The spectacle lens manufacturing industry in the DACH region is a vital sector focused on creating high-quality vision correction products. Companies range from large corporations like Alcon and the ZEISS Group to agile startups pushing innovative technologies. They provide everything from traditional prescription lenses to advanced options integrating digital technologies like augmented reality. With increasing demand for personalized eyewear and smart lenses, the industry is evolving rapidly. Sustainability is also a growing priority as manufacturers explore eco-friendlier materials and production methods. As optical technology advances, the potential for high-impact investment opportunities becomes greater along with the exciting prospects ahead.


The list features a mix of corporate giants and venture capital firms headquartered across DACH. Ranging in size from small teams to over 10,000 employees, these investors have varying specializations and focus areas. Established between 1846 and 2016, they reported a total of 150 investments in 2024 in the spectacle lens manufacturing industry. This indicates a robust interest in innovations and technologies that could redefine visual experiences. Across DACH, these investors are contributing significantly to the growth and transformation of the spectacle lens sector, aligning with future industry trends.


Top 19 Spectacle Lens Manufacturing Investors in DACH


1. 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 aimed at enhancing the quality of life through improved vision. Alcon's product portfolio includes contact lenses, eye care solutions, and surgical instruments for treating eye diseases. They have been actively acquiring companies to strengthen their position in the eye care market. Notable transactions include the acquisition of LensX Lasers in 2010, which is relevant to surgical solutions in eye care, and WaveLight in 2007, which is involved in refractive surgery technology. Most recently, Alcon announced the acquisition of LENSAR in March 2025, further emphasizing their commitment to expanding their capabilities in the eye care sector. These transactions highlight Alcon's strategic focus on enhancing their offerings in the spectacle lens and broader eye care market.


2. 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 leading technology enterprise specializing in optics and optoelectronics. With a workforce of over 10,000 employees, ZEISS offers a diverse range of products, including medical technology solutions, semiconductor manufacturing equipment, and high-quality optical systems for consumers and businesses. Notably, ZEISS has made significant strides in the spectacle lens manufacturing sector, exemplified by its acquisition of Sola International, an eyeglass lens maker, in 2005. This strategic move not only enhanced ZEISS's portfolio in the optical industry but also underscored its commitment to innovation and sustainability. Furthermore, ZEISS has continued to expand its capabilities through various acquisitions, including Aaren Scientific, which bolstered its offerings for ophthalmic surgeons, and a majority stake in arivis AG, enhancing its imaging technology capabilities. These transactions reflect ZEISS's ongoing dedication to advancing optical technologies and its relevance in the spectacle lens manufacturing industry.


3. 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. With a team size of 11-50, they focus on providing funding and strategic support to science and technology startups. Their investment portfolio includes sectors such as climate tech, industrial technology, and health & bio. Notably, Verve Ventures has participated in funding rounds for companies like CREAL, which is developing light-field display technology for augmented reality glasses, and EarlySight, which has raised funds for innovative solutions. These transactions highlight their engagement with technologies that could be relevant to the spectacle lens manufacturing industry, showcasing their potential interest in this sector.


4. 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. Among their notable transactions, SICTIC has invested in Ileve Optics, which focuses on optical solutions, and CREAL, a company that has raised multiple rounds of funding for its advanced optical technologies. These investments highlight SICTIC's engagement in the spectacle lens manufacturing context, showcasing their commitment to supporting innovation in this field.


5. Swisscom Ventures


Swisscom Ventures is a Zurich-based venture capital firm founded in 2007, specializing in high-potential technology startups. With a focus on providing financial support and strategic advisory services, they help startups access technical infrastructure and market channels. Their investment portfolio spans various technology sectors, including AI and Fintech. Notably, Swisscom Ventures has made significant investments in companies relevant to the spectacle lens manufacturing industry. For example, they led a CHF 6.5M funding round for CREAL, which is developing cutting-edge augmented reality glasses, showcasing their interest in optical technologies. Additionally, they have invested in ActLight, a company advancing Time-Of-Flight solutions, which could have applications in the development of advanced spectacle lenses. These transactions highlight Swisscom Ventures' commitment to empowering innovative companies in the optics and augmented reality space.


