The optical laser manufacturing industry in the DACH region focuses on producing high-performance laser technologies used across various sectors. Companies range from established manufacturing giants to innovative startups, developing products such as precision lasers for medical applications, industrial equipment for manufacturing, and advanced optical systems for automotive use. This industry is experiencing robust growth as technology evolves, driving demand for laser solutions in sectors like healthcare and automotive engineering. Not only are lasers integral for diagnostics and surgical procedures, but they are also paving the way for advancements in automation and energy efficiency. Moreover, laser systems are becoming increasingly integrated with digital technology, enhancing interconnected applications.


The list of investors comprises a mix of corporate giants and dynamic venture capital firms hailing from various DACH locations. Ranging from large firms with thousands of employees, like Trumpf and ZEISS Group, to smaller venture firms like Verve Ventures and Onsight Ventures, the investors show varied specializations and investment strategies. Founded between 1945 and 2021, these firms demonstrate a strong interest in the optical laser manufacturing field, with a collective count of over 80 investments made in 2024, underscoring their commitment to supporting innovation in this sector.


Top 18 Optical Laser Manufacturing Investors in DACH


1. 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 quickly established itself as a key player in the manufacturing sector, providing innovative solutions to industries such as automotive, aerospace, and electronics. In recent years, Trumpf has made strategic acquisitions to enhance its portfolio in the optical laser manufacturing domain. Notable transactions include the acquisition of an 85% stake in Access Laser Company, a leader in Extreme UltraViolet (EUV) photolithography, and an 80% stake in Active Fiber Systems GmbH, which focuses on ultrashort-pulse laser systems. Additionally, Trumpf acquired AMPHOS, further strengthening its laser product offerings. The acquisition of Photonics GmbH from Philips also highlights Trumpf's commitment to expanding its capabilities in the photonics sector, which is closely related to optical laser manufacturing. These strategic moves underscore Trumpf's dedication to advancing laser technology and its applications in various industries.


2. 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 venture capital firm based in Zurich, Switzerland, founded in 2010. The firm specializes in deep tech investments across Europe, providing funding and strategic support to science and technology startups. Their focus spans various sectors, including 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 commitment to supporting innovative companies in advanced technology fields that are closely related to optical laser manufacturing.


3. Earlybird Venture Capital


Earlybird Venture Capital is a venture capital firm founded in 1997, based in Germany, that specializes in investing in European technology innovators. The firm provides financial resources and strategic support to startups, particularly in the digital health and deep tech sectors. Earlybird has been involved in several significant transactions in the optical technology space, including investments in Lumics, which focuses on laser technology, and NcodiN, which is developing integrated optical link prototypes. Their commitment to nurturing early-stage companies through funding and mentorship positions them as a key player in the optical laser manufacturing industry.


4. Swisscom Ventures


Swisscom Ventures is a Zurich-based venture capital firm founded in 2007, specializing in high-potential technology startups. With a team size of 11-50, they provide not only financial support but also strategic advisory services to help startups access technical infrastructure and market channels. Their investment portfolio spans various technology sectors, including AI and Fintech, but they have also made significant investments in optical technology companies. For instance, they led a Series A funding round for CREAL, which focuses on light-field display technology, and participated in multiple funding rounds for ActLight, a company developing Time-Of-Flight (TOF) solutions. These transactions highlight Swisscom Ventures' commitment to empowering innovative companies in the optical technology space, making them a relevant player in the optical laser manufacturing industry.


5. ZEISS Group

  • Website: zeiss.com
  • Type: Corporate
  • Headquarters: Oberkochen, Baden-Württemberg, Germany
  • Founded year: 1846
  • Headcount: 10001+
  • Number of deals in 2024: 4
  • LinkedIn: zeiss

The ZEISS Group, founded in 1846 and based in Oberkochen, Germany, is a prominent corporate investor in the field of optics and optoelectronics. With a workforce exceeding 10,000 employees, ZEISS is dedicated to innovation and sustainability across various industries. The company has made significant investments in optical technologies, including the acquisition of Sola International, an eyeglass lens maker, and Aaren Scientific, which specializes in intraocular lenses for ophthalmic surgery. In 2019, ZEISS acquired GOM, enhancing its capabilities in optical digitization systems. More recently, ZEISS Ventures participated in a €10 million funding round for Scantinel Photonics, a startup focused on Frequency Modulated Continuous Wave (FMCW) LiDAR devices, showcasing their commitment to advancing optical laser technologies. These transactions highlight ZEISS's strategic focus on enhancing its portfolio in the optical sector, making it a key player in the optical laser manufacturing industry.


