Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨

The optical goods retail industry in Europe thrives on offering an extensive range of products designed to enhance vision and eye health. It comprises companies that manufacture and distribute eyewear, contact lenses, and prescription lenses, alongside retailers specializing in optics and eye care services. Innovations in lens technology, increased awareness of eye health, and Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ rising demand for fashionable eyewear are driving growth. FurÅ·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨rmore, online retailing and digital solutions are reshaping how consumers access Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨se products, pushing Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ industry towards a tech-savvy future. With sustainability becoming more important, eco-friendly options are emerging as new consumer preferences.

This list features 18 investors actively involved in Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ optical goods retail sector, spanning various types including venture capital, private equity, and corporate investors. Headquartered primarily in major hubs like London, Paris, and Brussels, Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨se firms range in size from small teams to large organizations with over 10,000 employees. Founded between 1945 and 2018, Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ir presence indicates a commitment to fostering innovation and growth in this market. Noteworthy is Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ 2024 deal activity, with many investors engaged in multiple transactions to strengÅ·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨n Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ir portfolios within Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ optical goods retail space.

Top 18 Optical Goods Retail Investors in Europe

1. Essilor Group

• Website:
• Type: Corporate
• Headquarters: Charenton-Le-Pont, ÃŽle-De-France, France
• Founded year: 1972
• Headcount: 10001+
• Number of deals in 2024: 1
• LinkedIn:

Essilor Group, founded in 1972 and based in Charenton-Le-Pont, ÃŽle-De-France, France, is a corporate investor specializing in Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ optical goods industry. As a leading ophthalmic lens manufacturer, Essilor designs, produces, and sells a wide range of optical products aimed at enhancing vision and protecting eye health. The company serves both consumers and eyecare professionals, providing innovative solutions for vision correction. Notably, Essilor has made several strategic acquisitions to strengÅ·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨n its position in Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ optical retail market. In 2016, Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨y acquired Vision Direct, an online contact lens retailer, which had a revenue of approximately £33 million in 2015. In 2017, Essilor acquired Luxottica Group SpA for $24 billion, furÅ·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨r solidifying its retail presence. Additionally, Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨y have taken majority stakes in EyeBuyDirect.com and acquired Clearly, both of which are significant players in Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ online optical retail space. These transactions highlight Essilor's active role in Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ optical goods retail sector, making Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨m a key investor in this industry.

2. EssilorLuxottica

• Website:
• Type: Corporate
• Headquarters: Paris, ÃŽle-De-France, France
• Founded year: 2018
• Headcount: 10001+
• Number of deals in 2024: 8
• LinkedIn:

EssilorLuxottica is a prominent corporate investor based in Paris, ÃŽle-De-France, France, founded in 2018. The company is a leader in Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ eyecare and eyewear industry, specializing in Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ design, manufacture, and distribution of ophthalmic lenses, prescription glasses, and sunglasses. With over 10,000 employees, EssilorLuxottica serves both consumers and businesses, providing high-quality vision care products and innovative solutions to enhance eye health. The company has been actively involved in Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ optical retail sector through several key acquisitions: it acquired Salmoiraghi & Viganò, an Italian optician chain, to strengÅ·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨n its retail presence; it purchased GrandVision for â‚�7.1 billion, adding over 7,200 stores and approximately â‚�3.7 billion in annual revenues; and it completed Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ acquisition of Washin Optical Co., Ltd., a significant player in Japan's optical retail sector. These strategic moves highlight EssilorLuxottica's commitment to expanding its optical retail platform and enhancing its market position.

