The fiber optic installation industry in Benelux is central to enhancing connectivity across various sectors. This niche market comprises companies specializing in the design, deployment, and maintenance of fiber optic networks, crucial for high-speed internet and telecommunications. Players range from large corporate entities to startups focused on photonics solutions, contributing to advances in healthcare and smart cities. The industry is on a growth trajectory driven by the increasing demand for better broadband access and digital transformation initiatives. Future enhancements, including 5G connections and IoT integration, promise to further expand this dynamic sector's reach.


The cohort of investors in this list reflects dynamic engagement within the fiber optic space. With twelve corporations and two private equity firms headquartered across Luxembourg and the Netherlands, these investors range in size from small groups to massive enterprises with thousands of employees. Established from 1982 to 2018, they collectively participated in 218 investments through 2024, signaling a robust commitment to supporting innovations in fiber optics and related technologies. Such encouragement indicates confidence in market growth and technological advancement over the coming years.


Top 14 Fiber Optic Installation Investors in Benelux


1. European Investment Bank (EIB)


The European Investment Bank (EIB) is a public entity based in Luxembourg, founded in 1958, that provides a range of financial services including loans, equity investments, guarantees, and advisory services. EIB focuses on supporting sustainable projects that promote growth and job creation across various sectors. In the context of fiber optic installation, EIB has been involved in several notable transactions, including providing debt financing to Deutsche Glasfaser, which raised approximately $391 million in September 2024, and to FibreConnect, which secured around $54 million in June 2024. Additionally, EIB has financed other companies in the fiber optic space, such as Telefonica Germany, Gigaclear, and Hyperoptic, indicating a consistent commitment to enhancing fiber optic infrastructure. This involvement highlights EIB's role as a significant investor in the fiber optic installation industry, despite its broader investment focus.


2. ABN AMRO Clearing Bank

  • Website: abnamro.com
  • Type: Venture Capital
  • Headquarters: Amsterdam, North Holland, Netherlands
  • Founded year: 1982
  • Headcount: 501-1000
  • Number of deals in 2024: 19
  • LinkedIn: abn-amro-clearing-bank-n-v-

ABN AMRO Clearing Bank is a banking institution based in Amsterdam, Netherlands, providing a range of financial services including personal banking, business banking, and investment management. Founded in 1982, the bank has established itself as a significant player in the financial services industry. In 2024, ABN AMRO Clearing Bank has been involved in 19 investments, showcasing its active role in the market. Notably, the bank has participated in several key transactions within the fiber optic installation sector, including the non-recourse financing of Glasfaser Nordwest's FTTH network expansion, which raised approximately €800 million. Additionally, they were part of the financing rounds for Deutsche GigaNetz GmbH, which secured substantial funding for its fiber network projects, and GlasDraad, which raised over $122 million. These transactions highlight ABN AMRO's commitment to supporting the growth of fiber optic infrastructure.


3. European Innovation Council (EIC)


The European Innovation Council (EIC) is a public entity based in Brussels, Belgium, founded in 1958, that supports innovation and entrepreneurship across Europe. It 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. Notably, the EIC has been involved in funding transactions relevant to the fiber optic installation industry, such as Cailabs, which raised €26 million to expand its laser communications and optical ground station business, and NewPhotonics, which received grants to support its innovative photonics solutions. These transactions highlight the EIC's commitment to advancing technologies that are crucial for fiber optic installations.


4. Triton Partners


Triton Partners is a private equity investment firm based in Luxembourg, founded in 1997. The firm specializes in private equity and credit investments in European mid-market businesses, focusing on sectors such as Business Services, Industrial Tech, and Healthcare. Triton provides operational expertise and capital to help companies unlock their full potential. Recently, Triton Partners acquired OCU Group, which includes Instalcom, a company involved in utilities and infrastructure, including fiber optic installation. This acquisition, valued at nearly £400 million, aims to facilitate further investment in both regulated and non-regulated opportunities, particularly in the context of the UK's energy transition towards renewable power. This strategic move indicates Triton's interest in sectors that may encompass fiber optic installation, aligning with their operational focus on driving growth in relevant industries.


