The fiber optic cable manufacturing industry in Europe is vital for modern communication, utilizing light to transmit data through cables. This sector includes manufacturers, technology firms, and service providers focused on high-speed communication networks. Companies in this industry innovate in production techniques, offering various types of cables for everything from telecommunications to data centers. The sector is expanding rapidly due to increasing demand for fast internet and infrastructure upgrades, driven by the growth of AI and digital transformation. Sustainability and advanced manufacturing processes also shape the future, making this an exciting field for investment and innovation.


The list features influential investors in Europe's fiber optic cable manufacturing landscape. Covering corporate, venture capital, and private equity firms, these investors are based across varied locations, including the UK, France, and Luxembourg. Operating sizes range from small teams to large corporations, reflecting a spectrum of expertise and strategic priorities. Founded as recently as 2005 for some, their deal counts in 2024, showcasing investment activity, demonstrate keen interest in this sector. With a focus on growth and innovation, these investors are pivotal in shaping the industry's future.


Top 15 Fiber Optic Cable Manufacturing Investors in Europe


1. 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 in multiple sectors. Notably, the EIC has been involved in funding transactions relevant to the fiber optic cable manufacturing industry, such as its support for Cailabs, a company specializing in laser communications and optical ground stations, which raised €26 million in a Series C funding round. Additionally, the EIC has provided grants to other companies in the photonics field, including iPronics, Lumiphase, and NewPhotonics, further demonstrating its commitment to advancing technologies related to fiber optics.


2. 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 private equity firm based in Stockholm, Sweden, founded in 1994. The firm specializes in a diverse range of investment strategies, including private equity, infrastructure, real estate, growth equity, and venture capital. EQT serves institutional investors by providing expertise in managing varied investment portfolios across multiple sectors and geographies. Notably, EQT has made significant strides in the fiber optic cable industry through strategic acquisitions. In 2014, they acquired a majority share in IslaLink Submarine Cables S.L., an operator of submarine fiber-optic cables in Spain. In 2020, EQT acquired Deutsche Glasfaser, a key player in the fiber optic network space, for over $2.7 billion. Additionally, their acquisition of inexio, a German fiber network company, further solidifies their commitment to investing in fiber optic infrastructure. These transactions highlight EQT's active role in the fiber optic cable manufacturing and infrastructure sector.


3. Bpifrance French Tech Accélération


Bpifrance French Tech Accélération is a public entity and financial institution based in Paris, Île-De-France, France, founded in 2015. It supports entrepreneurs and businesses in France and internationally through various services, including direct funding, export credit insurance, and private equity investments. Bpifrance aims to foster entrepreneurship and innovation through coaching and partnerships, helping businesses navigate growth and international expansion. Notably, Bpifrance has participated in funding rounds for companies like Scintil Photonics, which specializes in silicon photonic integrated circuits for optical interconnects, raising €13.5M and $4.4M in funding rounds. These investments highlight Bpifrance's role in advancing technologies relevant to fiber optics, making it a significant player in this sector.


4. European Investment Bank (EIB)


The European Investment Bank (EIB) is a public entity based in Luxembourg, founded in 1958, that provides financial services including loans, equity investments, guarantees, and advisory services to support sustainable projects across various sectors. In 2024, the EIB was involved in significant transactions within the fiber optic cable manufacturing context, such as providing $487.7 million in post-IPO debt to Prysmian Group, a leading manufacturer of fiber optic cables. Additionally, the EIB financed Deutsche Glasfaser with $391.1 million in debt financing, further emphasizing its commitment to enhancing fiber optic infrastructure. Other notable transactions include financing Telefonica Germany, Gigaclear, and Hyperoptic, which also play vital roles in the fiber optic sector. These investments reflect the EIB's strategy to promote growth and job creation in industries that are essential for modern communication and connectivity.


5. Bgf

  • Website: bgf.co.uk
  • Type: Venture Capital
  • Headquarters: London, England, United Kingdom (UK)
  • Founded year: 2011
  • Headcount: 51-200
  • Number of deals in 2024: 53
  • LinkedIn: bgfinvestments

BGF Investment Management Limited is a venture capital firm based in London, England, founded in 2011. The firm specializes in providing growth funding and value creation support to small and mid-sized businesses in the UK and Ireland. BGF addresses the funding gap in the market through minority investments and extensive support services. Notably, BGF has invested in Lumenisity, a fiber optic and cabling technology firm, contributing £5 million to their funding round aimed at commercializing research and building a new manufacturing facility. Additionally, BGF has been involved in other transactions such as investing in Metpro, a manufacturer of cable management products, and Magma Global, which, while focused on carbon fiber pipes, showcases BGF's interest in manufacturing sectors. These transactions highlight BGF's active role in supporting businesses related to fiber optics and cable manufacturing.