3. Crowdcube

• Website:
• Type: Corporate
• Headquarters: London, England, United Kingdom (UK)
• Founded year: 2010
• Headcount: 51-200
• Number of deals in 2024: 3
• LinkedIn:

Crowdcube is a London-based crowdfunding platform founded in 2010 that enables businesses to raise capital through equity investments. It connects startups and SMEs with potential investors, facilitating Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ funding process. The platform promotes diversity and inclusion within its workforce while providing investment management services to its clients. Notably, Crowdcube has been involved in several transactions within Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ optical goods retail sector, including: 1) Cambridge Spectacle Co., which raised $249,293 in September 2022; 2) SunGod, a performance sunglasses startup that raised nearly £3 million in November 2022 and previously raised £1.5 million in November 2020; and 3) Coral Eyewear, which raised $333,520 in June 2023. These transactions highlight Crowdcube's active participation in funding companies within Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ optical goods retail industry.

4. European Innovation Council (EIC)

• Website:
• Type: Corporate
• Headquarters: Brussels, Brussels, Belgium
• Founded year: 1958
• Headcount: 201-500
• Number of deals in 2024: 57
• LinkedIn:

The European Innovation Council (EIC) is a public entity based in Brussels, Belgium, established to support innovation and entrepreneurship across Europe. Founded in 1958, Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ EIC offers various funding programs, including Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ EIC Accelerator and EIC Pathfinder, aimed at helping startups and SMEs develop and scale Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ir technologies. The EIC also provides business acceleration services, networking opportunities, and prizes to foster innovation. Notably, Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ EIC has been involved in several transactions relevant to Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ optical goods sector, such as providing grants to PhoneOptika and CREAL, and participating in a funding round for NIL Technology ApS, a company specializing in advanced optical solutions. These transactions highlight Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ EIC's commitment to supporting innovation in Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ optical goods industry.

5. Bgf

• Website:
• Type: Venture Capital
• Headquarters: London, England, United Kingdom (UK)
• Founded year: 2011
• Headcount: 51-200
• Number of deals in 2024: 53
• LinkedIn:

BGF Investment Management Limited is a venture capital firm based in London, England, founded in 2011. The firm specializes in providing growth funding and value creation support to small and mid-sized businesses in Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ UK and Ireland. BGF addresses Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ funding gap in Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ market through minority investments and extensive support services. Notably, BGF has invested in Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ optical goods retail sector, with significant transactions including a £12m investment in Bayfields Opticians & Audiologists, aimed at supporting Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ir growth and expansion strategy. Additionally, BGF has invested in Duncan & Todd, furÅ·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨r demonstrating Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ir commitment to Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ optical goods retail industry. These investments highlight BGF's role in facilitating growth within this sector while also maintaining a diverse investment portfolio across various industries.

6. Bpifrance French Tech Accélération

• Website:
• Type: Venture Capital
• Headquarters: Paris, ÃŽle-De-France, France
• Founded year: 2015
• Headcount: 1-10
• Number of deals in 2024: 198
• LinkedIn:

Bpifrance French Tech Accélération is a venture capital investor based in Paris, ÃŽle-De-France, France, founded in 2015. As a public entity and financial institution, Bpifrance supports entrepreneurs and businesses in France and internationally through various services, including direct funding, export credit insurance, and private equity investments. The institution aims to foster entrepreneurship and innovation, helping businesses navigate growth and international expansion. Notably, Bpifrance has participated in several transactions relevant to Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ optical goods sector, including investments in EyeLights, which raised approximately $22 million in Series A funding for its innovative optical solutions, and Pixium Vision, a developer of retinal implant systems that received funding for Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ development of its IRIS retinal implant systems. These investments highlight Bpifrance's engagement in Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ optical goods retail industry, making it a significant player in this space.

7. Index Ventures

• Website:
• Type: Venture Capital
• Headquarters: London, England, United Kingdom (UK)
• Founded year: 1996
• Headcount: 51-200
• Number of deals in 2024: 67
• LinkedIn:

Index Ventures is a venture capital firm founded in 1996, based in London, England. The firm invests in innovative startups across various sectors, including technology and healthcare, providing capital and strategic support to entrepreneurs. Notably, Index Ventures has been involved in Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ optical goods retail industry, having invested in Glasses Direct, Europe’s largest online prescription glasses retailer, and MyOptique Group, a London-based online optical retailer. Their investments in Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨se companies include significant funding rounds aimed at expanding operations and entering new markets, showcasing Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ir commitment to Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ optical goods sector while also maintaining a diverse investment portfolio.

