The optical goods retail industry in Europe thrives on offering an extensive range of products designed to enhance vision and eye health. It comprises companies that manufacture and distribute eyewear, contact lenses, and prescription lenses, alongside retailers specializing in optics and eye care services. Innovations in lens technology, increased awareness of eye health, and the rising demand for fashionable eyewear are driving growth. Furthermore, online retailing and digital solutions are reshaping how consumers access these products, pushing the industry towards a tech-savvy future. With sustainability becoming more important, eco-friendly options are emerging as new consumer preferences.


This list features 18 investors actively involved in the optical goods retail sector, spanning various types including venture capital, private equity, and corporate investors. Headquartered primarily in major hubs like London, Paris, and Brussels, these firms range in size from small teams to large organizations with over 10,000 employees. Founded between 1945 and 2018, their presence indicates a commitment to fostering innovation and growth in this market. Noteworthy is the 2024 deal activity, with many investors engaged in multiple transactions to strengthen their portfolios within the optical goods retail space.


Top 18 Optical Goods Retail 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 the optical goods industry. As a leading ophthalmic lens manufacturer, Essilor designs, produces, and sells a wide range of optical products aimed at enhancing vision and protecting eye health. The company serves both consumers and eyecare professionals, providing innovative solutions for vision correction. Notably, Essilor has made several strategic acquisitions to strengthen its position in the optical retail market. In 2016, they acquired Vision Direct, an online contact lens retailer, which had a revenue of approximately £33 million in 2015. In 2017, Essilor acquired Luxottica Group SpA for $24 billion, further solidifying its retail presence. Additionally, they have taken majority stakes in EyeBuyDirect.com and acquired Clearly, both of which are significant players in the online optical retail space. These transactions highlight Essilor's active role in the optical goods retail sector, making them a key investor in this industry.


2. EssilorLuxottica


EssilorLuxottica is a prominent corporate investor based in Paris, Île-De-France, France, founded in 2018. The company is a leader in the eyecare and eyewear industry, specializing 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 been actively involved in the optical retail sector through several key acquisitions: it acquired Salmoiraghi & Viganò, an Italian optician chain, to strengthen its retail presence; it purchased GrandVision for €7.1 billion, adding over 7,200 stores and approximately €3.7 billion in annual revenues; and it completed the acquisition of Washin Optical Co., Ltd., a significant player in Japan's optical retail sector. These strategic moves highlight EssilorLuxottica's commitment to expanding its optical retail platform and enhancing its market position.


3. Crowdcube

  • Website: crowdcube.com
  • Type: Corporate
  • Headquarters: London, England, United Kingdom (UK)
  • Founded year: 2010
  • Headcount: 51-200
  • Number of deals in 2024: 3
  • LinkedIn: crowdcube-limited

Crowdcube is a London-based crowdfunding platform founded in 2010 that enables businesses to raise capital through equity investments. It connects startups and SMEs with potential investors, facilitating the funding process. The platform promotes diversity and inclusion within its workforce while providing investment management services to its clients. Notably, Crowdcube has been involved in several transactions within the optical goods retail sector, including: 1) Cambridge Spectacle Co., which raised $249,293 in September 2022; 2) SunGod, a performance sunglasses startup that raised nearly £3 million in November 2022 and previously raised £1.5 million in November 2020; and 3) Coral Eyewear, which raised $333,520 in June 2023. These transactions highlight Crowdcube's active participation in funding companies within the optical goods retail industry.


4. 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. Notably, the EIC has been involved in several transactions relevant to the optical goods sector, such as providing grants to PhoneOptika and CREAL, and participating in a funding round for NIL Technology ApS, a company specializing in advanced optical solutions. These transactions highlight the EIC's commitment to supporting innovation in the optical goods industry.


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 the optical goods retail sector, with significant transactions including a £12m investment in Bayfields Opticians & Audiologists, aimed at supporting their growth and expansion strategy. Additionally, BGF has invested in Duncan & Todd, further demonstrating their commitment to the optical goods retail industry. These investments highlight BGF's role in facilitating growth within this sector while also maintaining a diverse investment portfolio across various industries.


6. Bpifrance French Tech Accélération


Bpifrance French Tech Accélération is a venture capital investor 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 institution aims to foster entrepreneurship and innovation, helping businesses navigate growth and international expansion. Notably, Bpifrance has participated in several transactions relevant to the optical goods sector, including investments in EyeLights, which raised approximately $22 million in Series A funding for its innovative optical solutions, and Pixium Vision, a developer of retinal implant systems that received funding for the development of its IRIS retinal implant systems. These investments highlight Bpifrance's engagement in the optical goods retail industry, making it a significant player in this space.


7. 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, providing capital and strategic support to entrepreneurs. Notably, Index Ventures has been involved in the optical goods retail industry, having invested in Glasses Direct, Europe’s largest online prescription glasses retailer, and MyOptique Group, a London-based online optical retailer. Their investments in these companies include significant funding rounds aimed at expanding operations and entering new markets, showcasing their commitment to the optical goods sector while also maintaining a diverse investment portfolio.