6. 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. The organization primarily serves businesses aiming to enhance their operations and growth. Among its notable transactions, Scottish Enterprise participated in funding rounds for Conjunct Limited, a UK-based designer and supplier of Optical Sub Assemblies (OSAs), which raised £340k to support production engineering for Fibre-Lyte manufacture. Additionally, Scottish Enterprise has been involved with pureLiFi, a company focused on LiFi technology, which has raised significant funds in various rounds, including an $18M Series B funding round aimed at developing Gigabit LiFi components. These transactions highlight Scottish Enterprise's commitment to supporting advancements in the fiber optic cable manufacturing sector.


7. Jsc Rusnano

  • Website: rusnano.com
  • Type: Venture Capital
  • Headquarters: Moscow, Moscow, Russia
  • Founded year: 2007
  • Headcount: 201-500
  • LinkedIn: rusnano

Jsc Rusnano is a venture capital investment firm based in Moscow, Russia, founded in 2007. The firm specializes in advancing nanotechnology and high-tech industries, providing essential funding and expertise to innovative projects across various sectors, including healthcare and renewable energy. Notably, Rusnano has made several investments in the fiber optic cable manufacturing context, including Optic Fiber Systems, Connector Optics, and Profotech, all of which raised undisclosed amounts in venture rounds between 2009 and 2011. These transactions highlight Rusnano's engagement in the fiber optic industry, showcasing its role in fostering technological development in this area.


8. 3i Group plc

  • Website: 3i.com
  • Type: Private Equity
  • Headquarters: London, England, United Kingdom (UK)
  • Founded year: 1945
  • Headcount: 201-500
  • Number of deals in 2024: 3
  • LinkedIn: 3i-group-plc

3i Group plc is a London-based private equity and infrastructure investment firm founded in 1945. The firm specializes in providing capital and expertise to mid-market companies, helping them grow sustainably. With a strong international presence and a diverse portfolio, 3i Group aims to create value for its stakeholders through strategic investments. Notably, 3i has been involved in several funding rounds for Polatis, a company focused on optical switching technology, raising a total of approximately $40 million across Series A to Series D from 2001 to 2009. This involvement highlights 3i's commitment to the fiber optic cable manufacturing sector, alongside their broader investment strategy.


9. Liberty Global

  • Website: libertyglobal.com
  • Type: Corporate
  • Headquarters: London, England, United Kingdom (UK)
  • Founded year: 2005
  • Headcount: 10001+
  • Number of deals in 2024: 7
  • LinkedIn: liberty-global

Liberty Global Ltd. is a prominent telecommunications company based in London, England, providing a wide array of services including gigabit broadband, 5G mobile services, and entertainment platforms. Founded in 2005, the company has grown to employ over 10,000 people and operates across multiple European countries, leveraging an extensive network infrastructure. In recent years, Liberty Global has made significant investments in the fiber optic cable manufacturing sector. For instance, they participated in a Series C funding round for Tibit Communications, which raised $30 million to enhance its 25G ASIC program and scale manufacturing capabilities. Additionally, Liberty Global invested in Nexfibre, which raised over $1.7 billion to develop fiber optic infrastructure. These transactions highlight Liberty Global's strategic interest in advancing fiber optic technology, aligning with their broader telecommunications services.


10. Parkwalk Advisors


Parkwalk Advisors is a London-based venture capital investment management firm founded in 2009. They specialize in venture capital investments in university spin-outs and innovative technologies, managing various EIS funds aimed at capital appreciation and tax reliefs for investors. With a focus on high-growth companies across sectors such as AI, life sciences, and cleantech, Parkwalk Advisors has also made notable investments in the fiber optic cable manufacturing industry. They participated in a £2.5 million investment in Lumenisity, a fiber optic and cabling technology firm, which raised a total of £7.5 million to further commercialize research and build a new manufacturing facility. Additionally, they invested in AccelerComm, a company that, while not exclusively focused on fiber optics, operates within the telecommunications sector, which is closely related to fiber optic technologies. These transactions highlight Parkwalk Advisors' engagement in the fiber optic space, making them a relevant investor in this category.