8. EQT Group

• Website:
• Type: Private Equity
• Headquarters: Stockholm, Stockholm, Sweden
• Founded year: 1994
• Headcount: 1001-5000
• Number of deals in 2024: 30
• LinkedIn:

EQT Group is a prominent investment firm based in Stockholm, Sweden, specializing in private equity, infrastructure, real estate, growth equity, and venture capital. Founded in 1994, EQT serves institutional investors by managing diverse investment portfolios across multiple sectors and geographies. Notably, EQT has made significant strides in Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ optical goods sector, highlighted by Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ir acquisitions of Sola International, a leading eyeglass lens maker, and Carl Zeiss Vision, a well-known optical company, both in 2005. These transactions underscore EQT's commitment to Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ optical goods industry. Additionally, Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ir acquisition of Zemax Software Holdings LLC in 2018, an optical design software provider, furÅ·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨r illustrates Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ir strategic interest in Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ optical sector, enhancing Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ir portfolio with technology that supports optical design and manufacturing.

9. 3i Group plc

• Website:
• Type: Private Equity
• Headquarters: London, England, United Kingdom (UK)
• Founded year: 1945
• Headcount: 201-500
• Number of deals in 2024: 3
• LinkedIn:

3i Group plc is a private equity investment firm based in London, England, founded in 1945. The firm specializes in private equity and infrastructure investments, focusing on providing capital and expertise to mid-market companies to help Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨m grow sustainably. With a strong international presence and a diverse portfolio, 3i Group aims to create value for its stakeholders through strategic investments. Notably, 3i has made significant investments in Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ optical goods retail sector, including Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ acquisition of Hans Anders, a prominent optical retailer in Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ Benelux region, for â‚�200 million in 2017. Additionally, Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨y led a consortium that invested R$108 million in Óticas Carol, a Brazilian eyewear retailer, to support its expansion plans. These transactions highlight 3i's commitment to Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ optical goods market and its strategy of investing in companies that have growth potential in this industry.

10. Lvmh

• Website:
• Type: Corporate
• Headquarters: Paris, ÃŽle-De-France, France
• Founded year: 1987
• Headcount: 10001+
• Number of deals in 2024: 11
• LinkedIn:

LVMH Moët Hennessy Louis Vuitton SE is a prominent luxury goods manufacturer and retailer based in Paris, France. Founded in 1987, LVMH operates a diverse portfolio of high-quality products across various sectors, including fashion, leaÅ·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨r goods, wines, spirits, perfumes, cosmetics, watches, and jewelry. In recent years, LVMH has made significant investments to enhance its presence in Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ luxury market, including Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ acquisition of Barton Perreira, an eyewear brand, for approximately $80 million in November 2023. This acquisition aims to broaden LVMH's offerings in accessible luxury items and expand Barton Perreira's reach in European and Asian markets. Additionally, LVMH has a history of acquiring brands that complement its luxury portfolio, such as TAG Heuer and Off-White, showcasing its strategy of diversifying its investments while maintaining a focus on high-end consumer goods.

11. Verdane

• Website:
• Type: Private Equity
• Headquarters: Oslo, Oslo, Norway
• Founded year: 1985
• Headcount: 51-200
• Number of deals in 2024: 7
• LinkedIn:

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, providing capital and hands-on support to help businesses scale. Verdane focuses on trends such as digitalization and decarbonization, primarily targeting technology companies looking to enhance Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ir market position and operational efficiency. Notably, Verdane acquired LensOn in 2006, a significant player in Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ optical goods retail sector, which highlights Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ir involvement in this industry. Additionally, Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨y have made various investments in oÅ·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨r sectors, but Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ir engagement with LensOn positions Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨m as a relevant investor in Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ optical goods retail market.

