The ophthalmic instruments industry in the US focuses on vision care solutions, including diagnostic tools, surgical instruments, and therapeutic devices. Companies in this sector range from established medical device manufacturers to innovative startups, all striving to improve eye health and enhance vision correction. Recent advancements include smart glasses and minimally invasive surgery options, aiming to reduce complications and recovery times. The industry is projected to grow as the aging population increases demand for vision care. Investment in cutting-edge technology like telemedicine and artificial intelligence is also shaping its future, fostering improvements in patient care and accessibility.


This list highlights a mix of investors in the ophthalmic instruments sector. The group features venture capitalists and corporate investors predominantly from California and New York, with founding dates spanning from 1977 to 2017. Among the 15 companies, investment counts for 2024 vary widely, showcasing active involvement in the industry. Notably, large firms such as Medtronic and innovative entities like Y Combinator demonstrate a blend of capital intensity and strategic insight that can significantly boost aspiring companies within the ophthalmic space.


Top 15 Ophthalmic Instruments Investors in the US


1. MedTech Innovator

  • Website: medtechinnovator.org
  • Type: Corporate
  • Headquarters: Los Angeles, California, United States (USA)
  • Founded year: 2013
  • Headcount: 11-50
  • Number of deals in 2024: 85
  • LinkedIn: medtech-innovator

MedTech Innovator is a not-for-profit organization based in Los Angeles, California, founded in 2013. It serves as the largest accelerator for medical technology companies, providing accelerator programs, mentorship, and competitions to support startups in the medical device, digital health, and diagnostics sectors. Among their notable transactions, they have provided grants to companies such as LensGen, which focuses on developing advanced intraocular lens technologies, and Bionic Vision Technologies, which works on innovative solutions for vision restoration. These transactions highlight MedTech Innovator's active role in supporting the growth of companies that are relevant to the ophthalmic instruments industry, thereby contributing to advancements in eye care and vision health.


2. Sosv

  • Website: sosv.com
  • Type: Venture Capital
  • Headquarters: United States (USA)
  • Founded year: 1995
  • Headcount: 51-200
  • Number of deals in 2024: 170
  • LinkedIn: sosv

SOSV is a venture capital firm founded in 1995, specializing in funding and supporting deep tech startups through its development programs. The firm provides venture capital investment and resources to help startups grow in sectors like health and climate technology. Notably, Sosv has been involved in several transactions within the ophthalmic instruments context, including multiple seed rounds for VisusNano, a company focused on innovative solutions for vision care, and a pre-seed round for Fuller Vision, which also operates in the eye care sector. These investments highlight Sosv's commitment to supporting advancements in ophthalmic technology while maintaining a diverse investment portfolio across various industries.


3. OrbiMed

  • Website: orbimed.com
  • Type: Venture Capital
  • Headquarters: New York, New York, United States (USA)
  • Founded year: 1989
  • Headcount: 51-200
  • Number of deals in 2024: 52
  • LinkedIn: orbimed-advisors

OrbiMed is an investment firm based in New York, specializing in healthcare investments across various sectors, including biopharmaceuticals, medical devices, and healthcare services. Founded in 1989, OrbiMed manages approximately $17 billion in assets and has a global reach. Notably, they have participated in several funding rounds for companies in the ophthalmic instruments space, such as Glaukos, which raised multiple rounds of funding (including $35 million in Series D in 2008 and $29.5 million in Series E in 2011) and Avedro, which secured $25 million in Series F in 2018 and $42 million in a venture round in 2017. These transactions highlight OrbiMed's active role in supporting innovation within the ophthalmic instruments industry.