8. 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 managing diverse investment portfolios across multiple sectors and geographies. Notably, EQT has made significant strides in the optical goods sector, highlighted by their acquisitions of Sola International, a leading eyeglass lens maker, and Carl Zeiss Vision, a well-known optical company, both in 2005. These transactions underscore EQT's commitment to the optical goods industry. Additionally, their acquisition of Zemax Software Holdings LLC in 2018, an optical design software provider, further illustrates their strategic interest in the optical sector, enhancing their portfolio with technology that supports optical design and manufacturing.


9. 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 private equity investment firm based in London, England, founded in 1945. The firm specializes in private equity and infrastructure investments, focusing on providing capital and expertise to mid-market companies to help 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 made significant investments in the optical goods retail sector, including the acquisition of Hans Anders, a prominent optical retailer in the Benelux region, for €200 million in 2017. Additionally, they led a consortium that invested R$108 million in Óticas Carol, a Brazilian eyewear retailer, to support its expansion plans. These transactions highlight 3i's commitment to the optical goods market and its strategy of investing in companies that have growth potential in this industry.


10. Lvmh

  • Website: lvmh.com
  • Type: Corporate
  • Headquarters: Paris, Île-De-France, France
  • Founded year: 1987
  • Headcount: 10001+
  • Number of deals in 2024: 11
  • LinkedIn: lvmh

LVMH Moët Hennessy Louis Vuitton SE is a prominent luxury goods manufacturer and retailer based in Paris, France. Founded in 1987, LVMH operates a diverse portfolio of high-quality products across various sectors, including fashion, leather goods, wines, spirits, perfumes, cosmetics, watches, and jewelry. In recent years, LVMH has made significant investments to enhance its presence in the luxury market, including the acquisition of Barton Perreira, an eyewear brand, for approximately $80 million in November 2023. This acquisition aims to broaden LVMH's offerings in accessible luxury items and expand Barton Perreira's reach in European and Asian markets. Additionally, LVMH has a history of acquiring brands that complement its luxury portfolio, such as TAG Heuer and Off-White, showcasing its strategy of diversifying its investments while maintaining a focus on high-end consumer goods.


11. Verdane

  • Website: verdane.com
  • Type: Private Equity
  • Headquarters: Oslo, Oslo, Norway
  • Founded year: 1985
  • Headcount: 51-200
  • Number of deals in 2024: 7
  • LinkedIn: verdane-capital

Verdane is a private equity investment firm based in Oslo, Norway, founded in 1985. The firm specializes in growth equity investments, particularly in technology-enabled companies, providing capital and hands-on support to help businesses scale. Verdane focuses on trends such as digitalization and decarbonization, primarily targeting technology companies looking to enhance their market position and operational efficiency. Notably, Verdane acquired LensOn in 2006, a significant player in the optical goods retail sector, which highlights their involvement in this industry. Additionally, they have made various investments in other sectors, but their engagement with LensOn positions them as a relevant investor in the optical goods retail market.


12. Scottish Enterprise


Scottish Enterprise is a public entity established in 1991, focused on economic development in Scotland. It provides a range of services including funding, business development advice, and support for innovation and exports. With a size of 1001-5000 employees, it plays a crucial role in enhancing Scotland's economic landscape. In recent years, Scottish Enterprise has been involved in several transactions relevant to the optical goods sector, including investments in epipole, a video retinal imaging specialist, and Ocutec, which has raised multiple rounds of funding for its optical technologies. These investments highlight Scottish Enterprise's engagement in the optical goods retail industry, particularly in supporting innovative companies that contribute to advancements in ophthalmic imaging and related fields.


13. Lion Resource Advisors Limited


Lion Resource Advisors Limited, founded in 2004 and based in London, is a private equity firm specializing in consumer brands. The firm provides investment management services and partners with brands to unlock their growth potential through strategic guidance and financial support. With a diverse portfolio of over 175 brands, Lion Capital operates primarily in Europe and North America. Notably, they have made significant investments in the optical goods retail sector, including the acquisition of the AFFLELOU Group in April 2012 and the planned acquisition of Alain Afflelou, the largest optical franchisor in Europe, which generated nearly €800 million in sales in its most recent fiscal year. These transactions highlight Lion Capital's commitment to the optical goods market, alongside their broader focus on consumer brands.


14. 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 leading investment firm founded in 2005, 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 optical goods retail sector, exemplified by their acquisition of Synsam Nordic A/S in 2014. This acquisition highlights CVC's commitment to enhancing Synsam's growth by leveraging its strong market position and brand. In addition to their activities in optical retail, CVC has also engaged in various other sectors, including department stores and retail chains, showcasing their diverse investment portfolio.