12. Scottish Enterprise

• Website:
• Type: Corporate
• Headquarters: Glasgow, Scotland, United Kingdom (UK)
• Founded year: 1991
• Headcount: 1001-5000
• Number of deals in 2024: 55
• LinkedIn:

Scottish Enterprise is a public entity established in 1991, focused on economic development in Scotland. It provides a range of services including funding, business development advice, and support for innovation and exports. With a size of 1001-5000 employees, it plays a crucial role in enhancing Scotland's economic landscape. In recent years, Scottish Enterprise has been involved in several transactions relevant to Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ optical goods sector, including investments in epipole, a video retinal imaging specialist, and Ocutec, which has raised multiple rounds of funding for its optical technologies. These investments highlight Scottish Enterprise's engagement in Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ optical goods retail industry, particularly in supporting innovative companies that contribute to advancements in ophthalmic imaging and related fields.

13. Lion Resource Advisors Limited

• Website:
• Type: Private Equity
• Headquarters: London, England, United Kingdom (UK)
• Founded year: 2004
• Headcount: 1-10
• LinkedIn:

Lion Resource Advisors Limited, founded in 2004 and based in London, is a private equity firm specializing in consumer brands. The firm provides investment management services and partners with brands to unlock Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ir growth potential through strategic guidance and financial support. With a diverse portfolio of over 175 brands, Lion Capital operates primarily in Europe and North America. Notably, Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨y have made significant investments in Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ optical goods retail sector, including Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ acquisition of Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ AFFLELOU Group in April 2012 and Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ planned acquisition of Alain Afflelou, Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ largest optical franchisor in Europe, which generated nearly â‚�800 million in sales in its most recent fiscal year. These transactions highlight Lion Capital's commitment to Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ optical goods market, alongside Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ir broader focus on consumer brands.

14. Cvc

• Website:
• Type: Private Equity
• Headquarters: Luxembourg
• Founded year: 2005
• Headcount: 1001-5000
• Number of deals in 2024: 16
• LinkedIn:

CVC Capital Partners is a leading investment firm founded in 2005, specializing in private equity, credit, secondaries, and infrastructure. With approximately â‚�193 billion in assets under management for over 1000 clients, including pension funds and institutional investors, CVC focuses on delivering sustainable value and growth through strategic investments. Notably, CVC has made significant strides in Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ optical goods retail sector, exemplified by Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ir acquisition of Synsam Nordic A/S in 2014. This acquisition highlights CVC's commitment to enhancing Synsam's growth by leveraging its strong market position and brand. In addition to Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ir activities in optical retail, CVC has also engaged in various oÅ·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨r sectors, including department stores and retail chains, showcasing Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ir diverse investment portfolio.

15. Luxottica

• Website:
• Type: Corporate
• Headquarters: Milan, Lombardy, Italy
• Founded year: 1961
• Headcount: 10001+
• LinkedIn:

Luxottica Group S.p.A., founded in 1961 and based in Milan, Italy, is a prominent eyewear manufacturer and retailer specializing in Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ design, production, and distribution of eyewear products, including frames and lenses. The company operates a vertically integrated business model, ensuring high standards across all stages of product development and retail. Luxottica has made several strategic acquisitions to enhance its presence in Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ optical goods retail market. Notably, Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨y acquired Pearle Vision in 2004, expanding Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ir retail footprint in Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ optical sector. In 2014, Luxottica acquired glasses.com, an online optical company, which allowed Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨m to strengÅ·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨n Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ir e-commerce capabilities in Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ eyewear market. FurÅ·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨rmore, Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ir acquisition of Oakley Sunglasses in 2007 and Barberini SpA in 2018, Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ latter focusing on high-quality sun lenses, showcases Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ir commitment to innovation and quality in vision care. These transactions highlight Luxottica's active role in Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ optical goods retail industry, making Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨m a significant player in this market.

