Invest-NL is investing € 5 million in PhotonVentures Fund I, a Dutch venture capital fund focused on the development of integrated photonics. This technology is regarded as a key enabler for the future of digitalisation and energy efficiency. Through our investment in PhotonVentures, we are supporting early-stage photonics startups and contributing to the further growth of this sector.
Integrated photonics, a technology that uses light for data transmission, significantly reduces energy consumption in applications such as data centres, telecommunications, transport, and medical equipment. This has a direct positive impact on energy efficiency, helping to make a range of sectors more sustainable.
PhotonVentures primarily targets seed-stage companies in the photonics and semiconductor industries. By adopting an ecosystem approach, working closely with universities, research institutes, technical partners, and businesses across the value chain, the fund generates value for the wider integrated photonics ecosystem in the Netherlands and beyond. This approach strengthens the entire value chain, from development to production and integration of photonic products.
Liz Duijves, Investment Manager at Invest-NL, commented:
Photonics is a key technology for the Netherlands and a priority in the national technology strategy. As one of the few funds in Europe specialised in photonics, PhotonVentures is a vital player in advancing this sector. Our investment makes a significant contribution to the growth and innovation of the integrated photonics industry in the Netherlands.
With this investment, Invest-NL is supporting technological advancement and contributing to societal transitions towards a more sustainable and innovative future.