4. Y Combinator

  • Website: ycombinator.com
  • Type: Venture Capital
  • Headquarters: San Francisco, California, United States (USA)
  • Founded year: 2005
  • Headcount: 51-200
  • Number of deals in 2024: 802
  • LinkedIn: y-combinator

Y Combinator is a prominent startup accelerator and venture capital firm based in San Francisco, California, founded in 2005. It provides funding and mentorship to early-stage technology companies through a structured program that helps entrepreneurs launch and grow their businesses. Y Combinator has successfully launched over 4,000 startups, making it a key player in the technology startup ecosystem. Among its investments, Y Combinator has backed companies in the medical device sector, including AesculaTech, which raised $120,000 in a seed round in January 2018, and Vena Medical, which also raised $120,000 in the same month. Additionally, it invested in Allotrope Medical, which secured $120,000 in a seed round in August 2018. These transactions highlight Y Combinator's involvement in the medical field, suggesting a potential interest in ophthalmic instruments and related technologies.


5. New Enterprise Associates (NEA)

  • Website: nea.com
  • Type: Venture Capital
  • Headquarters: Menlo Park, California, United States (USA)
  • Founded year: 1977
  • Headcount: 51-200
  • Number of deals in 2024: 57
  • LinkedIn: new-enterprise-associates

New Enterprise Associates (NEA) is a prominent venture capital firm based in Menlo Park, California, founded in 1977. NEA specializes in investment management and advisory services for startups, particularly in the technology and healthcare sectors. The firm partners with entrepreneurs to provide funding and strategic guidance, helping them navigate the challenges of building successful businesses. NEA operates through a collaborative approach, emphasizing long-term relationships with founders. Notably, NEA has invested in several companies within the ophthalmic instruments space, including Ivantis, which raised significant funding for its glaucoma treatment technologies, and Alimera Sciences, which developed the eye drug Iluvien. These investments highlight NEA's commitment to supporting innovation in the ophthalmic field, making them a relevant player in this industry.


6. Medtronic

  • Website: medtronic.com
  • Type: Corporate
  • Headquarters: Minneapolis, Minnesota, United States (USA)
  • Founded year: 1949
  • Headcount: 10001+
  • Number of deals in 2024: 2
  • LinkedIn: medtronic

Medtronic plc is a leading medical device company founded in 1949, headquartered in Minneapolis, Minnesota. The company specializes in developing and manufacturing healthcare technologies and therapies aimed at improving health outcomes globally. Medtronic has a diverse portfolio that includes various medical solutions across multiple therapeutic areas. Notably, Medtronic has made significant investments in the ophthalmic instruments sector, including participation in funding rounds for AcuFocus, a manufacturer of implants for vision loss, and a developer of corneal inlays for near vision loss. In 2014, Medtronic was part of a $21 million Series E-K funding round for AcuFocus, and in 2011, it participated in a $65 million financing round for the same company. These investments highlight Medtronic's commitment to advancing technologies in the ophthalmic field. Additionally, Medtronic's broader investment strategy includes acquisitions and funding in various medical technology sectors, further establishing its role as a key player in the healthcare industry.


7. Silicon Valley Bank

  • Website: svb.com
  • Type: Venture Capital
  • Headquarters: Santa Clara, California, United States (USA)
  • Founded year: 1983
  • Headcount: 5001-10000
  • Number of deals in 2024: 31
  • LinkedIn: silicon-valley-bank

Silicon Valley Bank is a commercial bank founded in 1983, located in Santa Clara, California, that specializes in providing financial services to the innovation economy, particularly tech startups and venture capital firms. They offer a range of products including business banking, global payments, and asset management, helping clients navigate financial challenges and support their growth. Notably, Silicon Valley Bank has been involved in several significant transactions within the ophthalmic instruments sector, including a $10 million debt financing for MacuLogix in 2018, a $25 million post-IPO debt for Eyenovia in 2021, and participation in a $30 million Series C funding round for LensVector in 2010. These transactions highlight their active role in supporting companies that develop innovative solutions in the ophthalmic field.


