The spectacle lens manufacturing industry in the Nordics is known for its innovative approach and high-quality products. Companies in this sector focus on creating advanced optical solutions, leveraging technology to enhance visual clarity and protection. This industry features a mix of well-established brands and startups, all striving to meet the growing demand for customized eye care products. As sustainability becomes a priority, many manufacturers are adopting eco-friendly practices. The market is evolving rapidly, spurred by consumer interest in eyewear technology, indicating strong future growth prospects with potential expansions into digital integrations for lenses.

The Nordic region hosts a variety of investors driving growth in the spectacle lens manufacturing sector. This list outlines seven notable investors, including private equity and venture capital firms, primarily based in Sweden, Norway, and Finland. Founded between 1985 and 2015, these firms range from small entities with under ten employees to larger offices employing thousands. In 2024, they collectively executed numerous deals, reflecting their commitment to enhancing the optical landscape. Each investor brings unique strengths and specialization to the table, underpinning their efforts in this essential industry.

Top 7 Spectacle Lens Manufacturing Investors in the Nordics

1. 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 private equity investment firm based in Stockholm, Sweden, founded in 1994. The firm specializes in a diverse range of investment strategies, including private equity, infrastructure, real estate, growth equity, and venture capital. EQT serves institutional investors by providing expertise in managing varied investment portfolios across multiple sectors and geographies. Notably, EQT has made significant investments in the spectacle lens manufacturing industry, including the acquisition of Carl Zeiss Vision in 2005 and Sola International, an eyeglass lens maker, in a deal valued at approximately $1.1 billion. Additionally, EQT's acquisition of Zemax Software Holdings, which provides optical design software, further highlights its engagement in the optics sector. These transactions underscore EQT's strategic focus on the spectacle lens market and its capability to drive growth in this industry.

2. Investinor

• Website: investinor.no
• Type: Venture Capital
• Headquarters: Trondheim, Trøndelag, Norway
• Founded year: 2008
• Headcount: 11-50
• Number of deals in 2024: 4
• LinkedIn: investinor

Investinor AS is a venture capital investment company based in Trondheim, Trøndelag, Norway, founded in 2008. It specializes in providing funding to promising startups and companies, helping them grow and achieve market leadership. Investinor manages state interests in seed and venture funds and collaborates with entrepreneurs and other investors. Notably, Investinor has been involved in transactions related to optical technology, including its investment in poLight AS, which raised significant funding for its autofocus lens technology. This investment highlights Investinor's engagement in the optical lens sector, which is relevant to the spectacle lens manufacturing industry.

3. 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, and provides capital along with 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 January 2006, a company involved in the spectacle lens sector, which highlights their engagement in this industry. Additionally, they have made various other investments, including acquisitions in outdoor sports equipment and specialized vehicle conversion, showcasing their diverse investment portfolio.

4. Nalka

• Website: nalka.com
• Type: Private Equity
• Headquarters: Stockholm, Stockholm, Sweden
• Founded year: 2015
• Headcount: 11-50
• Number of deals in 2024: 1
• LinkedIn: nalka

Nalka is a private equity investment firm based in Stockholm, Sweden, founded in 2015. The firm specializes in developing independent companies within the Nordic and DACH regions, providing investment management and strategic support to small- and medium-sized businesses. Nalka emphasizes sustainable growth and responsible ownership in its investment approach. Notably, Nalka acquired Synsam Nordic in 2007, a significant player in the optical retail market, which includes the sale of spectacle lenses. Additionally, they acquired Brunngård Group in 2014, further diversifying their portfolio. In 2019, Prototal raised funds from Nalka, although this transaction is less directly related to spectacle lenses. Overall, Nalka's involvement with Synsam Nordic highlights its relevance to the spectacle lens manufacturing industry.

5. Intera Partners

• Website: interapartners.fi
• Type: Private Equity
• Headquarters: Helsinki, Uusimaa, Finland
• Founded year: 2007
• Headcount: 11-50
• Number of deals in 2024: 2
• LinkedIn: intera-partners

Intera Partners is a private equity firm based in Helsinki, Uusimaa, Finland, founded in 2007. The firm specializes in investment management and advisory services, focusing on growing and internationalizing Finnish and Swedish companies. They provide capital and strategic support to businesses with revenues between €10-200 million, emphasizing responsible investing and building strong partnerships with business owners. Notably, Intera Partners acquired Silmäasema on June 30, 2014, which is involved in the optical retail and spectacle lens manufacturing industry. Additionally, they have been involved with Merivaara Corporation, although this company operates in the medical equipment sector, which is less relevant to spectacle lenses. Their investment in Silmäasema highlights their engagement in the spectacle lens market, making them a significant player in this industry.

6. Alliance VC

• Website: alliance.vc
• Type: Venture Capital
• Headquarters: Oslo, Oslo, Norway
• Founded year: 2001
• Headcount: 1-10
• Number of deals in 2024: 5
• LinkedIn: alliance-venture

Alliance Venture Capital is a venture capital firm based in Oslo, Norway, founded in 2001. The firm specializes in investing in early-stage technology companies founded by Nordic entrepreneurs with global ambitions. Alliance VC provides not only financial support but also strategic guidance to help startups scale their operations and navigate funding challenges. Notably, they have been involved in significant transactions within the spectacle lens manufacturing context, particularly with poLight. In 2011, poLight raised $18.5 million in Series B funding to commercialize its optical polymer lens, with potential for further investment. Additionally, they participated in earlier funding rounds for poLight, including a $3.43 million venture round in 2009 and a $19 million venture round in 2015. These investments highlight Alliance VC's active role in fostering innovation in the optical lens sector, aligning with their broader focus on technology.

7. Armada

• Website: armadacredit.com
• Type: Private Equity
• Headquarters: Helsinki, Uusimaa, Finland
• Founded year: 2010
• Headcount: 1-10
• LinkedIn: armada-mezzanine-capital

Armada Credit Partners is a private equity investment firm based in Helsinki, Uusimaa, Finland, founded in 2010. The firm specializes in providing tailored private debt solutions for sustainable and fast-growing mid-market companies in Northern Europe. Armada partners with private equity investors and management teams to offer flexible financing options that enable companies to achieve their growth objectives. With a strong focus on responsible investing, Armada supports businesses across various sectors, ensuring they have the necessary capital for development. Notably, in 2014, Armada was involved in a private equity round for Silmäasema, a company that operates in the spectacle lens manufacturing and optical retail industry. This transaction highlights Armada's engagement with the spectacle lens sector, despite their broader investment strategy.

Spectacle Lens Manufacturing Insights: Key Investors in the Nordics

Investor	Headquarter	Size	Founded	Deals 2024
EQT Group	Stockholm, Stockholm, Sweden	1001-5000	1994	30
Investinor	Trondheim, Trøndelag, Norway	11-50	2008	4
Verdane	Oslo, Oslo, Norway	51-200	1985	7
Nalka	Stockholm, Stockholm, Sweden	11-50	2015	1
Intera Partners	Helsinki, Uusimaa, Finland	11-50	2007	2
Alliance VC	Oslo, Oslo, Norway	1-10	2001	5
Armada	Helsinki, Uusimaa, Finland	1-10	2010	0

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!