5. 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 made strategic acquisitions in the infrastructure sector, such as Verkley, a Netherlands-based specialist in underground energy and water cable and pipeline services, and Keil & Purkl, a civil engineering specialist. These transactions highlight Gimv's interest in companies that may intersect with fiber optic installation, although their broader investment strategy encompasses a variety of industries.


6. 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, based in Luxembourg, 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 made significant strides in the fiber optic sector, acquiring a 50% stake in Arteria Networks, a fiber operator in Japan, for approximately US$150 million in 2014, highlighting their interest in the B2B telecom market. Additionally, their acquisition of Hong Kong Broadband Network in 2012 for about US$644 million further underscores their involvement in telecommunications, which is closely linked to fiber optic infrastructure.


7. 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 businesses in various industries, including telecommunications, healthcare, and agriculture. Notably, PhotonDelta has been involved in several significant transactions relevant to fiber optics: they co-led a $37 million Series C funding round for EFFECT Photonics, which is developing single-chip coherent optics. They also invested in PhotonFirst, a deep tech startup that raised €11M in Series A funding to support its business plan. Additionally, PhotonDelta led a financing round for PhotonVentures, which aims to raise funds for photonic technologies. Their investment in QuiX Quantum, which focuses on photonic quantum processors, and Amazec Photonics, developing devices for clinical trials using photonic technology, further illustrates their commitment to advancing photonic solutions, including those applicable to fiber optics.


8. Kpn

  • Website: kpn.com
  • Type: Corporate
  • Headquarters: Rotterdam, South Holland, Netherlands
  • Founded year: 1989
  • Headcount: 10001+
  • Number of deals in 2024: 2
  • LinkedIn: kpn

KPN is a leading telecommunications provider based in Rotterdam, South Holland, Netherlands, founded in 1989. With over 10,000 employees, KPN offers a comprehensive range of services including fixed and mobile telephony, internet, and television to both consumers and businesses. The company is known for its reliable network and ICT solutions. KPN has been actively acquiring other companies to enhance its service offerings, including the acquisition of Solcon, a Dutch internet service provider, in 2017, which aligns with their strategy to improve internet services. More recently, in 2023, KPN acquired Youfone, a significant Mobile Virtual Network Operator (MVNO), further solidifying its position in the mobile and internet market. These transactions reflect KPN's commitment to expanding its capabilities in providing high-speed internet services, which is closely tied to fiber optic installation.


9. Altice Group

  • Website: altice.net
  • Type: Corporate
  • Headquarters: Luxembourg
  • Founded year: 2001
  • Headcount: 10001+
  • LinkedIn: altice-group

Altice Group, founded in 2001 and based in Luxembourg, is a prominent telecommunications and mass media company that delivers internet, TV, and phone services across Western Europe, Israel, the United States, and the Caribbean. The company focuses on providing connectivity solutions to both residential and business customers. Notably, Altice Group made a significant move in the fiber optic installation space by acquiring Covage on November 25, 2019, for over $1.1 billion. Covage operates fiber optic networks, which aligns with Altice's strategy to enhance its service offerings and expand its infrastructure. Additionally, Altice was involved in a funding round for Numericable in 2014, further indicating its engagement in the telecommunications sector. These transactions highlight Altice Group's commitment to advancing fiber optic technology and infrastructure.


10. Brabantse Ontwikkelings Maatschappij (BOM)


The Brabantse Ontwikkelings Maatschappij (BOM) is a venture capital firm based in Tilburg, North Brabant, Netherlands, founded in 1983. BOM acts as a development agency that supports startups and scale-ups in the Brabant region by providing funding, expertise, and networking opportunities to enhance business growth. Among their notable transactions, BOM has invested in EFFECT Photonics, a company that raised funds in Series A rounds in 2015 and 2016. EFFECT Photonics specializes in photonics technology, which is integral to fiber optic systems. This involvement highlights BOM's engagement in sectors that intersect with fiber optics, showcasing their potential relevance in this industry. Other investments include KWB Kunststofwerktuigbouw BV and Anteryon, although these are less directly related to fiber optics. Overall, BOM's diverse investment portfolio and specific transactions in the photonics sector position them as a relevant player in the fiber optic installation landscape.


