The vision insurance industry in Europe provides essential coverage for eye care, catering to a growing demand for optical products and services. Companies range from traditional insurers to innovative tech-focused platforms, all offering eye exams, corrective lenses, and surgical procedures. As awareness of eye health increases alongside demographic shifts, this sector is expected to flourish. Notably, advances in digital health are creating new opportunities for service delivery, enabling seamless access to vision care options. With an uptick in investments, the industry is becoming a vibrant ecosystem, significantly impacting overall health and wellness across the continent.


The investors listed here represent a mix of corporate and venture capital firms primarily located in major European cities like London, Paris, and Munich. Many have substantial operational sizes, often exceeding 1,000 employees, while some operate with lean teams of around 10. Founded in various decades from the 1960s to the 2010s, these investors have actively engaged in multiple funding rounds in 2024, totaling 16 to 77 deals. Their involvement in the vision insurance market points towards a strategic foresight in a sector ripe for growth, driven by innovation and increased public focus on eye care.


Top 17 Vision Insurance Investors in Europe


1. Essilor Group

  • Website: essilor.com
  • Type: Corporate
  • Headquarters: Charenton-Le-Pont, Île-De-France, France
  • Founded year: 1972
  • Headcount: 10001+
  • Number of deals in 2024: 1
  • LinkedIn: essilor

Essilor Group, founded in 1972 and based in Charenton-Le-Pont, Île-De-France, France, is a corporate investor specializing in ophthalmic lenses and optical products. The company has made significant strides in the vision care industry through various acquisitions. Notably, in 2017, Essilor acquired Luxottica Group SpA for $24 billion, a move that combined lens manufacturing with a leading eyewear retail brand. Additionally, Essilor has invested in EyeBuyDirect.com, acquiring a majority stake in 2013, which enhances their online presence in the eyewear market. Other acquisitions, such as eÓtica and E-lens Comercio de Artigos Opticos, further demonstrate their commitment to expanding their footprint in the vision care sector. These strategic investments position Essilor as a key player in providing comprehensive vision solutions, making them relevant in the context of vision insurance.


2. Howden Broking


Howden Broking, founded in 1994 and based in London, England, is a corporate insurance broker with a workforce exceeding 10,000 employees. The company specializes in providing a diverse range of insurance products, including Home & Contents Insurance and Employee Benefits. Their operations are bolstered by a global network of partner brokers, allowing them to offer tailored insurance solutions to both individual consumers and businesses. In recent years, Howden has made several strategic acquisitions to enhance its market position. Notably, they acquired Associated Beauty Therapists Ltd and Associated Irish Therapists Ltd in October 2024, which are significant players in the health and wellbeing insurance sectors. This acquisition could potentially expand their offerings to include vision insurance as part of employee benefits. Additionally, their acquisition of Aegis Insurance Agencies in May 2022 and other brokers indicates a strategy to broaden their insurance portfolio, which may include vision-related products in the future.


3. Mundi Ventures


Mundi Ventures is a venture capital firm based in Madrid, Spain, founded in 2015. The firm specializes in investing in early-stage and growth-stage technology companies, particularly in the insurtech and health tech sectors. With approximately €500 million in assets under management, Mundi Ventures provides both capital and strategic guidance to help startups achieve their sustainability goals. Notably, Mundi Ventures has participated in significant funding rounds for companies like wefox, a Berlin-based digital insurer that has raised substantial capital to expand its operations, and SafetyWing, which focuses on remote health insurance solutions. Their involvement in these transactions highlights their commitment to supporting innovative insurance models, making them a relevant player in the vision insurance landscape.


4. Kima Ventures

  • Website: kimaventures.com
  • Type: Venture Capital
  • Headquarters: Paris, Île-De-France, France
  • Founded year: 2010
  • Headcount: 1-10
  • Number of deals in 2024: 50
  • LinkedIn: kima-ventures

Kima Ventures is a venture capital firm based in Paris, Île-De-France, France, founded in 2010. The firm specializes in investing in early-stage startups across various sectors, providing financial support and mentorship to help them navigate initial challenges and achieve success. In 2024 alone, Kima Ventures has made 50 investments, demonstrating their active engagement in the startup ecosystem. Notably, they have invested in Flitter, a French insurtech startup, which raised funds in both 2022 and 2023, indicating their involvement in the insurance sector. This aligns with their strategy of backing innovative companies that may include those in the vision insurance space.


