The dental equipment industry in Europe plays a vital role in enhancing oral healthcare. This sector comprises manufacturers and suppliers of diagnostic tools, surgical instruments, and dental products that cater to dentists and dental laboratories. It includes companies producing dental imaging systems, orthodontic devices, and dental chairs. Innovation is driving the industry forward, with advances in digital dentistry and minimally invasive techniques gaining traction. An intriguing trend is the increasing investment directed toward emerging technologies such as 3D printing and AI-driven tools, which are set to revolutionize patient care and practice efficiency.


The list features prominent investors specializing in dental equipment across Europe, including private equity firms, venture capitalists, and public entities. These firms vary widely in size, with operations ranging from 1 to 5000 employees, and are headquartered in key cities like Stockholm, Paris, and Brussels. Founded between 1945 and 2015, these investors made significant deals in 2024, with counts ranging from 2 to 198 transactions, demonstrating their commitment to the sector's growth and development in a competitive market.


Top 14 Dental Equipment 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 throughout 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. The EIC provides business acceleration services, networking opportunities, and prizes to foster innovation across different sectors. In recent years, the EIC has been involved in several transactions that highlight its commitment to advancing medical technologies. For instance, it awarded €2.5 million in grant funding to Ostoform to support the development of its patented innovation, FLOWASSIST. Additionally, Surgify received over $2.6 million in grant funding from the EIC, and Rockfield Medical Devices raised funds through the EIC's venture rounds. These transactions indicate the EIC's active role in supporting companies that may contribute to advancements in dental equipment and related medical devices.


2. Bpifrance French Tech Accélération


Bpifrance French Tech Accélération is a venture capital firm based in Paris, Île-De-France, France, founded in 2015. As a public entity and financial institution, Bpifrance aims to support entrepreneurs and businesses both in France and internationally through a variety of services, including direct funding, export credit insurance, and private equity investments. They focus on fostering entrepreneurship and innovation, helping businesses navigate growth and international expansion. Notably, Bpifrance has been involved in several transactions relevant to the dental equipment sector, such as Prodways, which raised approximately $43 million in a venture round in 2017, and SpineGuard, which raised over $8 million in post-IPO debt in 2016. These investments indicate their engagement in the dental and medical device industries, although their overall investment strategy spans multiple sectors.


3. Almi

  • Website: almi.se
  • Type: Venture Capital
  • Headquarters: Stockholm, Stockholm, Sweden
  • Founded year: 1994
  • Headcount: 201-500
  • Number of deals in 2024: 7
  • LinkedIn: almi-ab

Almi AB is a financial services company based in Stockholm, Sweden, founded in 1994. It specializes in providing loans, risk capital, and business development support to small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in Sweden, aiming to enhance their growth and competitiveness through tailored financial solutions. Almi has been involved in various transactions, including investments in companies like Promimic, which focuses on medical technology and has raised significant funding to establish its operations in the US. While Almi's investment portfolio includes diverse sectors, their participation in the medical technology space indicates a potential interest in areas that overlap with dental equipment, although they do not exclusively focus on this industry.


4. EQT Group

  • Website: eqtgroup.com
  • Type: Private Equity
  • Headquarters: Stockholm, Stockholm, Sweden
  • Founded year: 1994
  • Headcount: 1001-5000
  • Number of deals in 2024: 30
  • LinkedIn: eqt-partners

EQT Group is a prominent investment firm based in Stockholm, Sweden, specializing in private equity, infrastructure, real estate, growth equity, and venture capital. Founded in 1994, EQT serves institutional investors by providing expertise in managing diverse investment portfolios across multiple sectors and geographies. In the dental equipment context, EQT has made several notable investments, including a 20% minority stake in 3Shape, a Danish dental technology firm, aimed at supporting its growth and digitalization efforts. They also acquired Sirona Dental System for approximately $480 million, which is a significant player in the dental equipment market. Furthermore, EQT's acquisition of Curaeos, a leading Pan-European dental services platform, highlights their strategic focus on the dental sector. These transactions reflect EQT's commitment to investing in and enhancing the dental equipment and services landscape.


5. 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 invested in dental-related companies such as Smile Genius Limited, which secured €200K in funding to develop dental solutions. Additionally, they have participated in funding rounds for other medical technology firms, indicating their active role in the healthcare sector, which includes dental equipment. Their investments reflect a commitment to fostering innovation in the dental industry, making them a relevant investor in this space.


