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Photonfirst International has successfully closed a Series A funding round. Its largest shareholder, Active Capital Company, along with integrated photonics accelerator Photondelta, have committed 11 million euros to fund the 5-year business plan of the Alkmaar-headquartered integrated photonics sensing specialist. Photonfirst plans for an IPO in 2025.
Photonfirst’s sensor systems are based on optical fibers inscribed with microstructures called fiber Bragg gratings (FBGs), which partially reflect light traveling through the fiber. As the fiber is subjected to strain, a temperature change or another external influence, the wavelength of the reflected light changes proportionally. By measuring this shift, the strain or temperature change can be quantified. Potential markets include aerospace, energy, high-tech systems, infrastructure, medical and mobility.
“We believe in the vision and strategy of Photonfirst and see great potential in scaling the technology. The Board has demonstrated their execution power and is on track to deliver on the plan, we are confident our funding allows them to accelerate and expand,” according to Victor Schols, partner of Active Capital Company.
“PhotonFirst is a global frontrunner in integrated photonics sensing solutions. This company represents perfectly what the Photondelta ecosystem is all about: inventing, developing and manufacturing world class products that make a difference. We are proud to invest in this team and become part of their success,” added Ewit Roos, CEO of PhotonDelta.