15. Luxottica

  • Website: luxottica.com
  • Type: Corporate
  • Headquarters: Milan, Lombardy, Italy
  • Founded year: 1961
  • Headcount: 10001+
  • LinkedIn: luxottica

Luxottica Group S.p.A., founded in 1961 and based in Milan, Italy, is a prominent eyewear manufacturer and retailer specializing in the design, production, and distribution of eyewear products, including frames and lenses. The company operates a vertically integrated business model, ensuring high standards across all stages of product development and retail. Luxottica has made several strategic acquisitions to enhance its presence in the optical goods retail market. Notably, they acquired Pearle Vision in 2004, expanding their retail footprint in the optical sector. In 2014, Luxottica acquired glasses.com, an online optical company, which allowed them to strengthen their e-commerce capabilities in the eyewear market. Furthermore, their acquisition of Oakley Sunglasses in 2007 and Barberini SpA in 2018, the latter focusing on high-quality sun lenses, showcases their commitment to innovation and quality in vision care. These transactions highlight Luxottica's active role in the optical goods retail industry, making them a significant player in this market.


16. Alcon

  • Website: alcon.com
  • Type: Corporate
  • Headquarters: Geneva, Geneva, Switzerland
  • Founded year: 1945
  • Headcount: 10001+
  • Number of deals in 2024: 2
  • LinkedIn: alcon

Alcon is a corporate investor based in Geneva, Switzerland, founded in 1945. The company specializes in eye care, offering a wide range of innovative vision products and surgical solutions. Alcon's product lineup includes contact lenses, eye care solutions, and surgical instruments designed to treat various eye diseases. The company operates globally, aiming to enhance the quality of life through improved vision. Notably, Alcon has made significant acquisitions in the optical goods sector, including Ivantis for $475 million, Aerie Pharmaceuticals for $770 million, and LensX Lasers for $361.5 million. These transactions reflect Alcon's commitment to expanding its capabilities and product offerings in the eye care market, particularly in areas relevant to optical goods retail.


17. SoftBank Investment Advisers


SoftBank Investment Advisers, also known as the SoftBank Vision Fund, is a venture capital fund based in London, UK, founded in 2017. The fund specializes in investing in technology-focused companies, particularly those innovating in artificial intelligence and other advanced technologies. Among its diverse portfolio, SoftBank has made significant investments in various sectors, including health tech and fintech. Notably, they invested $231 million in Lenskart during its Series G funding round in December 2019, which is a leading optical goods retailer in India. This investment highlights SoftBank's engagement in the optical goods retail market, alongside their other investments in companies like GlobalBees and Paytm Mall, which focus on e-commerce and consumer brands. Their strategy of supporting growth-stage companies positions them as a key player in fostering innovation across multiple industries, including optical retail.


18. Omnes

  • Website: omnescapital.com
  • Type: Venture Capital
  • Headquarters: Paris, Île-De-France, France
  • Founded year: 1999
  • Headcount: 51-200
  • Number of deals in 2024: 8
  • LinkedIn: omnes-capital

Omnes Capital is a private equity firm based in Paris, Île-De-France, France, founded in 1999. The firm specializes in investment management and focuses on sectors such as renewable energy and sustainable cities, providing capital and expertise to entrepreneurs and developers. Omnes emphasizes long-term partnerships to foster growth and sustainability in critical infrastructure projects. Notably, Omnes has participated in investments relevant to the optical goods retail sector, including a funding round for Netzoptiker, a German online eyewear retailer, and ConfortVisuel, which raised funds for its optical services. These transactions highlight Omnes' engagement in the optical goods retail market, complementing their broader investment strategy.



Optical Goods Retail Insights: Key Investors in Europe


InvestorHeadquarterSizeFoundedDeals 2024
Essilor GroupCharenton-Le-Pont, Île-De-France, France10001+19721
EssilorLuxotticaParis, Île-De-France, France10001+20188
CrowdcubeLondon, England, United Kingdom (UK)51-20020103
European Innovation Council (EIC)Brussels, Brussels, Belgium201-500195857
BgfLondon, England, United Kingdom (UK)51-200201153
Bpifrance French Tech AccélérationParis, Île-De-France, France1-102015198
Index VenturesLondon, England, United Kingdom (UK)51-200199667
EQT GroupStockholm, Stockholm, Sweden1001-5000199430
3i Group plcLondon, England, United Kingdom (UK)201-50019453
LvmhParis, Île-De-France, France10001+198711
VerdaneOslo, Oslo, Norway51-20019857
Scottish EnterpriseGlasgow, Scotland, United Kingdom (UK)1001-5000199155
Lion Resource Advisors LimitedLondon, England, United Kingdom (UK)1-1020040
CvcLuxembourg1001-5000200516
LuxotticaMilan, Lombardy, Italy10001+19610
AlconGeneva, Geneva, Switzerland10001+19452
SoftBank Investment AdvisersLondon, England, United Kingdom (UK)201-500201714
OmnesParis, Île-De-France, France51-20019998


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