6. eCAPITAL ENTREPRENEURIAL PARTNERS


eCAPITAL ENTREPRENEURIAL PARTNERS is a venture capital firm founded in 1999, based in Neunkirchen, North Rhine-Westphalia, Germany. The firm specializes in investing in technology companies, particularly in sectors such as cleantech, software, and cybersecurity. eCAPITAL provides early to growth stage funding and strategic support to startups, helping them navigate challenges and achieve growth. Notably, eCAPITAL has made significant investments in the optical laser manufacturing sector, including Lumics, which raised $6.6 million in a Series B round in 2005, and EPIGAP Optronic, which received funding in a venture round in 1998. Additionally, they have invested in Temicon, a company that has raised funds in multiple rounds, indicating a sustained interest in technology related to optics and lasers. eCAPITAL operates primarily in Germany but is open to investments beyond borders, showcasing their flexibility and commitment to supporting innovative technology ventures.


7. 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 leading eye care company based in Geneva, Switzerland, specializing in innovative vision products and surgical solutions. Founded in 1945, Alcon has grown to become a global player in the eye care market, offering a wide range of products including contact lenses, eye care solutions, and surgical instruments for treating eye diseases. The company has made significant investments in the optical laser manufacturing sector, as evidenced by its acquisition of LensX Lasers in 2010, which focuses on laser technology for cataract surgery. More recently, Alcon has expanded its portfolio by acquiring LENSAR, a company known for its advanced laser systems for cataract surgery, and BELKIN Vision, which also operates in the eye care technology space. These strategic acquisitions underscore Alcon's commitment to enhancing the quality of life through improved vision and its focus on integrating cutting-edge laser technologies into its offerings.


8. Vsquared Ventures

  • Website: vsquared.vc
  • Type: Venture Capital
  • Headquarters: Munich, Bavaria, Germany
  • Founded year: 2020
  • Headcount: 1-10
  • Number of deals in 2024: 12
  • LinkedIn: vsquared-ventures

Vsquared Ventures Management GmbH is a venture capital firm based in Munich, Bavaria, Germany, founded in 2020. The firm specializes in investing in innovative startups across high-tech industries, including aerospace, quantum computing, and robotics. They support entrepreneurs by providing funding and resources to help scale their technologies, focusing on transformative solutions that advance society. Notably, Vsquared Ventures has invested in OQmented, a German company that raised $20 million in its Series A funding round to accelerate the development of their light engines for augmented and mixed reality glasses. This investment highlights their engagement in the optical technology space, particularly in applications that may utilize optical lasers. Additionally, they have participated in earlier funding rounds for OQmented, further demonstrating their commitment to this sector. Their portfolio reflects a diverse range of companies, showcasing their dedication to fostering technological advancements in various high-tech fields.


9. Onsight Ventures

  • Website: onsight.vc
  • Type: Venture Capital
  • Headquarters: Innsbruck, Tyrol, Austria
  • Founded year: 2021
  • Headcount: 1-10
  • Number of deals in 2024: 3
  • LinkedIn: onsight-ventures

Onsight Ventures is a venture capital firm based in Innsbruck, Austria, founded in 2021. The firm specializes in investments in high-tech startups, providing funding and advisory services to innovative entrepreneurs. Their portfolio reflects a commitment to fostering impactful technologies across various advanced sectors. Notably, Onsight Ventures participated in a seed funding round for Refined Laser Systems, which is developing an intraoperative microscope prototype for cancer diagnosis, showcasing their engagement in the optical laser manufacturing field. Additionally, they have invested in companies like Quantum Diamonds, which focuses on quantum sensors, and TeraSi, which is working on system-in-package technology, further emphasizing their focus on high-tech innovations.


10. BayBG Venture Capital

  • Website: baybg-vc.de
  • Type: Venture Capital
  • Headquarters: Hirschbach, Bavaria, Germany
  • Founded year: 1972
  • Headcount: 51-200
  • Number of deals in 2024: 3
  • LinkedIn: baybg-venture-capital

BayBG Bayerische Beteiligungsgesellschaft mbH is a venture capital firm based in Hirschbach, Bavaria, Germany, founded in 1972. The firm specializes in investing in innovative startups, particularly in Bavaria, and provides venture capital and advisory services to help these startups grow and scale their operations. BayBG has a strong focus on technology companies, leveraging its extensive network and experience to support portfolio companies in navigating market challenges. Notably, BayBG has invested in Mr Beam Lasers, a company involved in the optical laser manufacturing sector, which highlights their engagement in this industry. Additionally, they have participated in funding rounds for other technology firms like NavVis, showcasing their broader investment strategy in innovative tech solutions.