11. 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 been involved in several transactions relevant to the fiber optic sector, such as investing in Intune Networks, which raised €22 million for its commercial product launch, and Eblana Photonics, which raised $608,410 in a seed round. These investments highlight Enterprise Ireland's commitment to fostering innovation and growth in technology sectors that include fiber optics.


12. 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 private equity firm based in Luxembourg, founded in 2005. The firm specializes in private equity, credit, secondaries, and infrastructure, managing approximately €193 billion in assets for over 1000 clients, including pension funds and institutional investors. CVC aims to deliver sustainable value and growth through strategic investments. Notable transactions include the acquisition of Hong Kong Broadband Network, which highlights their interest in telecommunications infrastructure, a sector that often relies on fiber optic technology. Additionally, CVC has engaged in various acquisitions such as Linxens, a company specializing in smart card connectors, and Delachaux, which may have indirect relevance to technology and infrastructure sectors. However, the direct connection to fiber optic cable manufacturing is not explicitly established in their transaction history.


13. 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 founded in 1996, specializing in private equity, real assets, and credit solutions. With a global presence and a focus on sustainable finance, Ardian aims to create lasting value for its clients, including institutional investors, family offices, and pension funds. Notably, Ardian has made significant strides in the telecommunications sector, acquiring Adamo Telecom Iberia, a fiber optic operator in Spain, which marks their entry into the fiber optic market. Additionally, their acquisition of Mila, an Icelandic telecommunications network, and their investment in MXT Holdings, a telecommunications infrastructure company in Mexico, further demonstrate their commitment to the telecommunications industry, including fiber optics. These transactions highlight Ardian's strategic focus on high-quality private market investments in sectors that are critical for modern connectivity.


14. Addtech AB

  • Website: addtech.se
  • Type: Corporate
  • Headquarters: Stockholm, Stockholm, Sweden
  • Founded year: 1906
  • Headcount: 1001-5000
  • Number of deals in 2024: 9
  • LinkedIn: addtech-ab

Addtech AB is a technology solutions provider based in Stockholm, Sweden, specializing in high-tech products and services across various sectors, including automation, electrification, energy, industrial solutions, and process technology. Founded in 1906, Addtech serves OEM manufacturers and end-users, helping them enhance operational efficiency and sustainability through innovative solutions. Notably, Addtech has been active in acquiring companies that may have relevance to the fiber optic cable manufacturing industry. For instance, in 2018, Addtech Components acquired Fibersystem AB, a company that, while primarily focused on cyber security, operates within a high-tech context that could relate to fiber optics. This acquisition, along with others in the energy and electrical sectors, positions Addtech as a player that could potentially engage with the fiber optic cable manufacturing market.


15. Amadeus Capital Partners


Amadeus Capital Partners is a venture capital firm based in London, UK, founded in 1997. The firm specializes in investing in technology companies across diverse sectors, including AI, Cyber Security, and FinTech. In recent years, they have also shown interest in the fiber optics domain, particularly through their investment in iPronics, a Valencia-based startup pioneering photonic computing. iPronics secured a €3.7M investment led by Amadeus in July 2022, and they further participated in a Series A round for iPronics in January 2025, raising over $20 million. These transactions highlight Amadeus Capital Partners' commitment to supporting innovative technologies that intersect with fiber optics, showcasing their potential relevance in the fiber optic cable manufacturing industry.



Fiber Optic Cable Manufacturing Insights: Key Investors in Europe


InvestorHeadquarterSizeFoundedDeals 2024
European Innovation Council (EIC)Brussels, Brussels, Belgium201-500195857
EQT GroupStockholm, Stockholm, Sweden1001-5000199430
Bpifrance French Tech AccélérationParis, Île-De-France, France1-102015198
European Investment Bank (EIB)Luxembourg1001-5000195899
BgfLondon, England, United Kingdom (UK)51-200201153
Scottish EnterpriseGlasgow, Scotland, United Kingdom (UK)1001-5000199155
Jsc RusnanoMoscow, Moscow, Russia201-50020070
3i Group plcLondon, England, United Kingdom (UK)201-50019453
Liberty GlobalLondon, England, United Kingdom (UK)10001+20057
Parkwalk AdvisorsLondon, England, United Kingdom (UK)11-50200917
Enterprise IrelandDublin, Dublin, Ireland501-1000199848
CvcLuxembourg1001-5000200516
ArdianParis, Île-De-France, France1001-5000199621
Addtech ABStockholm, Stockholm, Sweden1001-500019069
Amadeus Capital PartnersLondon, England, United Kingdom (UK)11-5019977


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