The optical laser manufacturing industry in Europe is a sophisticated sector largely focused on developing intricate laser technologies for a myriad of applications, including telecommunications, healthcare, and manufacturing. Key players range from established multinational corporations to agile startups specializing in photonics and deep-tech innovations. This industry is witnessing rapid advancement, driven by the demand for more efficient laser systems and increased investment in research and development. As companies explore new materials and technologies, the market is expected to expand, with initiatives aimed at sustainability and integration of laser systems into various sectors, enhancing productivity and precision.


This article presents a curated list of top investors active in the optical laser manufacturing sector in Europe. Featuring a mix of corporate entities, venture capital firms, and private equity groups, these investors vary significantly in size and expertise. With headquarters spanning Luxembourg to Sweden, they hold substantial portfolios and demonstrate commitment through numerous deals in 2024. Noteworthy is their focus on funding in technology sectors, indicating a keen interest in the future of laser innovation and manufacturing. Together, these investors represent a broad investment landscape, each contributing strategically to industry advancements.


Top 15 Optical Laser 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, including the EIC Accelerator and EIC Pathfinder, aimed at helping startups and SMEs develop and scale their technologies. The EIC also 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 optical laser manufacturing industry, such as Cailabs, which raised €26 million in a Series C funding round to expand its laser communications and optical ground station business. Additionally, the EIC has provided grants to companies like Femtika and NewPhotonics, which are also engaged in photonics and laser technology, further highlighting its role in supporting the optical laser sector.


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 supports entrepreneurs and businesses in France and internationally through various services, including direct funding, export credit insurance, and private equity investments. The firm aims to foster entrepreneurship and innovation, helping businesses navigate growth and international expansion. Bpifrance has been involved in several relevant transactions in the optical laser manufacturing context, particularly with Scintil Photonics, which raised funds to develop silicon photonic integrated circuits for optical interconnects. This investment highlights Bpifrance's commitment to advancing technologies in the optical sector. Additionally, their participation in funding rounds for other technology-driven companies indicates a broader interest in innovative sectors, including those related to optical lasers.


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, that specializes in providing loans, risk capital, and business development support to small and medium-sized enterprises. Founded in 1994, Almi aims to enhance the growth and competitiveness of these businesses through tailored financial solutions and guidance. In recent years, Almi has been involved in several transactions that highlight their engagement with innovative technology sectors. Notably, they participated in the funding of Polar Light Technologies, which raised over $3.4 million in 2025, indicating a focus on advanced optical technologies. Additionally, Almi has invested in Luxbright and Hexagem, both of which are relevant to the optical and laser technology fields. Their investment in Adamant Quanta, a company developing diamond-based chip-scale atomic clocks, further showcases their interest in cutting-edge technology, which may intersect with optical laser applications.


4. Scottish Enterprise


Scottish Enterprise is a public entity established in 1991, dedicated to economic development in Scotland. It provides a variety of services, including funding, business development advice, and support for innovation and exports. In 2024, they were involved in 55 investments, showcasing their active role in enhancing Scotland's economic landscape. Notably, they have supported Chromacity, an Edinburgh-based ultrafast laser manufacturer, through multiple funding rounds, including a seed round in July 2024 where they contributed to a total raise of $1,285,289. Additionally, they matched funding in previous rounds, such as a £520,000 initial funding round in 2015, indicating their ongoing commitment to the optical laser manufacturing sector. This involvement highlights their role in promoting technological advancements and supporting businesses in this industry.


5. 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 optical laser manufacturing, EIB has been involved in several relevant transactions, such as providing $57,055,025 in debt financing to TRUMPF, a leading manufacturer in laser technology, on February 10, 2022. Additionally, EIB supported Norlase with $20,903,671 in debt financing on February 27, 2025, and Brolis Sensor Technology with $8,925,299 in debt financing on June 29, 2021. These transactions highlight EIB's engagement in the optical laser sector, although their overall investment strategy encompasses a wide range of industries.