5. Index Ventures

  • Website: indexventures.com
  • Type: Venture Capital
  • Headquarters: London, England, United Kingdom (UK)
  • Founded year: 1996
  • Headcount: 51-200
  • Number of deals in 2024: 67
  • LinkedIn: index-ventures

Index Ventures is a venture capital firm founded in 1996, based in London, England. The firm invests in innovative startups across various sectors, including technology and healthcare. They provide capital and strategic support to entrepreneurs, helping them navigate the challenges of growing their businesses. Notably, Index Ventures has invested in Alan, a French health insurance startup, participating in multiple funding rounds including Series C, D, and E, with investments totaling over $300 million. Alan's focus on health insurance solutions positions Index Ventures as a relevant player in the healthcare investment landscape, which may encompass vision insurance as part of its broader strategy. Their approach emphasizes building long-term partnerships with founders to drive success, making them a supportive investor in the healthcare domain.


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 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 has made significant investments across various sectors, including a notable acquisition of Synsam Nordic A/S, an optical retailer, which highlights their engagement in the vision care market. Additionally, CVC has invested in companies like Cunningham Lindsey, an insurance services provider, and MedRisk, LLC, which further demonstrates their capability and interest in sectors related to insurance and healthcare. These transactions reflect CVC's strategy of enhancing growth and delivering sustainable value through strategic investments, particularly in areas that intersect with vision insurance.


7. Eurazeo

  • Website: eurazeo.com
  • Type: Private Equity
  • Headquarters: Paris, Île-De-France, France
  • Founded year: 1969
  • Headcount: 201-500
  • Number of deals in 2024: 40
  • LinkedIn: eurazeo

Eurazeo is a prominent investment management firm based in Paris, specializing in private equity, private debt, and real assets. Founded in 1969, the firm has established a strong presence in the investment management landscape, particularly in Europe. Eurazeo focuses on tailored investment strategies aimed at fostering growth and expansion across various sectors, including technology and healthcare. Notably, Eurazeo has been involved in several significant transactions within the insurance sector, such as leading a $36 million Pre-Seed funding round for Igloo, a Singapore-based insurtech firm, and participating in funding rounds for wefox, a Berlin-based digital insurer. These investments highlight Eurazeo's engagement in the insurance industry, particularly in innovative and technology-driven insurance solutions, which are crucial for the vision insurance market.


8. Apax

  • Website: apax.com
  • Type: Private Equity
  • Headquarters: London, England, United Kingdom (UK)
  • Founded year: 1981
  • Headcount: 201-500
  • Number of deals in 2024: 8
  • LinkedIn: apax-partners

Apax Partners LLP is a private equity firm based in London, England, founded in 1981. The firm specializes in managing investments across various sectors, including technology, internet/consumer, healthcare, and services. Apax collaborates with management teams of high-potential companies to drive growth and innovation. Notably, Apax has made significant strides in the vision insurance context by acquiring Rodenstock Group, a leading German eyewear firm, for approximately $1.8 billion in 2021. This acquisition highlights Apax's commitment to the vision sector. Additionally, their investments in companies like PIB Group and HUB International, which are involved in insurance, further showcase their strategic approach to enhancing capital through diverse investments, including those that may intersect with vision insurance.


9. Partech

  • Website: partechpartners.com
  • Type: Venture Capital
  • Headquarters: Paris, Île-De-France, France
  • Founded year: 1982
  • Headcount: 51-200
  • Number of deals in 2024: 24
  • LinkedIn: partech

Partech Partners is a venture capital firm based in Paris, Île-De-France, France, founded in 1982. The firm specializes in providing funding and support to startups across various sectors, particularly in technology. Partech focuses on helping founders navigate the challenges of scaling their businesses through investment and strategic advisory services. They operate globally with a diverse portfolio of companies. Notably, Partech has invested in health insurance startups such as Alan, which raised over $28 million in Series A funding, and RelianceHMO, which raised a total of $46 million across multiple funding rounds. These investments highlight Partech's engagement in the health insurance space, which is closely related to vision insurance, thereby reinforcing their relevance in this category.


