Optics11 Secures €17 Million to Fortify Europe’s Fiber Optic Infrastructure
May 16, 2025, 9:32 am
Location: Netherlands, North Holland, Amsterdam
Employees: 51-200
Founded date: 2011
Total raised: $19.01M
In a world where threats lurk beneath the surface, Optics11 is stepping up to safeguard Europe’s vital fiber optic cables. The Amsterdam-based startup has just raised €17 million in funding, a lifeline for its mission to protect critical infrastructure from sabotage. The stakes are high, and the need for resilience has never been more urgent.
Optics11 specializes in advanced fiber optic sensing solutions. Its technology is not just innovative; it’s essential. As Europe grapples with an aging power infrastructure and increasing geopolitical tensions, the company’s offerings are a beacon of hope. The funding round was led by FORWARD.one, with participation from SET Ventures, Join Capital, and Value Creation Capital. These investors recognize the pressing need for sophisticated responses to vulnerabilities in Europe’s infrastructure.
Europe’s reliance on its power grid is akin to a tightrope walk. One misstep, one act of sabotage, could send the entire system crashing down. Recent incidents, including the sabotage of undersea cables, highlight the fragility of this network. Optics11’s solutions aim to prevent such disruptions. The company’s CEO emphasizes the urgency of the situation. Europe’s energy supply is the bedrock of modern society, and it must be protected at all costs.
The statistics are alarming. Nearly 40% of Europe’s 90,000 high-voltage transformers have surpassed their lifespan. With new orders backlogged until 2030, the risk of outages looms large. This is where Optics11’s technology comes into play. Its predictive monitoring solution, OptiFender, identifies early signs of asset failures, allowing operators to act before problems escalate.
Optics11’s strength lies in its unique blend of sensors and advanced threat detection software. This combination enables rapid detection and localization of threats, giving operators precious time to respond. Traditional sensors often falter in challenging environments, but Optics11’s fiber optic sensors thrive. They are immune to electromagnetic interference, ensuring reliability where it matters most.
The company’s offerings extend beyond monitoring. The OptiBarrier and OptiArray solutions provide a robust early-warning system for underwater infrastructure. These precision sensors continuously monitor for sabotage and unauthorized interference, acting as vigilant guardians of Europe’s subsea assets. In a landscape where threats are evolving, these solutions are not just advantageous; they are necessary.
The implications of this technology are profound. For instance, the OptiArray system has already been integrated into the Royal Netherlands Navy’s upcoming Orka-class submarines. This advancement enhances the submarines’ navigational and defensive capabilities, showcasing the versatility of Optics11’s technology. The compact design and low power consumption allow for extended missions, ensuring that these vessels remain operational in critical situations.
Investors see the long-term value in Optics11’s approach. The company addresses a critical gap in infrastructure resilience, providing solutions that extend the life of existing assets. This is not just about preventing outages; it’s about ensuring a sustainable energy transition. As Europe moves towards renewable energy sources, the integration of these technologies becomes even more vital.
The funding will enable Optics11 to scale its operations and enhance its offerings. With strategic investors backing the company, it is poised to make significant strides in fortifying Europe’s infrastructure. The need for robust monitoring solutions is clear, and Optics11 is ready to meet that demand head-on.
In a world where the threats to infrastructure are becoming increasingly sophisticated, Optics11 stands at the forefront of innovation. Its technology not only identifies potential threats but also classifies them, distinguishing between hostile actors and allies. This capability is crucial for maintaining economic stability and security.
The urgency of the situation cannot be overstated. As Europe faces rising risks from aging infrastructure and geopolitical tensions, the need for proactive measures is paramount. Optics11’s advanced fiber optic solutions offer a path forward, ensuring that Europe’s critical infrastructure remains secure and resilient.
In conclusion, Optics11’s recent funding round is more than just a financial boost; it’s a commitment to safeguarding Europe’s future. The company’s innovative solutions are a testament to the power of technology in addressing pressing challenges. As the landscape of threats evolves, so too must our responses. Optics11 is leading the charge, ensuring that Europe’s infrastructure is not just protected but fortified against the uncertainties of tomorrow.
Optics11 specializes in advanced fiber optic sensing solutions. Its technology is not just innovative; it’s essential. As Europe grapples with an aging power infrastructure and increasing geopolitical tensions, the company’s offerings are a beacon of hope. The funding round was led by FORWARD.one, with participation from SET Ventures, Join Capital, and Value Creation Capital. These investors recognize the pressing need for sophisticated responses to vulnerabilities in Europe’s infrastructure.
Europe’s reliance on its power grid is akin to a tightrope walk. One misstep, one act of sabotage, could send the entire system crashing down. Recent incidents, including the sabotage of undersea cables, highlight the fragility of this network. Optics11’s solutions aim to prevent such disruptions. The company’s CEO emphasizes the urgency of the situation. Europe’s energy supply is the bedrock of modern society, and it must be protected at all costs.
The statistics are alarming. Nearly 40% of Europe’s 90,000 high-voltage transformers have surpassed their lifespan. With new orders backlogged until 2030, the risk of outages looms large. This is where Optics11’s technology comes into play. Its predictive monitoring solution, OptiFender, identifies early signs of asset failures, allowing operators to act before problems escalate.
Optics11’s strength lies in its unique blend of sensors and advanced threat detection software. This combination enables rapid detection and localization of threats, giving operators precious time to respond. Traditional sensors often falter in challenging environments, but Optics11’s fiber optic sensors thrive. They are immune to electromagnetic interference, ensuring reliability where it matters most.
The company’s offerings extend beyond monitoring. The OptiBarrier and OptiArray solutions provide a robust early-warning system for underwater infrastructure. These precision sensors continuously monitor for sabotage and unauthorized interference, acting as vigilant guardians of Europe’s subsea assets. In a landscape where threats are evolving, these solutions are not just advantageous; they are necessary.
The implications of this technology are profound. For instance, the OptiArray system has already been integrated into the Royal Netherlands Navy’s upcoming Orka-class submarines. This advancement enhances the submarines’ navigational and defensive capabilities, showcasing the versatility of Optics11’s technology. The compact design and low power consumption allow for extended missions, ensuring that these vessels remain operational in critical situations.
Investors see the long-term value in Optics11’s approach. The company addresses a critical gap in infrastructure resilience, providing solutions that extend the life of existing assets. This is not just about preventing outages; it’s about ensuring a sustainable energy transition. As Europe moves towards renewable energy sources, the integration of these technologies becomes even more vital.
The funding will enable Optics11 to scale its operations and enhance its offerings. With strategic investors backing the company, it is poised to make significant strides in fortifying Europe’s infrastructure. The need for robust monitoring solutions is clear, and Optics11 is ready to meet that demand head-on.
In a world where the threats to infrastructure are becoming increasingly sophisticated, Optics11 stands at the forefront of innovation. Its technology not only identifies potential threats but also classifies them, distinguishing between hostile actors and allies. This capability is crucial for maintaining economic stability and security.
The urgency of the situation cannot be overstated. As Europe faces rising risks from aging infrastructure and geopolitical tensions, the need for proactive measures is paramount. Optics11’s advanced fiber optic solutions offer a path forward, ensuring that Europe’s critical infrastructure remains secure and resilient.
In conclusion, Optics11’s recent funding round is more than just a financial boost; it’s a commitment to safeguarding Europe’s future. The company’s innovative solutions are a testament to the power of technology in addressing pressing challenges. As the landscape of threats evolves, so too must our responses. Optics11 is leading the charge, ensuring that Europe’s infrastructure is not just protected but fortified against the uncertainties of tomorrow.