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The ophthalmic instruments industry in Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ DACH region focuses on developing medical devices and technologies for eye care. Companies here produce a wide range of products, including surgical instruments, diagnostic tools, and Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨rapeutic devices aimed at treating eye diseases. Given Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ increasing prevalence of vision problems and a growing demand for innovative solutions, Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ industry is on a trajectory of significant growth. Advances in technology, such as digital imaging and laser treatment, are propelling Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ market forward. For instance, telemedicine applications are becoming more prominent, allowing for remote diagnosis and treatment options.

The list of top investors in Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ ophthalmic instruments sector includes a mix of venture capital firms and corporate giants. Hailing primarily from Switzerland and Germany, Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨se investors vary in size, with newcomers and established firms both making substantial contributions. Founded between 1993 and 2014, Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ir collective deal counts for 2024 highlight a robust commitment to Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ sector. This combination of expertise and financial backing signifies a bright future for companies developing innovative eye care solutions.

Top 13 Ophthalmic Instruments Investors in DACH

1. Verve Ventures

• Website:
• Type: Venture Capital
• Headquarters: Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
• Founded year: 2010
• Headcount: 11-50
• Number of deals in 2024: 25
• LinkedIn:

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. In recent years, Verve Ventures has been involved in several notable transactions, including a significant investment in ARTIRIA Medical, which raised US$6 million in a Series A2 round to support stroke studies and product development. This investment highlights Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ir engagement in Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ health sector, particularly in medical technologies that could intersect with ophthalmic applications. Additionally, Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨y participated in Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ seed funding round for EarlySight, a startup that may have relevance in Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ ophthalmic space, although Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ specifics of its focus are less clear. Overall, Verve Ventures demonstrates a commitment to supporting innovative health technologies, which may include ophthalmic instruments.

2. Alcon

• Website:
• Type: Corporate
• Headquarters: Geneva, Geneva, Switzerland
• Founded year: 1945
• Headcount: 10001+
• Number of deals in 2024: 2
• LinkedIn:

Alcon is a leading eye care company founded in 1945, headquartered in Geneva, Switzerland. With a workforce of over 10,000 employees, Alcon specializes in innovative vision products and surgical solutions, offering a comprehensive range of products including contact lenses, eye care solutions, and surgical instruments for treating various eye diseases. Alcon's commitment to enhancing Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ quality of life through improved vision is evident in Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ir strategic acquisitions. Notably, Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨y acquired Aerie Pharmaceuticals for $770 million in 2022, which focuses on developing Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨rapies for eye diseases. In 2021, Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨y acquired Ivantis for $475 million, a company known for its minimally invasive glaucoma surgery technology. Additionally, Alcon's acquisition of LENSAR in 2025 for $356 million furÅ·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨r solidifies Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ir position in Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ ophthalmic instruments market, as LENSAR specializes in advanced laser technology for cataract surgery. Their acquisition of BELKIN Vision in 2024 for $535 million also highlights Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ir ongoing investment in innovative eye care solutions. Alcon's global operations and diverse product offerings make Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨m a key player in Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ ophthalmic instruments industry.

3. Sictic

• Website:
• Type: Venture Capital
• Headquarters: Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
• Founded year: 2014
• Headcount: 201-500
• Number of deals in 2024: 77
• LinkedIn:

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 Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ growth of startups and Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ investment community. Among Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ir notable transactions, SICTIC has invested in PeriVision, a company focused on ophthalmic instruments, which raised between CHF 0.5 and 1 Million in a Seed Round to accelerate research and development for Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ir inaugural product. Additionally, SICTIC has been involved in funding rounds for CREAL, a company that has raised significant amounts in various stages, although its direct relevance to ophthalmic instruments is less clear. Overall, SICTIC's engagement in Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ ophthalmic sector through specific investments makes Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨m a relevant player in this field.

4. SHS Capital

• Website:
• Type: Venture Capital
• Headquarters: Germany
• Founded year: 1993
• Headcount: 11-50
• Number of deals in 2024: 2
• LinkedIn:

SHS Gesellschaft für Beteiligungsmanagement mbH, known as SHS Capital, is a private equity firm based in Germany that specializes in healthcare investments. Founded in 1993, Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ firm focuses on providing capital and strategic support to fast-growing healthcare companies, helping Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨m scale and succeed in Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ market. SHS Capital has been involved in several notable transactions, including Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ acquisition of Spiegelberg and TNI Medical, both of which operate in Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ medical technology space. In 2023, Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨y invested EUR 18 million in MESI Medical, a diagnostic company, furÅ·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨r demonstrating Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ir commitment to Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ healthcare sector. While Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ir transactions do not specifically highlight ophthalmic instruments, Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ir broad focus on healthcare investments positions Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨m as a potential investor in this field.

