Enschede-based LioniX International, a startup that specialises in customised microsystem and photonics solutions, announced on Monday that it has secured €3.5M from a Dutch consortium led by Invest-NL and FORWARD.one with Universiteit Twente Holding, Oost NL, and PhotonDelta.
The investment comes as the Dutch consortium aims to strengthen the Dutch Integrated Photonics and Deep Tech ecosystems.
In early 2022, the Ministry of Economic Affairs and Climate Policy of the Netherlands and Invest-NL launched their Deep Tech Fund (DTF) to support innovative and complex technologies. The fund aims to strengthen knowledge and innovation within the Netherlands and European Union.
LioniX International: What you need to know
LioniX International specialises in designing and producing customised microsystem solutions for OEMs and system integrators.
The Dutch company provides customised solutions for OEMs and system integrators, from design to fully assembled modules, by vertical integration and in scalable production volumes.
The company’s core technology is in integrated photonics with the proprietary TriPleX platform.
The company provides custom solutions, product development services, and production for a range of industries, including healthcare, aerospace, defence, and telecommunications.
“We are extremely happy to announce this investment in LioniX International with these leading Dutch shareholders,” says Arne Leinse, CEO of LioniX International.
He adds, “This set of investors enables further growth for LioniX International towards the future. We are excited to continue developing and delivering cutting-edge microsystem solutions to our current and new clients around the globe.”
Dutch consortium
Invest-NL is an impact investor committed to businesses and projects that will make the Netherlands more sustainable and innovative.
“This investment is an exciting step forward for LioniX International and the Dutch tech industry. It fits perfectly with the ambitions of our Deep Tech Fund, which aims to invest in knowledge-intensive start- and scaleups that have the potential to bring innovation in the Netherlands to the next level,” adds Leo Holwerda, director of Capital at Invest-NL.
FORWARD.one is a venture capital fund focused on high-tech hardware startups and scaleups. The VC manages €200M across multiple funds, with investments in robotics, semiconductors, photonics, sensors, virtual/augmented reality, biomanufacturing, and other hardware technologies.
Paul Pruijmboom, General Partner at FORWARD.one, says, “LioniX has developed a technology that is a leader in the field of Photonics with numerous potential applications. As a high-quality Dutch deeptech company, LioniX exemplifies the innovative potential of the Netherlands, and we are delighted to be a part of the company’s future success.”
PhotonDelta is an ecosystem that researches, designs, develops, and manufactures solutions with integrated photonics technology.
Ewit Roos, CEO at PhotonDelta, says, “LioniX International plays an important role in the PhotonDelta ecosystem, as they produce photonic chips based on Silicon Nitride, a technology that allows for the creation of innovative devices such as quantum computers and biosensors. By investing in LioniX International, we take the next step in accelerating the photonic chip industry while reinforcing the position of the Netherlands as a leader in the field.”