11. 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 specializes in investing in transformative ideas within the biotechnology and technology sectors, particularly focusing on healthcare, life sciences, and advanced technology. M Ventures provides funding and strategic guidance to startups, helping them achieve commercial success. Notably, they have participated in funding rounds for companies like Polaris Electro-Optics, which raised $3M in Seed funding for integrated photonics products, and Quintessent, which raised approximately $11.6 million in a Seed round. Additionally, M Ventures has invested in Metalenz, a metasurface optics startup that raised $30 million in Series B funding to advance high-performance 3D sensing solutions, indicating their interest in optics technology that could intersect with fiber optics. Their collaborative approach with entrepreneurs drives innovation and growth in their portfolio companies, making them a potential player in the fiber optic installation space.


12. 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 that can transform industries. They provide capital and support to startups in various sectors, including industrial tech, med tech, and food & agri tech. Notably, Innovation Industries has been involved in several significant transactions in the fiber optic technology space. They co-led funding rounds for EFFECT Photonics, which raised substantial amounts in Series C, D, and earlier rounds, aimed at developing advanced optical technologies. Additionally, their investment in PHIX, which received €3 million for scaling photonic chip production, highlights their commitment to supporting innovations in fiber optics and related technologies.


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. The firm provides financial support and strategic guidance to help businesses scale and prepare for liquidity events. Cipio Partners focuses on technology firms with proven business models and significant revenue, primarily in the software and B2B sectors. Notably, they have been involved in several funding rounds for BridgeWave Communications, a supplier of 4G millimeter wave backhaul solutions, which are essential for mobile network infrastructure. Their investments in BridgeWave, including a $10.3 million financing round in 2012 and multiple earlier rounds, highlight their engagement in sectors that intersect with fiber optic technology, particularly in enhancing network capabilities for telecommunications.


14. NewSpace Capital


NewSpace Capital is a private equity firm based in Luxembourg, founded in 2018, specializing in growth investments within the space industry. The firm focuses on deep-tech companies that address global challenges, providing both investment management and strategic support. NewSpace Capital operates across various market segments, including Earth observation and telecommunications, with a particular emphasis on businesses in the space technology sector. Notably, they led a €26 million Series C funding round for Cailabs, an innovative photonics company that is expanding its laser communications and optical ground station business, which is directly relevant to fiber optic technologies. Additionally, they participated in a Series B funding round for FibreCoat, further demonstrating their commitment to investing in companies that are involved in fiber optic installations and related technologies.



Fiber Optic Installation Insights: Key Investors in Benelux


InvestorHeadquarterSizeFoundedDeals 2024
European Investment Bank (EIB)Luxembourg1001-5000195899
ABN AMRO Clearing BankAmsterdam, North Holland, Netherlands501-1000198219
European Innovation Council (EIC)Brussels, Brussels, Belgium201-500195857
Triton PartnersLuxembourg201-50019976
GimvAntwerp, Flanders, Belgium51-20019808
CvcLuxembourg1001-5000200516
PhotonDeltaEindhoven, North Brabant, Netherlands11-5020181
KpnRotterdam, South Holland, Netherlands10001+19892
Altice GroupLuxembourg10001+20010
Brabantse Ontwikkelings Maatschappij (BOM)Tilburg, North Brabant, Netherlands51-200198310
M VenturesAmsterdam, North Holland, Netherlands11-50200918
Innovation IndustriesAmsterdam, North Holland, Netherlands11-50201710
Cipio PartnersLuxembourg11-5020032
NewSpace CapitalLuxembourg11-5020183


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