6. Trumpf

  • Website: trumpf.com
  • Type: Corporate
  • Headquarters: Ditzingen, Baden-Württemberg, Germany
  • Founded year: 2016
  • Headcount: 10001+
  • Number of deals in 2024: 2
  • LinkedIn: trumpf-gmbh-co-kg

Trumpf SE + Co. KG, based in Ditzingen, Baden-Württemberg, Germany, is a leading manufacturing company specializing in advanced machine tools and laser technology. Founded in 2016, Trumpf has grown to employ over 10,000 people and has made significant strides in the optical laser manufacturing sector. In recent years, Trumpf has acquired several key players in the laser technology field, including an 85% stake in Access Laser Company, which focuses on Extreme UltraViolet (EUV) photolithography, and an 80% stake in Active Fiber Systems GmbH, known for its ultrashort-pulse laser systems. Additionally, Trumpf's acquisition of AMPHOS further strengthens its portfolio in ultrashort pulsed lasers, essential for electronics manufacturing. The acquisition of Photonics GmbH from Philips marks another strategic move to expand their product offerings in the photonics sector. These transactions highlight Trumpf's commitment to advancing laser technology and its relevance in the optical laser manufacturing industry.


7. 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 firm founded in 1945, specializing in private equity and infrastructure investments. The firm focuses on 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 invested in DenseLight Semiconductors, a Singapore-based total photonics solution provider, where they became the largest individual shareholder with a $30 million investment. This investment highlights their commitment to the photonics sector, which is integral to optical laser manufacturing. Additionally, 3i has made significant investments in OmniGuide, a company involved in laser technologies, further emphasizing their engagement in the optical laser industry.


8. Supernova Invest

  • Website: supernovainvest.com
  • Type: Venture Capital
  • Headquarters: Paris, Île-De-France, France
  • Founded year: 2017
  • Headcount: 11-50
  • Number of deals in 2024: 12
  • LinkedIn: supernova-invest

Supernova Invest is a venture capital firm based in Paris, Île-De-France, France, founded in 2017. The firm specializes in deeptech investments, focusing on innovative startups across various sectors, including healthcare, cleantech, and digital technologies. Supernova Invest emphasizes ESG principles and provides strategic guidance to help entrepreneurs navigate the complexities of scaling their businesses. Among their notable transactions, Supernova led a Series B funding round for Cailabs, a French photonics startup, which raised $8.8 million to enhance its commercial presence in North America. Additionally, they participated in funding rounds for Scintil Photonics, a supplier of silicon photonic integrated circuits, which raised €13.5 million to accelerate the industrialization of its optical interconnect technologies. These investments demonstrate Supernova's active role in the optical laser manufacturing and photonics sectors.


9. 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 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 been involved in several transactions relevant to the optical sector, such as their investments in 'Connector Optics' and 'Optic Fiber Systems', both of which are directly related to optical technologies. Additionally, they participated in funding rounds for 'Germanium and Applications', which may also have applications in optics. Their diverse portfolio and focus on technological development position them as a significant player in the investment landscape for optical laser manufacturing.


10. 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 founded in 2011, based in London, England. The firm specializes in providing growth funding and value creation support to small and mid-sized businesses in the UK and Ireland. BGF focuses on addressing the funding gap in the market through minority investments and extensive support services. Notably, BGF has invested in M Squared Lasers, a technology business based in Glasgow, which specializes in laser technology. They provided £3.85M in growth capital to M Squared Lasers in 2012, aimed at supporting research and development as well as sales and marketing efforts. This investment highlights BGF's commitment to the optical laser manufacturing sector. Additionally, BGF has been involved in other transactions, such as investments in Phlux Technology and OCL Vision, which may also relate to advanced technology sectors, further indicating their active role in supporting innovative companies.


11. 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, providing funding, expertise, and networking opportunities to enhance business growth. They have been involved in several significant transactions in the optical laser manufacturing context, including investments in EFFECT Photonics, which raised funds in multiple rounds (2015 and 2016) and specializes in photonic integrated circuits, and SMART-Photonics, which raised $44,562,237 in debt financing in 2023. Additionally, BOM participated in a funding round for inPhocal, a deeptech startup focused on increasing production of its machines, which may also relate to optical technologies. These transactions highlight BOM's commitment to fostering innovation in the optical laser manufacturing industry.


