-seed round in January 2022, potentially indicating a focus on innovative technology that could intersect with virtual reality. They also participated in funding rounds for Keecker and Sevenhugs, both of which are involved in technology and hardware, further showcasing their interest in sectors that may overlap with virtual reality hardware manufacturing. Their portfolio reflects a commitment to supporting startups that are pushing the boundaries of technology, which could include virtual reality applications.



Virtual Reality Hardware Manufacturing Insights: Key Investors in Europe


InvestorHeadquarterSizeFoundedDeals 2024
European Innovation Council (EIC)Brussels, Brussels, Belgium201-500195857
Bpifrance French Tech AccélérationParis, Île-De-France, France1-102015198
AccentureDublin, Dublin, Ireland10001+200151
European Investment Bank (EIB)Luxembourg1001-5000195899
Scottish EnterpriseGlasgow, Scotland, United Kingdom (UK)1001-5000199155
Enterprise IrelandDublin, Dublin, Ireland501-1000199848
SicticZurich, Zurich, Switzerland201-500201477
Amadeus Capital PartnersLondon, England, United Kingdom (UK)11-5019977
SoftBank Investment AdvisersLondon, England, United Kingdom (UK)201-500201714
Verve VenturesZurich, Zurich, Switzerland11-50201025
CDP Venture Capital SGRRome, Lazio, Italy51-200201541
Mercia Asset Management PLCHenley-In-Arden, England, United Kingdom (UK)51-200198241
Kima VenturesParis, Île-De-France, France1-10201050


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