11. APEX Ventures

  • Website: apex.ventures
  • Type: Venture Capital
  • Headquarters: Vienna, Vienna, Austria
  • Founded year: 2016
  • Headcount: 1-10
  • Number of deals in 2024: 6
  • LinkedIn: apex-vc

APEX Ventures is a venture capital firm based in Vienna, Austria, founded in 2016. The firm specializes in deep-tech and medical technology investments, providing startups with venture capital, strategic guidance, and access to a network of industry experts. APEX Ventures has been actively involved in several relevant transactions in the optical laser manufacturing context. For instance, they led a seed funding round for Refined Laser Systems, which is developing innovative laser technology for medical applications. Additionally, they invested in TriLite Technologies, which focuses on laser projection display technology for smart glasses, showcasing their commitment to supporting technology-driven companies in the optical laser space. Overall, APEX Ventures is dedicated to helping technology-driven companies scale and succeed in competitive markets, particularly in sectors that leverage advanced laser technologies.


12. AGIC Capital

  • Website: agic-group.com
  • Type: Private Equity
  • Headquarters: Munich, Bavaria, Germany
  • Founded year: 2015
  • Headcount: 11-50
  • LinkedIn: agic

AGIC Capital is a private equity firm based in Munich, Bavaria, Germany, founded in 2015. The firm specializes in growth-oriented investments within advanced industrial and healthcare technology sectors, managing assets totaling $2.2 billion. AGIC Capital is known for partnering with companies to enhance their growth potential, particularly in Asian markets. Notably, AGIC Capital acquired Fotona, a European manufacturer of high-performance lasers for medical, dental, and aesthetic applications, in April 2017, which highlights their engagement in the optical laser manufacturing industry. Additionally, they have made investments in other technology firms, such as Soleras Advanced Coatings, further demonstrating their commitment to advanced industrial technologies.


13. IBB Ventures


IBB Ventures is a venture capital firm based in Berlin, Germany, founded in 1997. The firm specializes in early-stage financing and has invested in over 270 startups, providing not only funding but also expertise and resources to help these businesses thrive in competitive markets. Among their notable transactions, IBB Ventures invested in Lumics, which raised $6.6 million in a Series B round in 2005, a company known for its work in laser technology. Additionally, they invested in EPIGAP Optronic in 1998, a firm that operates in the optical technology space. These investments highlight IBB Ventures' engagement with companies that are relevant to the optical laser manufacturing sector, showcasing their interest in supporting innovation in this field.


14. capiton

  • Website: capiton.com
  • Type: Private Equity
  • Headquarters: Berlin, Berlin, Germany
  • Founded year: 1999
  • Headcount: 11-50
  • LinkedIn: capiton

Capiton AG is a private equity firm based in Berlin, Germany, founded in 1999. The firm specializes in providing capital and strategic expertise to medium-sized companies primarily in Germany, Austria, and Switzerland. Capiton focuses on growth financing, management buy-outs, and restructuring services, particularly in the High-Tech Industrials and Healthcare & Lifescience sectors. Notably, Capiton has made several relevant investments in the optical laser manufacturing context, including the acquisition of LAP Laser in December 2015, which specializes in laser technology, and the funding round for TRIOPTICS Gmbh Optische Instrumente in April 2015, a company that develops optical instruments. Additionally, their acquisition of Raith, a producer of nanofabrication systems, and AEMtec, which operates in the micro- and opto-electronics space, further demonstrates their commitment to investing in high-tech sectors that intersect with optical laser manufacturing.


15. NRW.BANK

  • Website: nrwbank.de
  • Type: Venture Capital
  • Headquarters: Neunkirchen, North Rhine-Westphalia, Germany
  • Founded year: 2002
  • Headcount: 1001-5000
  • Number of deals in 2024: 10
  • LinkedIn: nrw.bank

NRW.BANK is a public entity that serves as the development bank for North Rhine-Westphalia, Germany. Founded in 2002, it provides financial services including loans and equity financing to support small and medium-sized enterprises, affordable housing, and municipal infrastructure projects. The bank plays a crucial role in fostering economic growth and social development in the region. Notably, NRW.BANK has been involved in several transactions relevant to the optical laser manufacturing industry, including investments in Innolume, which raised significant funding in Series B and C rounds, and Refined Laser Systems, which raised €2.7 million in a Seed funding round aimed at developing optical technologies for medical applications. These transactions highlight NRW.BANK's commitment to supporting innovation in the optical sector, particularly in applications that leverage laser technology.


