Amsterdam-based Optics11 has secured €50 million in equity funding from its existing investors: SET Ventures, FORWARD.one, Value Creation Capital, and JOIN Capital. The startup specializes in fibre optic sensing systems designed for underwater intelligence and energy grid monitoring. The capital is earmarked for scaling manufacturing capabilities and supporting international expansion.
The company's technology portfolio includes the OptiBarrier system for seabed detection, the OptiArray for anti-submarine warfare, and the OptiFinder for detecting partial discharge in high-voltage equipment. These sensors utilize light, making them immune to electromagnetic interference. Optics11 claims its passive sensing approach offers earlier warnings compared to traditional active electrical systems.
Optics11 has secured several government and industry partnerships. In July, the Dutch Ministry of Defence commissioned the development of containerized OptiArray systems under the ASWINABO program. Furthermore, the Royal Netherlands Navy plans to deploy these arrays on Orka-class submarines. In October, the company entered a strategic collaboration with the Swedish defence firm Saab.
The company reports that its total investment has surpassed €100 million over the past 15 months. Previous funding includes a €17 million equity round in May 2025 and a €25 million venture debt facility from the European Investment Bank granted in January 2026. The broader market for distributed fibre optic sensors is projected to reach $2.63 billion by 2030.