8. Intel Capital

  • Website: intelcapital.com
  • Type: Venture Capital
  • Headquarters: Santa Clara, California, United States (USA)
  • Founded year: 1991
  • Headcount: 11-50
  • Number of deals in 2024: 23
  • LinkedIn: intelcapital

Intel Capital is a venture capital firm based in Santa Clara, California, founded in 1991. It specializes in investing in early-stage technology companies, with a focus on areas such as AI, cloud computing, and semiconductor technologies. The firm provides funding, strategic support, and access to Intel's extensive resources to help startups scale and innovate within the tech ecosystem. Notably, Intel Capital has made significant investments in companies that intersect with the ophthalmic instruments field. For example, it led funding rounds for AdHawk Microsystems, which is pioneering camera-free eye tracking technology, and has also invested in Almalence, a developer of computational imaging platforms. These investments highlight Intel Capital's engagement with technologies that could enhance ophthalmic instruments and applications, showcasing its potential relevance in this sector.


9. Versant Ventures

  • Website: versantventures.com
  • Type: Venture Capital
  • Headquarters: San Francisco, California, United States (USA)
  • Founded year: 1999
  • Headcount: 11-50
  • Number of deals in 2024: 10
  • LinkedIn: versant-ventures

Versant Ventures is a venture capital firm based in San Francisco, California, specializing in biotechnology. Founded in 1999, the firm manages $4.2 billion in assets and partners with academic institutions to create and fund innovative biotechnology companies. Versant Ventures has been involved in several significant transactions in the ophthalmic instruments sector, notably with Glaukos Corp, a company focused on developing surgical devices for glaucoma treatment. They participated in multiple funding rounds for Glaukos, including Series A, D, E, and K, demonstrating a long-term commitment to supporting advancements in ophthalmic technology. Additionally, they invested in AcuFocus, a manufacturer of implants designed to treat vision loss, further solidifying their involvement in the ophthalmic instruments industry. This combination of investments highlights Versant Ventures' role in fostering innovation within the ophthalmic sector while maintaining a broader focus on biotechnology and pharmaceuticals.


10. SV Health Investors


SV Health Investors is a venture capital firm based in Boston, Massachusetts, specializing in healthcare and life sciences investments. Founded in 1993, the firm focuses on providing growth equity and venture capital to innovative healthcare companies, helping them scale their operations and improve patient care. Notably, SV Health Investors has been involved in significant transactions within the ophthalmic instruments sector, particularly with AcuFocus, a manufacturer of implants designed to treat vision loss. They participated in multiple funding rounds for AcuFocus, including a $21 million Series E-K round in 2014, which was oversubscribed and included other notable investors such as Medtronic and Carlyle Group. This involvement highlights their commitment to supporting advancements in ophthalmic technology and patient care.


11. Luminate Accelerator

  • Website: luminate.org
  • Type: Venture Capital
  • Headquarters: Rochester, New York, United States (USA)
  • Founded year: 2017
  • Headcount: 1-10
  • Number of deals in 2024: 16
  • LinkedIn: luminateoptics

Luminate Accelerator is a not-for-profit startup accelerator and investment fund based in Rochester, NY, founded in 2017. It supports early-stage companies in the optics, photonics, and imaging sectors by providing funding, mentorship, and access to resources. The organization connects startups with industry experts and investors to help them commercialize their technologies and succeed in the market. Notably, Luminate has been involved in several transactions relevant to the ophthalmic instruments field, including Custom Surgical, which raised $597,902 in a seed round, and Intelon Optics, which secured $5,896,590 in a Series A round. Other investments include 2Eyes Vision and Ovitz, which also indicate a focus on innovative solutions in the optics and imaging space.


12. Oxford Finance LLC

  • Website: oxfordfinance.com
  • Type: Corporate
  • Headquarters: Alexandria, Virginia, United States (USA)
  • Founded year: 2002
  • Headcount: 51-200
  • Number of deals in 2024: 2
  • LinkedIn: oxford-finance-llc

Oxford Finance LLC is a corporate financial services company based in Alexandria, Virginia, founded in 2002. The firm specializes in providing flexible lending solutions to middle-market companies, particularly in the life sciences and healthcare sectors. They offer a variety of financial products, including enterprise lending, leveraged lending, and real estate financing, aimed at helping businesses secure the capital necessary for growth and innovation. Among their notable transactions, Oxford Finance provided a $60 million senior secured term loan to RxSight, an intraocular lens manufacturer, which highlights their active role in the ophthalmic instruments sector. Additionally, they have engaged in other significant financing activities, such as a $10 million debt financing for LENSAR and a $30 million financing round for Nevakar Inc., further demonstrating their commitment to supporting companies within the healthcare and life sciences industries.