6. 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 founded in 1972, based in Hirschbach, Bavaria, Germany. The firm specializes in investing in innovative startups, particularly in Bavaria, and provides venture capital and advisory services to help these companies 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 EYEGLASS24, a company that raised funds in a Series B round in 2014, which is directly related to the spectacle lens manufacturing industry. Additionally, they have participated in funding rounds for companies like GME Medical Engineering and iThera Medical, which, while primarily focused on medical devices, demonstrate BayBG's commitment to supporting innovative technologies that could intersect with the spectacle lens market.


7. Novartis

  • Website: novartis.com
  • Type: Corporate
  • Headquarters: Basel, Basel, Switzerland
  • Founded year: 1996
  • Headcount: 10001+
  • Number of deals in 2024: 7
  • LinkedIn: novartis

Novartis AG is a pharmaceutical company based in Basel, Switzerland, founded in 1996. It develops and manufactures innovative medicines aimed at addressing serious diseases across various therapeutic areas. Novartis emphasizes research and development to improve patient outcomes. Notably, Novartis has made significant investments in the ophthalmic sector, including the acquisition of Alcon in December 2010 for $12.9 billion, which specializes in eye care products, including spectacle lenses. In 2017, Novartis acquired Encore Vision for $375 million, focusing on presbyopia treatment, although the drug developed was later abandoned. Additionally, Novartis's agreement to acquire Xiidra from Takeda Pharmaceutical for up to $5.3 billion in 2019 further enhances its portfolio in treating eye diseases, indicating a strong commitment to the eye care market.


8. 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. They provide financial resources and strategic support to startups, particularly in the digital health and deep tech sectors. Earlybird has been involved in various transactions, including significant investments in companies like Lumics and Oculis, which are related to optical technologies. Notably, they invested in NcodiN, which is developing integrated optical link prototypes, indicating their interest in optical technology that could be relevant to the spectacle lens manufacturing context. Their business model focuses on nurturing early-stage companies through funding and mentorship, helping them navigate growth challenges.


9. 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. The company specializes in photonics and optics, offering a wide range of products including imaging solutions, laser technology, and optical systems primarily for industries such as automotive, defense, and medical technology. Jenoptik has made several strategic acquisitions to enhance its capabilities in the optical sector. Notably, they acquired Coastal Optical Systems, a company known for custom precision optical assemblies, which could be directly relevant to the spectacle lens manufacturing industry. Additionally, their acquisition of EPIGAP Optronic and Berliner Glas Medical further demonstrates their commitment to expanding their optical and medical technology offerings. These transactions highlight Jenoptik's focus on enhancing product performance and safety through advanced optical solutions, making them a significant player in the optics field.


10. Acton Capital


Acton Capital is a Munich-based venture capital firm founded in 1999, specializing in investing in startups at the Series A stage and beyond. The firm provides financial backing and strategic guidance to mission-driven teams across various sectors, including technology and eco-friendly consumer goods. Notably, Acton Capital has made significant investments in the optical retail sector, including Glasses Direct, Europe's largest online prescription glasses retailer, and MyOptique Group, a London-based online optical retailer. These investments highlight Acton Capital's commitment to supporting companies that are integral to the eyewear market, which includes spectacle lens manufacturing. Their focus on tailored growth strategies positions them as a valuable partner for companies in this industry.


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. In recent years, APEX Ventures has been involved in several notable transactions, including a significant investment in TriLite Technologies, which raised €8 million for its laser projection display technology aimed at smart glasses. This investment highlights APEX Ventures' interest in innovative technologies that could enhance visual experiences, aligning with the spectacle lens manufacturing sector. Additionally, they have supported other startups like VitreaLab, which, while not directly related to spectacle lenses, showcases their commitment to advancing technology-driven companies in competitive markets.