16. Jenoptik

  • Website: jenoptik.com
  • Type: Corporate
  • Headquarters: Jena, Thuringia, Germany
  • Founded year: 1991
  • Headcount: 1001-5000
  • LinkedIn: jenoptik

Jenoptik AG is a technology company based in Jena, Thuringia, Germany, founded in 1991. It specializes in photonics and optics, offering a diverse range of products including imaging solutions, laser technology, and optical systems. Jenoptik primarily serves industries such as automotive, defense, and medical technology, providing advanced solutions to enhance product performance and safety. The company has been active in expanding its capabilities through strategic acquisitions, including:1. **Five Lakes Automation** (2017) - This acquisition aimed to enhance Jenoptik's automated production capabilities by integrating FLA's expertise with its existing laser machine business, allowing for comprehensive process solutions.2. **EPIGAP Optronic** (2008) - This acquisition further strengthened Jenoptik's position in the optics market, although specific details about the transaction were not disclosed.3. **Prodomax Automation** (2018) - This acquisition was made to bolster Jenoptik's automation capabilities, which are essential for modern laser manufacturing processes.4. **Coastal Optical Systems** (2002) - By acquiring this company, Jenoptik enhanced its capabilities in custom precision optical assemblies, which are crucial for various applications in laser technology.Through these transactions, Jenoptik has demonstrated a commitment to advancing its optical laser manufacturing capabilities, making it a significant player in the industry.


17. Hannover Finanz

  • Website: hannoverfinanz.de
  • Type: Private Equity
  • Headquarters: Hanover, Lower Saxony, Germany
  • Founded year: 1979
  • Headcount: 11-50
  • Number of deals in 2024: 2
  • LinkedIn: hannoverfinanz

Hannover Finanz is a private equity firm based in Hanover, Lower Saxony, Germany, founded in 1979. The firm specializes in providing equity capital to medium-sized family businesses in Germany, Austria, and Switzerland, focusing on sustainable growth through strategic investments and consulting services. Hannover Finanz has been involved in several notable transactions, including the acquisition of Raith in 2002, a company known for its work in electron beam lithography, which is closely related to optical laser technologies. They also acquired Frey & Winkler, a medical engineering company, and Molecular Machines & Industries, which may have applications in advanced manufacturing technologies. In 2024, Hannover Finanz acquired a significant minority interest in PEAK Technology, further indicating their engagement in sectors that could intersect with optical laser manufacturing. Overall, Hannover Finanz's investment strategy and history of transactions suggest a potential interest in the optical laser manufacturing industry.


18. Redstone


Redstone is a venture capital firm based in Berlin, Germany, founded in 2014. The firm specializes in investing in technology startups across various sectors, including FinTech, Industrial, Sustainability, and Quantum technologies. Redstone provides investment management services and conducts research on the venture capital landscape, particularly focusing on the participation of pension funds in the startup ecosystem. Notably, Redstone has been involved in several relevant transactions in the optical laser manufacturing context, such as their investment in Wave Photonics, which raised $5,696,974 in a seed round in June 2024. Additionally, they participated in the funding rounds for Chipmetrics, a company that is scaling production capabilities and expanding market presence, which may include optical technologies. These transactions highlight Redstone's active engagement in sectors that intersect with optical laser manufacturing.



Optical Laser Manufacturing Insights: Key Investors in DACH


InvestorHeadquarterSizeFoundedDeals 2024
TrumpfDitzingen, Baden-Württemberg, Germany10001+20162
Verve VenturesZurich, Zurich, Switzerland11-50201025
Earlybird Venture CapitalGermany51-200199729
Swisscom VenturesZurich, Zurich, Switzerland11-5020074
ZEISS GroupOberkochen, Baden-Württemberg, Germany10001+18464
eCAPITAL ENTREPRENEURIAL PARTNERSNeunkirchen, North Rhine-Westphalia, Germany11-5019992
AlconGeneva, Geneva, Switzerland10001+19452
Vsquared VenturesMunich, Bavaria, Germany1-10202012
Onsight VenturesInnsbruck, Tyrol, Austria1-1020213
BayBG Venture CapitalHirschbach, Bavaria, Germany51-20019723
APEX VenturesVienna, Vienna, Austria1-1020166
AGIC CapitalMunich, Bavaria, Germany11-5020150
IBB VenturesBerlin, Berlin, Germany11-50199718
capitonBerlin, Berlin, Germany11-5019990
NRW.BANKNeunkirchen, North Rhine-Westphalia, Germany1001-5000200210
JenoptikJena, Thuringia, Germany1001-500019910
Hannover FinanzHanover, Lower Saxony, Germany11-5019792
RedstoneBerlin, Berlin, Germany11-50201414


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