Europe | May 16, 2025

Optics11 raises $19 M to secure infrastructure

Dutch firm Optics11 secures funding to expand fiber optic sensing technologies for monitoring aging power grids and safeguarding subsea infrastructure in Europe.

 

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Image credit: Optics11

The Netherlands, Amsterdam: Optics11, a Netherlands-based deeptech company, has raised $19 M (€17 M) to support the expansion of its fiber optic sensing technologies. The investment round was led by FORWARD.one, now the company’s largest investor, alongside SET Ventures, Join Capital, and Value Creation Capital.

The funding arrives amid growing concerns over the security and reliability of Europe’s energy and maritime infrastructure. A significant portion of Europe’s 90,000 HV transformers are beyond their expected lifespan, while global supply chains are strained until at least 2030. In parallel, threats to underwater infrastructure, including cables and wind farms, have increased.

Optics11 has developed several fiber optic-based monitoring tools. These include OptiFender, which detects early signs of transformer failure, and OptiBarrier and OptiArray, which monitor subsea environments for tampering or damage.

The company’s sensors are resistant to electromagnetic interference and are paired with data analysis software that enables rapid detection of faults or threats. This allows operators to move from reactive to predictive maintenance and improve system uptime.

Optics11’s technology is also being integrated into the Royal Netherlands Navy’s new submarines, enhancing surveillance with lightweight, low-power sensing arrays.

The company plans to use the funding to scale its offerings across energy and defense sectors. Public consultations and further development are expected in 2025 as part of wider regional infrastructure upgrades.

Source: Optics11