12. Grazia Equity

  • Website: grazia.com
  • Type: Venture Capital
  • Headquarters: Stuttgart, Baden-Württemberg, Germany
  • Founded year: 1998
  • Headcount: 11-50
  • Number of deals in 2024: 3
  • LinkedIn: grazia-equity

Grazia Equity GmbH is a venture capital firm based in Stuttgart, Baden-Württemberg, Germany, founded in 1998. The firm specializes in providing investment management services to startups and entrepreneurs, focusing on funding innovative businesses across various sectors. Notably, Grazia Equity has been involved in significant transactions within the spectacle lens manufacturing context, particularly with Mister Spex, Europe’s leading online optician. Grazia participated in multiple funding rounds for Mister Spex, including a Series A round in 2008, a Series B round in 2010, and a substantial equity round in 2019, which raised over EUR 65 million. This consistent investment in a key player in the eyewear industry highlights Grazia's commitment to supporting growth in the spectacle lens market.


13. Paragon Partners

  • Website: paragon.de
  • Type: Private Equity
  • Headquarters: Munich, Bavaria, Germany
  • Founded year: 2004
  • Headcount: 11-50
  • Number of deals in 2024: 2
  • LinkedIn: paragon-partners_2

Paragon Partners GmbH is a private equity investment firm based in Munich, Bavaria, Germany, founded in 2004. The firm specializes in private equity investments in established medium-sized enterprises, providing capital and strategic support to enhance business operations and foster growth. Paragon Partners has a diverse portfolio, including notable transactions such as the acquisition of pro optik, an optical chain, which indicates their engagement in the spectacle lens market. This acquisition, announced on July 23, 2019, involved a majority stake purchase, aiming to enhance pro optik's market expansion and revenue growth. Additionally, Paragon Partners has made other acquisitions, such as Rudolf Riester and elero, showcasing their broad investment strategy while maintaining a focus on sustainable opportunities for institutional investors.


14. Eos

  • Website: eos.info
  • Type: Corporate
  • Headquarters: Krailling, Bavaria, Germany
  • Founded year: 1989
  • Headcount: 1001-5000
  • LinkedIn: eos

EOS GmbH, founded in 1989 and based in Krailling, Bavaria, Germany, is a leading provider of industrial 3D printing solutions specializing in metal and polymer additive manufacturing. The company offers a range of 3D printers, high-tech materials, and consulting services to businesses across various industries, including automotive and medical. Recently, EOS has expanded its portfolio by acquiring KiwiStar Optics (KSO), a precision optics provider known for producing large telescope lenses and spectrographs. This acquisition, announced on April 13, 2022, included a significant investment aimed at enhancing KSO's technologies and expanding its marketing reach. Furthermore, EOS plans to invest in new optical equipment through the asset purchase of Arizona Optical Services, indicating a strategic move into the optics sector that could be relevant to spectacle lens manufacturing.


15. Deutsche Private Equity (DPE)


Deutsche Private Equity (DPE) is a private equity firm based in Munich, Bavaria, Germany, founded in 2007. The firm specializes in providing growth capital to medium-sized enterprises primarily in Germany, Austria, and Switzerland. DPE focuses on fostering growth and creating sustainable corporate values for its portfolio companies. They support their clients in expanding operations and achieving long-term success. Notably, DPE acquired a majority stake in Sill Optics on August 2, 2022, which is significant as Sill Optics operates within the optics industry, including the production of spectacle lenses. This acquisition highlights DPE's strategic interest in the optics sector. Additionally, DPE has been involved in other transactions such as funding rounds for First Sensor and SLM Solutions Group AG, although these are less relevant to the spectacle lens manufacturing context.


16. AM Ventures


AM Ventures is a venture capital firm based in Starnberg, Bavaria, Germany, founded in 2015. The firm specializes in investments in additive manufacturing technologies, particularly in the industrial 3D printing sector. They provide funding and strategic guidance to startups and entrepreneurs, fostering innovation and growth in this rapidly evolving industry. Notably, AM Ventures has invested in Spectroplast, a silicone 3D printing startup that focuses on healthcare applications, which may include the production of spectacle lenses. Their involvement in this sector highlights their commitment to supporting companies that are developing next-level technologies relevant to spectacle lens manufacturing. Additionally, AM Ventures has participated in funding rounds for Lightforce Orthodontics, a company that utilizes advanced manufacturing techniques in orthodontics, further showcasing their interest in innovative applications of manufacturing technologies.