5. Bayern Kapital

• Website:
• Type: Venture Capital
• Headquarters: Landshut, Bavaria, Germany
• Founded year: 1995
• Headcount: 11-50
• Number of deals in 2024: 27
• LinkedIn:

Bayern Kapital is a venture capital firm based in Landshut, Bavaria, Germany, founded in 1995. The firm specializes in providing investment and growth capital to innovative high-tech startups and scale-ups in Bavaria. They support Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ir clients with financial resources and access to a network of industry experts, helping Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨m navigate Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ challenges of growth and development in sectors such as life sciences and software. Notably, Bayern Kapital has participated in several transactions relevant to Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ ophthalmic instruments field, including a seed funding round for Deepeye Medical, a Munich-based healthtech startup focused on ophthalmic solutions, and multiple funding rounds for GME Medical Engineering, which develops medical technologies that may encompass ophthalmic applications. Their active engagement in Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨se sectors highlights Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ir commitment to fostering innovation in healthtech.

6. Wellington Partners

• Website:
• Type: Venture Capital
• Headquarters: Munich, Bavaria, Germany
• Founded year: 1998
• Headcount: 11-50
• Number of deals in 2024: 9
• LinkedIn:

Wellington Partners is a venture capital firm based in Munich, Bavaria, Germany, founded in 1998. The firm specializes in life sciences, focusing on early- and growth-stage companies. They provide capital and strategic support to entrepreneurs in sectors such as Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨rapeutics and medical devices. Notably, Wellington Partners has been involved in significant transactions within Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ ophthalmic instruments context, including a Series C financing round for Sensimed AG, which raised 17 million CHF to support Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ commercialization of its innovative eye health technology. Additionally, Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨y participated in Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ Series A funding for Sensimed, raising $6.9 million, and were involved in a financing round for invendo medical, which aims to enhance production capacity for medical devices. These investments highlight Wellington Partners' active role in supporting companies that develop breakthrough technologies in Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ ophthalmic sector.

7. Earlybird Venture Capital

• Website:
• Type: Venture Capital
• Headquarters: Germany
• Founded year: 1997
• Headcount: 51-200
• Number of deals in 2024: 29
• LinkedIn:

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 Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ digital health and deep tech sectors. Earlybird has been involved in several notable transactions in Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ ophthalmic instruments space, including a $91 million investment in Oculis, which focuses on delivering transformative Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨rapies for eye conditions. Additionally, Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨y participated in funding rounds for Alesi Surgical, which is known for its proprietary Ultravision technology that has received FDA approval. These investments highlight Earlybird's commitment to nurturing early-stage companies in Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ ophthalmic field, helping Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨m navigate growth challenges and expand Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ir market presence.

8. Novartis

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

Novartis AG is a pharmaceutical company based in Basel, Switzerland, founded in 1996. It develops and manufactures innovative medicines targeting serious diseases across various Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨rapeutic areas. The company emphasizes research and development to improve patient outcomes. Notably, Novartis has made significant investments in Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ ophthalmic instruments sector, including Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ acquisition of Alcon in December 2010 for $12.9 billion, which is a major player in eye care. In 2019, Novartis announced its agreement to acquire Xiidra from Takeda Pharmaceutical for up to $5.3 billion, enhancing its portfolio in treating dry eye disease. Additionally, Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ acquisition of Encore Vision in 2022, although Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ drug developed was ultimately abandoned, reflects Novartis's ongoing interest in ophthalmology. These transactions highlight Novartis's active role in Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ ophthalmic instruments market, alongside its broader pharmaceutical focus.

9. ZEISS Group

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

ZEISS Group, founded in 1846 and based in Oberkochen, Germany, is a leading technology enterprise specializing in optics and optoelectronics. The company has a diverse portfolio that includes medical technology solutions, particularly in Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ ophthalmic sector. Notably, Carl Zeiss Meditec has made significant acquisitions to strengÅ·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨n its position in ophthalmic instruments, including Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ acquisition of Aaren Scientific, an IOL manufacturer, which enhances Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ir offerings for ophthalmic surgeons. Additionally, ZEISS's joint acquisition of Sola International, an eyeglass lens maker, furÅ·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨r solidifies Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ir commitment to Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ ophthalmic market. Their recent investments, such as in Morrow Optics and CREAL, indicate ongoing interest in innovative technologies that can complement Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ir existing ophthalmic solutions. With a focus on innovation and sustainability, ZEISS serves a diverse customer base across various industries, enhancing Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ir capabilities and experiences in Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ ophthalmic field.