10. Allianz X

  • Website: allianzx.com
  • Type: Corporate
  • Headquarters: Munich, Bavaria, Germany
  • Founded year: 2016
  • Headcount: 11-50
  • Number of deals in 2024: 6
  • LinkedIn: allianzx

Allianz X is a corporate venture capital firm based in Munich, Bavaria, Germany, founded in 2016. It specializes in investing in digital growth companies within the insurtech and fintech sectors, providing both strategic support and capital to help these companies scale their operations. Notably, Allianz X has been involved in significant transactions such as the acquisition of a 66% stake in Jubilee Allianz General Insurance Limited, which enhances their footprint in the insurance market. Furthermore, their participation in funding rounds for BIMA, a startup focused on microinsurance and healthcare services, highlights their interest in innovative insurance solutions that could include vision insurance. This strategic focus on insurtech positions Allianz X as a key player in the insurance landscape, particularly in areas that may intersect with vision insurance.


11. BlackFin Capital Partners


BlackFin Capital Partners is a private equity firm based in Paris, Île-De-France, France, founded in 2009. The firm specializes in investments in the financial services sector, including FinTechs, and focuses on asset-light buyouts while providing investment management and advisory services to businesses in need of capital and operational expertise. BlackFin has a strong presence across Europe and aims to create operational value and support the growth of its portfolio companies. Notably, BlackFin has made significant investments in the insurance sector, including the acquisition of SPB Group, a European affinity insurance specialist, which aims to enhance operations in the insurance industry. Additionally, their investment in Bdeo, an insurtech company, highlights their commitment to supporting innovative solutions in the insurance market, further solidifying their relevance in the vision insurance context.


12. Agoranov

  • Website: agoranov.com
  • Type: Corporate
  • Headquarters: Paris, Île-De-France, France
  • Founded year: 2000
  • Headcount: 11-50
  • Number of deals in 2024: 42
  • LinkedIn: agoranov

Agoranov is a startup incubator based in Paris, Île-De-France, France, founded in 2000. They support technology and science startups through personalized assistance, fully equipped facilities, and acceleration programs. Their clientele primarily consists of early-stage startups across various innovative sectors. Notably, Agoranov has been involved in several transactions relevant to the vision insurance context, including investments in Alan, a French health insurance startup, and Point Vision Group, which focuses on vision care. These transactions highlight Agoranov's engagement in the health and insurance sectors, particularly in areas that intersect with vision insurance.


13. Octopus Ventures

  • Website: octopusventures.com
  • Type: Venture Capital
  • Headquarters: London, England, United Kingdom (UK)
  • Founded year: 2008
  • Headcount: 51-200
  • Number of deals in 2024: 37
  • LinkedIn: octopus-ventures

Octopus Ventures is a London-based venture capital firm founded in 2008, focusing on backing founders and startups across various sectors, including B2B Software, Bio, Climate, Consumer, Deep Tech, Fintech, and Health. They provide funding and strategic support to entrepreneurs, helping them navigate the challenges of building and scaling their businesses. Notably, Octopus Ventures has invested in Vision Direct, a company specializing in vision insurance, through a Series A funding round in 2009 and a private equity round in 2014. This involvement highlights their interest in the vision insurance sector. Additionally, they have participated in funding rounds for companies like Neat, which provides embedded insurance solutions, and ManyPets, a pet insurance provider, showcasing their broader engagement in the insurance industry.


14. EssilorLuxottica


EssilorLuxottica is a prominent corporate investor based in Paris, Île-De-France, France, specializing in the eyecare and eyewear industry. Founded in 2018, the company has quickly established itself as a leader in the design, manufacture, and distribution of ophthalmic lenses, prescription glasses, and sunglasses. With over 10,000 employees, EssilorLuxottica serves both consumers and businesses, providing high-quality vision care products and innovative solutions to enhance eye health. The company has made significant investments in the vision care sector, including the acquisition of GrandVision for €7.1 billion, which added over 7,200 stores and approximately €3.7 billion in annual revenues to their optical retail platform in Europe. Additionally, their acquisition of EyeQ Operations in 2024 further demonstrates their commitment to expanding their footprint in the optometry space. Other notable acquisitions include Salmoiraghi & Viganò and Walman, which reinforce their strategic focus on enhancing their retail and service capabilities in the vision care market.