17. EnjoyVenture


EnjoyVenture GmbH is a venture capital firm based in Neunkirchen, North Rhine-Westphalia, Germany, specializing in seed and growth financing for technology start-ups. Founded in 2000, the firm has invested in over 150 businesses, focusing on innovative business models. EnjoyVenture not only provides financial support but also offers strategic consulting to help start-ups navigate challenges and achieve market success. Notably, EnjoyVenture participated in a Series A financing round for Implandata Ophthalmic Products, which raised €1.6M to support a CE trial for a new diagnostic system in the ophthalmic field. This investment highlights EnjoyVenture's engagement in the healthcare and ophthalmic sectors, which are closely related to spectacle lens manufacturing. Additionally, the firm has made several seed investments in companies like Confovis and KlinikumPlus, further demonstrating its commitment to supporting technology-driven solutions in various industries.


18. S-ubg Ag

  • Website: s-ubg.de
  • Type: Venture Capital
  • Headquarters: Aachen, North Rhine-Westphalia, Germany
  • Founded year: 1988
  • Headcount: 11-50
  • LinkedIn: s-ubg-group

S-UBG AG is a venture capital firm based in Aachen, North Rhine-Westphalia, Germany, founded in 1988. The firm specializes in private equity and mezzanine capital, providing financial support and strategic expertise to medium-sized businesses across various sectors. S-UBG AG focuses on helping innovative entrepreneur teams in the Rhineland region realize their business visions through growth investments, management buy-outs, and technology development. Notably, S-ubg Ag has been involved in several transactions relevant to the spectacle lens manufacturing context, including an investment in Fritz RUCK Ophthalmologische Systeme, which specializes in ophthalmological systems, and investments in Thermoglas Niederrhein and Glas Trienes, both of which are related to glass production. These transactions highlight S-ubg Ag's engagement with the optical and ophthalmic industries, reinforcing their relevance as an investor in the spectacle lens manufacturing sector.


19. HZG Group

  • Website: hzg-group.com
  • Type: Venture Capital
  • Headquarters: Coburg, Bavaria, Germany
  • Founded year: 1997
  • Headcount: 11-50
  • Number of deals in 2024: 3
  • LinkedIn: hzg-group

HZG Group is a technology investment company based in Coburg, Bavaria, Germany, founded in 1997. The firm specializes in venture capital funding and supports early-stage technology firms, particularly in the additive manufacturing sector. In 2024, HZG Group participated in a Series A funding round for Spectroplast, a company that is involved in 3D printing technologies that can be applied to the production of spectacle lenses. This investment highlights HZG Group's commitment to innovative manufacturing processes. Additionally, they have invested in other companies like Axtra3D and Q.BIG 3D, which focus on 3D printing technologies, further demonstrating their engagement in sectors that could intersect with spectacle lens manufacturing.



Spectacle Lens Manufacturing Insights: Key Investors in DACH


InvestorHeadquarterSizeFoundedDeals 2024
AlconGeneva, Geneva, Switzerland10001+19452
ZEISS GroupOberkochen, Baden-Württemberg, Germany10001+18464
Verve VenturesZurich, Zurich, Switzerland11-50201025
SicticZurich, Zurich, Switzerland201-500201477
Swisscom VenturesZurich, Zurich, Switzerland11-5020074
BayBG Venture CapitalHirschbach, Bavaria, Germany51-20019723
NovartisBasel, Basel, Switzerland10001+19967
Earlybird Venture CapitalGermany51-200199729
JenoptikJena, Thuringia, Germany1001-500019910
Acton CapitalMunich, Bavaria, Germany11-5019993
APEX VenturesVienna, Vienna, Austria1-1020166
Grazia EquityStuttgart, Baden-Württemberg, Germany11-5019983
Paragon PartnersMunich, Bavaria, Germany11-5020042
EosKrailling, Bavaria, Germany1001-500019890
Deutsche Private Equity (DPE)Munich, Bavaria, Germany51-20020072
AM VenturesStarnberg, Bavaria, Germany1-1020153
EnjoyVentureNeunkirchen, North Rhine-Westphalia, Germany11-5020002
S-ubg AgAachen, North Rhine-Westphalia, Germany11-5019880
HZG GroupCoburg, Bavaria, Germany11-5019973


Want to find more investors focusing on the spectacle lens manufacturing industry?

If you want to find more investors that are active in the spectacle lens manufacturingindustry, 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!