6. Bunzl UK and Ireland

  • Website: bunzl.com
  • Type: Corporate
  • Headquarters: London, England, United Kingdom (UK)
  • Founded year: 1854
  • Headcount: 1001-5000
  • Number of deals in 2024: 5
  • LinkedIn: bunzl

Bunzl Public Limited Company is a distribution and outsourcing company founded in 1854, headquartered in London, England. The company provides essential items necessary for businesses to operate across various industries, including healthcare and dental sectors. Bunzl has made several strategic acquisitions to enhance its portfolio, including Quirumed, a medical supply company, and RCL Implantes, which specializes in dental implants, acquired on April 1, 2024. These acquisitions demonstrate Bunzl's commitment to expanding its presence in the healthcare and dental equipment markets, leveraging its extensive distribution network to meet customer needs effectively.


7. Scottish Enterprise


Scottish Enterprise is a public entity established in 1991, dedicated to fostering economic development in Scotland. With a workforce of 1001-5000 employees, it provides a variety of services including funding, business development advice, and support for innovation and exports. In 2024, Scottish Enterprise was involved in 55 investments, showcasing its active role in enhancing Scotland's economic landscape. Notably, they have participated in funding rounds for dental technology companies such as Calcivis, which has raised significant amounts through various funding rounds, including a $4.5 million equity funding round and several venture rounds. Additionally, they supported Bedi OralCare in its seed funding round. These transactions highlight Scottish Enterprise's engagement in the dental equipment sector, making them a relevant investor in this industry.


8. Crédit Mutuel Equity


Crédit Mutuel Equity is a private equity investment firm based in Paris, Île-De-France, France, founded in 1988. The firm focuses on providing capital and strategic support to businesses across various sectors, integrating economic and ESG considerations into their investment strategies. Notably, they have been involved in several transactions relevant to the dental equipment industry, including their investment in Panthera Dental inc, which specializes in dental solutions. Other transactions include investments in companies like Auxilium, Mediprema group, and Symatese, which, while not exclusively dental, indicate a diverse portfolio that includes healthcare and medical sectors. This breadth of experience positions Crédit Mutuel Equity as a supportive partner for dental equipment companies seeking growth and transformation.


9. Novo Holdings

  • Website: novoholdings.dk
  • Type: Venture Capital
  • Headquarters: Hellerup, Denmark
  • Founded year: 1999
  • Headcount: 51-200
  • Number of deals in 2024: 45
  • LinkedIn: novo-a-s

Novo Holdings A/S is a not-for-profit investment firm based in Hellerup, Denmark, founded in 1999. It manages the assets of the Novo Nordisk Foundation and primarily invests in life science companies at various stages of development. The firm provides capital and strategic support to enhance healthcare solutions. Notably, Novo Holdings has participated in significant funding rounds for InBrace, an orthodontic company that develops innovative orthodontic solutions. In 2019, Novo Holdings co-led a Series C funding round for InBrace, which raised $45 million to expand the commercial availability of its bracket and wire system. Additionally, in 2021, Novo Holdings was involved in a Series D financing round for InBrace, further emphasizing its commitment to the dental equipment sector. This strategic involvement in orthodontics highlights Novo Holdings' broader interest in enhancing healthcare solutions, including dental health.


10. 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 an investment management firm based in Henley-In-Arden, England, specializing in venture capital, private equity, and debt financing to support the growth of UK businesses. Founded in 1982, Mercia caters to both startups and established companies, particularly in technology and innovation sectors. They operate through various funds and investment vehicles, focusing on ambitious businesses across the UK. Notably, Mercia has been involved in significant transactions within the dental equipment context, including a £600k seed funding round for Manchester Imaging, a dental diagnostic software company. This investment highlights their engagement in the dental sector, alongside other technology-focused investments such as Eyoto and Axis Spine Technologies, showcasing their diverse portfolio while still maintaining a foothold in the dental equipment industry.


