Breukelen-based PhotonVentures secures €5 million strengthening the Dutch photonics ecosystem | EU-Startups

PhotonVentures, a specialised deep tech fund founded in 2023 that focuses on investing in photonics startups in the Netherlands and across Europe, has secured a €5 million investment led by Invest-NL, with contributions from a group of new private investors.

This investment not only strengthens the fund’s capital base but also underscores the crucial role the photonics industry plays in the Netherlands and its competitive position within Europe and globally. Integrated photonics is a key technology where the Netherlands, in particular, holds a leading position. To maintain and grow this leadership, continued investments from both the private and public sectors are vital.

Invest-NL now joins a notable group of investors, including prominent tech investors, family offices, the Brabant Development Agency (BOM), PhotonDelta, Oost NL, the University of Twente, and TNO, all of whom have supported the growth of PhotonVentures. The fund is aiming for a final close of €100 million by the end of this year.

Investing in the photonics ecosystem

PhotonVentures takes an ecosystem approach, investing in photonics startups that are better positioned to navigate the rapidly evolving photonics market. The fund’s portfolio companies benefit from quicker access to customer feedback and an international network to support their growth. To date, PhotonVentures has made 14 investments in leading photonics companies, including Smart Photonics, Effect Photonics, Phix, PhotonFirst, and VitreaLab.

Ewit Roos, General Partner at PhotonVentures, expressed his enthusiasm for this new investment: “We are thrilled to welcome Invest-NL as a new investor. Their involvement not only shows confidence in this specialized fund but also highlights the immense potential of integrated photonics and the essential role it plays in technological progress in the Netherlands and beyond.”

Liz Duijves, Investment Manager at Invest-NL, added: “Photonics is a key technology for the Netherlands and a priority within the national technology strategy. PhotonVentures, as one of the few dedicated photonics funds in Europe, plays a pivotal role in developing this sector. Our investment will contribute significantly to the growth and innovation of the integrated photonics industry in the Netherlands.”

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