15. SoftBank Investment Advisers


SoftBank Investment Advisers, also known as the SoftBank Vision Fund, is a venture capital firm based in London, England, founded in 2017. The firm specializes in investing in technology-focused companies, particularly those innovating in artificial intelligence. With a diverse portfolio that spans various sectors, including health tech and fintech, SoftBank aims to support growth-stage technology firms in scaling their operations. Notably, they have invested in Devoted Health, a tech-enabled Medicare Advantage company, which raised $1.15 billion in a Series D funding round, indicating their interest in health-related ventures. Additionally, their investment in PolicyBazaar, a leading insurance aggregator, further highlights their engagement in the insurance sector, which includes vision insurance. These transactions reflect SoftBank's commitment to fostering technological advancements in healthcare and insurance, aligning with the vision insurance industry.


16. Sictic

  • Website: sictic.ch
  • Type: Venture Capital
  • Headquarters: Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
  • Founded year: 2014
  • Headcount: 201-500
  • Number of deals in 2024: 77
  • LinkedIn: sictic

SICTIC is a not-for-profit organization based in Zurich, Switzerland, that connects smart money investors with innovative Swiss early-stage technology startups. Founded in 2014, SICTIC provides investment opportunities, networking events, and educational resources to facilitate the growth of startups and the investment community. Notably, SICTIC has participated in several transactions relevant to the vision insurance sector, including a seed round investment in PeriVision, a University of Bern spin-off focused on vision technology, and multiple funding rounds for CREAL, a company developing advanced vision solutions. These investments highlight SICTIC's commitment to supporting innovation in the vision care industry.


17. Nordic Capital

  • Website: nordiccapital.com
  • Type: Private Equity
  • Headquarters: Stockholm, Stockholm, Sweden
  • Founded year: 1989
  • Headcount: 201-500
  • Number of deals in 2024: 10
  • LinkedIn: nordic-capital

Nordic Capital is a private equity firm based in Stockholm, Sweden, founded in 1989. The firm specializes in investments across various sectors, with a strong emphasis on healthcare and technology. Nordic Capital partners with management teams to drive growth and operational improvements in its portfolio companies, focusing on creating long-term value and sustainability. Notably, they have made significant investments in the healthcare sector, including the acquisition of SpaMedica, an ophthalmology chain, for £300 million, which highlights their commitment to the vision care industry. Additionally, their investment in Solid Forsakrings and the Helmsauer Group further demonstrates their engagement in the insurance sector, although these are not specifically vision insurance-related. Overall, Nordic Capital's diverse portfolio and strategic focus on healthcare make them a noteworthy investor in the vision insurance landscape.



Vision Insurance Insights: Key Investors in Europe


InvestorHeadquarterSizeFoundedDeals 2024
Essilor GroupCharenton-Le-Pont, Île-De-France, France10001+19721
Howden BrokingLondon, England, United Kingdom (UK)10001+199414
Mundi VenturesMadrid, Madrid, Spain11-5020157
Kima VenturesParis, Île-De-France, France1-10201050
Index VenturesLondon, England, United Kingdom (UK)51-200199667
CvcLuxembourg1001-5000200516
EurazeoParis, Île-De-France, France201-500196940
ApaxLondon, England, United Kingdom (UK)201-50019818
PartechParis, Île-De-France, France51-200198224
Allianz XMunich, Bavaria, Germany11-5020166
BlackFin Capital PartnersParis, Île-De-France, France11-5020095
AgoranovParis, Île-De-France, France11-50200042
Octopus VenturesLondon, England, United Kingdom (UK)51-200200837
EssilorLuxotticaParis, Île-De-France, France10001+20188
SoftBank Investment AdvisersLondon, England, United Kingdom (UK)201-500201714
SicticZurich, Zurich, Switzerland201-500201477
Nordic CapitalStockholm, Stockholm, Sweden201-500198910


Want to find more investors focusing on the vision insurance industry?

If you want to find more investors that are active in the vision insuranceindustry, you can do that with Inven. We built this list and analysis throughInven's Investor Search, and there are a lot more private equity, venturecapital, and corporate investors like these globally.

With Inven, you'll also get to know:

  • Deal History: Number of deals and their sizes.
  • Portfolio: Companies they've invested in.
  • Contact data: Key dealmakers, including their emails and phonenumbers.
  • ...and much more!