10. Novartis Venture Fund

• Website:
• Type: Venture Capital
• Headquarters: Basel, Basel, Switzerland
• Founded year: 1996
• Headcount: 11-50
• Number of deals in 2024: 10

The Novartis Venture Fund is a venture capital firm based in Basel, Switzerland, specializing in life sciences investments. Founded in 1996, Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ fund focuses on providing funding and support to innovative biotechnology and biopharmaceutical companies. Notably, Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ fund has been involved in several key transactions in Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ ophthalmic sector, including significant investments in Oculis, a biotechnology company dedicated to developing Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨rapies for eye diseases. Oculis raised $91 million in post-IPO equity in March 2023 and previously secured $57 million in a Series C financing round in May 2021, as well as CHF20 million in a Series B financing round in January 2018, aimed at advancing treatments for Diabetic Macular Edema. Additionally, Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ fund participated in a $65 million Series D round for ONL Therapeutics in September 2024, furÅ·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨r emphasizing its active role in supporting companies that are innovating in Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ ophthalmic field.

11. Swisscom Ventures

• Website:
• Type: Venture Capital
• Headquarters: Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
• Founded year: 2007
• Headcount: 11-50
• Number of deals in 2024: 4
• LinkedIn:

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, Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨y 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. Notably, Swisscom Ventures has made significant investments in Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ ophthalmic instruments space, including SENSIMED, which raised funds in a Series B round in 2010, focusing on innovative eye health solutions. They also led a Series C financing round for ActLight in 2019, a company advancing Time-Of-Flight (TOF) solutions, which have potential applications in ophthalmic imaging. Their investment in CREAL, which is developing augmented reality technologies, also hints at a broader interest in optical technologies that could intersect with ophthalmic applications.

12. b2venture

• Website:
• Type: Venture Capital
• Headquarters: St. Gallen, St. Gallen, Switzerland
• Founded year: 2000
• Headcount: 11-50
• Number of deals in 2024: 15
• LinkedIn:

b2venture is a venture capital firm based in St. Gallen, Switzerland, founded in 2000. The firm specializes in early-stage investments in innovative startups across various sectors, providing financial backing and support to entrepreneurs. They have been involved in notable transactions, including investments in OrCam Technologies, which raised significant funding for developing artificial vision devices, and SamanTree Medical, which focuses on medical imaging technology. Their collaboration with a community of angel investors enhances Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ir investment strategy, making Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨m a key player in Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ European venture capital landscape, with a growing interest in health-related technologies.

13. Vi Partners

• Website:
• Type: Venture Capital
• Headquarters: Altendorf, Schwyz, Switzerland
• Founded year: 2001
• Headcount: 11-50
• Number of deals in 2024: 6
• LinkedIn:

Vi Partners is a venture capital firm based in Altendorf, Schwyz, Switzerland, founded in 2001. The firm specializes in providing funding and advisory services to innovative companies primarily in Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ tech and healthcare sectors. In recent years, Vi Partners has been involved in several notable transactions within Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ ophthalmic instruments context, including a significant investment in Oculis, which raised $91 million in a post-IPO equity round in March 2023 and previously closed a $57 million Series C financing round in May 2021. Additionally, Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨y participated in funding rounds for MedLumics, a medical device company that may have applications in ophthalmology, furÅ·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨r showcasing Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ir engagement in Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ healthcare sector. Vi Partners operates mainly in Switzerland and Europe, helping startups secure Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ necessary capital and strategic guidance to grow and succeed in Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ir respective markets.

Ophthalmic Instruments Insights: Key Investors in DACH

Investor	Headquarter	Size	Founded	Deals 2024
	Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland	11-50	2010	25
	Geneva, Geneva, Switzerland	10001+	1945	2
	Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland	201-500	2014	77
	Germany	11-50	1993	2
	Landshut, Bavaria, Germany	11-50	1995	27
	Munich, Bavaria, Germany	11-50	1998	9
	Germany	51-200	1997	29
	Basel, Basel, Switzerland	10001+	1996	7
	Oberkochen, Baden-Württemberg, Germany	10001+	1846	4
	Basel, Basel, Switzerland	11-50	1996	10
	Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland	11-50	2007	4
	St. Gallen, St. Gallen, Switzerland	11-50	2000	15
	Altendorf, Schwyz, Switzerland	11-50	2001	6

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