11. SHS Capital


SHS Gesellschaft für Beteiligungsmanagement mbH, commonly known as SHS Capital, is a private equity firm based in Germany that specializes in healthcare investments. Founded in 1993, SHS Capital focuses on providing capital and strategic support to fast-growing healthcare companies, helping them scale and succeed in the market. Notably, SHS Capital has been involved in several significant transactions within the healthcare sector, including the acquisition of TRI Dental Implants in 2014, which highlights their commitment to the dental equipment industry. Additionally, they acquired Medigroba in 2016 and a majority stake in CAM Bioceramics in 2023, further showcasing their active role in healthcare investments. Their portfolio also includes investments in companies like Blazejewski MEDI-TECH and TNI Medical, indicating a broad interest in various healthcare technologies, including those relevant to dental equipment.


12. Development Bank of Wales


The Development Bank of Wales is a public entity established in 2001 that provides financial support to Welsh businesses through loans and equity investments. It aims to facilitate business growth and economic development in Wales by offering various financial products tailored to the needs of small and medium-sized enterprises. Notably, the bank has been involved in several transactions relevant to the dental equipment sector, including a significant investment in IQ Endoscopes, which secured £5.2 million in a Series B funding round in January 2023, with the Development Bank of Wales as a co-investor. Additionally, the bank has supported companies like Warwick Acoustics Ltd and Flexicare, which, while not exclusively dental-focused, operate in related medical fields, showcasing the bank's broader interest in health-related technologies.


13. IK Partners

  • Website: ikpartners.com
  • Type: Private Equity
  • Headquarters: London, England, United Kingdom (UK)
  • Founded year: 1989
  • Headcount: 201-500
  • Number of deals in 2024: 14
  • LinkedIn: ik-investment-partners

IK Partners is a private equity firm based in London, England, specializing in mid-market investments across Europe. Founded in 1989, the firm focuses on providing capital and strategic support to businesses in various sectors, including Business Services, Healthcare, Consumer, and Industrials. Notably, IK Partners has been involved in significant transactions within the healthcare sector, including the acquisition of Smile Tandvård in 2010, which operates in the dental services field. This acquisition highlights their interest in the dental industry, alongside other investments such as Biobank and Ondal Medical Systems, which, while not directly related to dental equipment, showcase their broader healthcare investment strategy. By partnering with management teams, IK Partners aims to enhance growth and create long-term value for their portfolio companies, including those in the dental sector.


14. Ardian

  • Website: ardian.com
  • Type: Private Equity
  • Headquarters: Paris, Île-De-France, France
  • Founded year: 1996
  • Headcount: 1001-5000
  • Number of deals in 2024: 21
  • LinkedIn: ardian

Ardian is a prominent investment management firm based in Paris, specializing in private equity, real assets, and credit solutions. Founded in 1996, Ardian has established a global presence and focuses on sustainable finance, aiming to create lasting value for its clients. The firm has been active in various sectors, including healthcare, where it has made significant investments. Notably, Ardian acquired a majority stake in Laboratoires Anios, a producer of disinfectants and antiseptics, which are essential in dental practices for maintaining hygiene. Additionally, Ardian entered exclusive negotiations to acquire Lagarrigue Group, a company involved in orthopaedic equipment, which may have applications in dental care. These transactions highlight Ardian's engagement in the healthcare sector, making it a relevant player in the dental equipment investment landscape.



Dental Equipment Insights: Key Investors in Europe


InvestorHeadquarterSizeFoundedDeals 2024
European Innovation Council (EIC)Brussels, Brussels, Belgium201-500195857
Bpifrance French Tech AccélérationParis, Île-De-France, France1-102015198
AlmiStockholm, Stockholm, Sweden201-50019947
EQT GroupStockholm, Stockholm, Sweden1001-5000199430
Enterprise IrelandDublin, Dublin, Ireland501-1000199848
Bunzl UK and IrelandLondon, England, United Kingdom (UK)1001-500018545
Scottish EnterpriseGlasgow, Scotland, United Kingdom (UK)1001-5000199155
Crédit Mutuel EquityParis, Île-De-France, France51-20019882
Novo HoldingsHellerup, Denmark51-200199945
Mercia Asset Management PLCHenley-In-Arden, England, United Kingdom (UK)51-200198241
SHS CapitalGermany11-5019932
Development Bank of WalesWrexham, Wales, United Kingdom (UK)201-500200126
IK PartnersLondon, England, United Kingdom (UK)201-500198914
ArdianParis, Île-De-France, France1001-5000199621


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