13. Perceptive Advisors


Perceptive Advisors is a New York-based venture capital firm founded in 1999, specializing in the life sciences sector. The firm provides capital solutions and investment management services to both private and public healthcare companies, with a strong focus on biotechnology, pharmaceuticals, and medical devices. Notably, Perceptive Advisors has been involved in significant transactions within the ophthalmic instruments context, such as leading a $17.5 million Series A financing round for Adaptilens, Inc., which is developing an Accommodating Intraocular Lens (A-IOL). Additionally, they have invested in AsclepiX Therapeutics, which is advancing treatments for wet age-related macular degeneration (AMD), further highlighting their commitment to the ophthalmic field. Their expertise in securing funding for innovation and growth in healthcare positions them as a relevant investor in the ophthalmic instruments industry.


14. Nlvc

  • Website: nlvc.com
  • Type: Venture Capital
  • Headquarters: Menlo Park, California, United States (USA)
  • Founded year: 2005
  • Headcount: 11-50
  • Number of deals in 2024: 5
  • LinkedIn: northern-light-venture-capital

NLVC is a venture capital firm based in Menlo Park, California, founded in 2005. The firm specializes in early-stage technology investments across various sectors, including enterprise, healthcare, and consumer markets. With a portfolio of over 400 companies, NLVC provides capital, insights, and operational expertise to entrepreneurs. Notably, NLVC has participated in funding rounds for companies like Neurophth Therapeutics, which is involved in developing gene therapies for retinal diseases, and Xpect Vision Technology, which may have relevance in the ophthalmic space. Their investments in healthcare-related companies suggest a potential interest in the ophthalmic instruments sector, although their focus is not exclusively on this area.


15. Domain Associates


Domain Associates is a venture capital firm founded in 1985, based in the United States, specializing in biotechnology investments. The firm manages approximately $2.8 billion in assets and has funded 194 companies in the biopharmaceutical, device, and diagnostic sectors. Among their notable transactions, Domain Associates has participated in several funding rounds for Glaukos, a company dedicated to developing innovative treatments for glaucoma, raising significant amounts in Series A, D, E, and K rounds from 2002 to 2013. They also invested in ReVision Optics, which raised $32 million in a venture round in 2016, focusing on ophthalmic solutions. These transactions highlight Domain Associates' commitment to advancing medical technologies, particularly in the ophthalmic instruments field.



Ophthalmic Instruments Insights: Key Investors in the US


InvestorHeadquarterSizeFoundedDeals 2024
MedTech InnovatorLos Angeles, California, United States (USA)11-50201385
SosvUnited States (USA)51-2001995170
OrbiMedNew York, New York, United States (USA)51-200198952
Y CombinatorSan Francisco, California, United States (USA)51-2002005802
New Enterprise Associates (NEA)Menlo Park, California, United States (USA)51-200197757
MedtronicMinneapolis, Minnesota, United States (USA)10001+19492
Silicon Valley BankSanta Clara, California, United States (USA)5001-10000198331
Intel CapitalSanta Clara, California, United States (USA)11-50199123
Versant VenturesSan Francisco, California, United States (USA)11-50199910
SV Health InvestorsBoston, Massachusetts, United States (USA)51-20019938
Luminate AcceleratorRochester, New York, United States (USA)1-10201716
Oxford Finance LLCAlexandria, Virginia, United States (USA)51-20020022
Perceptive AdvisorsNew York, New York, United States (USA)11-50199945
NlvcMenlo Park, California, United States (USA)11-5020055
Domain AssociatesUnited States (USA)11-5019850


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