12. 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. The firm provides funding and strategic support to science and technology startups, helping them grow in various markets. Their investment focus includes sectors such as climate tech, industrial technology, and health & bio. Notably, Verve Ventures has participated in significant funding rounds for companies like ORCA Computing, which is developing photonic quantum computing systems, and Kiutra, a startup focused on quantum cooling technologies. These investments highlight their engagement with advanced technologies that are relevant to the optical laser manufacturing industry, showcasing their commitment to supporting innovative companies in this space.


13. Halma plc

  • Website: halma.com
  • Type: Corporate
  • Headquarters: Amersham, England, United Kingdom (UK)
  • Founded year: 1894
  • Headcount: 5001-10000
  • Number of deals in 2024: 5
  • LinkedIn: halma-plc

Halma plc is a technology company based in Amersham, England, that operates primarily in the safety, environmental analysis, and healthcare sectors. Founded in 1894, Halma has evolved to provide innovative solutions that enhance safety and operational efficiency. The company has made significant strides in the optical technology space through strategic acquisitions. Notably, Halma acquired Ocean Optics, a supplier of optical sensing systems, which enhances its capabilities in optical technologies. Additionally, the acquisition of Avo Photonics further solidifies Halma's position in the photonics sector. Other relevant acquisitions include Labsphere, which specializes in light testing and measurement, and FluxData, which contributes to Halma's environmental and analysis sector. These transactions highlight Halma's commitment to expanding its portfolio in optical technologies, making it a significant player in the optical laser manufacturing landscape.


14. 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. Among their notable transactions, EQT acquired Carl Zeiss Vision in 2005, a significant player in the optics industry, and Sola International, an eyeglass lens manufacturer, in a joint venture with Carl Zeiss AG. In 2018, EQT further expanded its footprint in the optical sector by acquiring Zemax Software Holdings, which specializes in optical design software. These strategic investments highlight EQT's commitment to the optical industry, particularly in areas that intersect with optical laser manufacturing.


15. Liftt

  • Website: liftt.com
  • Type: Venture Capital
  • Headquarters: Turin, Piedmont, Italy
  • Founded year: 2019
  • Headcount: 11-50
  • Number of deals in 2024: 9
  • LinkedIn: liftt-srl

LIFTT is a venture capital firm based in Turin, Piedmont, Italy, founded in 2019. The firm specializes in providing funding and support to startups and innovative projects, focusing on early-stage investments. LIFTT aims to bridge the gap between innovative ideas and market implementation, working closely with their clients to foster growth and success. Among their notable transactions, they have invested in Zenit Smart Polycrystals, which raised funds in both Pre-Seed and Seed rounds, indicating a focus on advanced materials that could be relevant to optical technologies. Additionally, they participated in a Series A funding round for Comptek Solutions, which is involved in providing efficient passivation solutions, potentially relevant to optical applications. These transactions highlight LIFTT's commitment to supporting innovative companies that may intersect with the optical laser manufacturing industry.



Optical Laser 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
AlmiStockholm, Stockholm, Sweden201-50019947
Scottish EnterpriseGlasgow, Scotland, United Kingdom (UK)1001-5000199155
European Investment Bank (EIB)Luxembourg1001-5000195899
TrumpfDitzingen, Baden-Württemberg, Germany10001+20162
3i Group plcLondon, England, United Kingdom (UK)201-50019453
Supernova InvestParis, Île-De-France, France11-50201712
Jsc RusnanoMoscow, Moscow, Russia201-50020070
BgfLondon, England, United Kingdom (UK)51-200201153
Brabantse Ontwikkelings Maatschappij (BOM)Tilburg, North Brabant, Netherlands51-200198310
Verve VenturesZurich, Zurich, Switzerland11-50201025
Halma plcAmersham, England, United Kingdom (UK)5001-1000018945
EQT GroupStockholm, Stockholm, Sweden1001-5000199430
LifttTurin, Piedmont, Italy11-5020199


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