16. Alcon

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

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. Alcon's product lineup includes contact lenses, eye care solutions, and surgical instruments designed to treat various eye diseases. The company operates globally, aiming to enhance Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ quality of life through improved vision. Notably, Alcon has made significant acquisitions in Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ optical goods sector, including Ivantis for $475 million, Aerie Pharmaceuticals for $770 million, and LensX Lasers for $361.5 million. These transactions reflect Alcon's commitment to expanding its capabilities and product offerings in Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ eye care market, particularly in areas relevant to optical goods retail.

17. SoftBank Investment Advisers

• Website:
• Type: Venture Capital
• Headquarters: London, England, United Kingdom (UK)
• Founded year: 2017
• Headcount: 201-500
• Number of deals in 2024: 14
• LinkedIn:

SoftBank Investment Advisers, also known as Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ SoftBank Vision Fund, is a venture capital fund based in London, UK, founded in 2017. The fund specializes in investing in technology-focused companies, particularly those innovating in artificial intelligence and oÅ·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨r advanced technologies. Among its diverse portfolio, SoftBank has made significant investments in various sectors, including health tech and fintech. Notably, Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨y invested $231 million in Lenskart during its Series G funding round in December 2019, which is a leading optical goods retailer in India. This investment highlights SoftBank's engagement in Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ optical goods retail market, alongside Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ir oÅ·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨r investments in companies like GlobalBees and Paytm Mall, which focus on e-commerce and consumer brands. Their strategy of supporting growth-stage companies positions Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨m as a key player in fostering innovation across multiple industries, including optical retail.

18. Omnes

• Website:
• Type: Venture Capital
• Headquarters: Paris, ÃŽle-De-France, France
• Founded year: 1999
• Headcount: 51-200
• Number of deals in 2024: 8
• LinkedIn:

Omnes Capital is a private equity firm based in Paris, ÃŽle-De-France, France, founded in 1999. The firm specializes in investment management and focuses on sectors such as renewable energy and sustainable cities, providing capital and expertise to entrepreneurs and developers. Omnes emphasizes long-term partnerships to foster growth and sustainability in critical infrastructure projects. Notably, Omnes has participated in investments relevant to Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ optical goods retail sector, including a funding round for Netzoptiker, a German online eyewear retailer, and ConfortVisuel, which raised funds for its optical services. These transactions highlight Omnes' engagement in Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ optical goods retail market, complementing Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ir broader investment strategy.

Optical Goods Retail Insights: Key Investors in Europe

Investor	Headquarter	Size	Founded	Deals 2024
	Charenton-Le-Pont, ÃŽle-De-France, France	10001+	1972	1
	Paris, ÃŽle-De-France, France	10001+	2018	8
	London, England, United Kingdom (UK)	51-200	2010	3
	Brussels, Brussels, Belgium	201-500	1958	57
	London, England, United Kingdom (UK)	51-200	2011	53
	Paris, ÃŽle-De-France, France	1-10	2015	198
	London, England, United Kingdom (UK)	51-200	1996	67
	Stockholm, Stockholm, Sweden	1001-5000	1994	30
	London, England, United Kingdom (UK)	201-500	1945	3
	Paris, ÃŽle-De-France, France	10001+	1987	11
	Oslo, Oslo, Norway	51-200	1985	7
	Glasgow, Scotland, United Kingdom (UK)	1001-5000	1991	55
	London, England, United Kingdom (UK)	1-10	2004	0
	Luxembourg	1001-5000	2005	16
	Milan, Lombardy, Italy	10001+	1961	0
	Geneva, Geneva, Switzerland	10001+	1945	2
	London, England, United Kingdom (UK)	201-500	2017	14
	Paris, ÃŽle-De-France, France	51-200	1999	8

Want to find more investors focusing on Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ optical goods retail industry?

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• Deal History: Number of deals and Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ir sizes.
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• ...and much more!