Occhio

About Occhio

Occhio is a German market leader in high-end design lighting, developing multifunctional and modular luminaire systems. The company, whose name means 'eye' in Italian, was founded in 1999 by Axel Meise with the revolutionary idea of a holistic lighting system consistent in design and light quality for every spatial requirement. This concept allows users to become the lighting designers of their own living and working environments.

Founder Axel Meise, a self-taught lighting designer, began creating lamps as a teenager and later studied mechanical engineering. Frustrated by the lack of cohesive lighting solutions on the market during his time as a lighting consultant, he developed Occhio to provide a versatile and high-quality system. Together with design partner Christoph Kügler, Meise launched the first product line, "Puro," which was an immediate success. Subsequent innovations like the "Sento" series with adjustable effects, "io" with gesture control, and the "Mito" series cemented the company's reputation.

Occhio serves both private and commercial sectors, including architects and interior designers. Its business model revolves around the sale of premium lighting products through a network of over 500 retail partners and its own flagship stores in major cities like Munich, Milan, London, and Shanghai. The company has demonstrated strong growth, targeting revenues of €34-35 million in the 2016/2017 fiscal year. In 2017, Occhio partnered with private equity firm EMH Partners to accelerate international expansion and digitalization.

The company's products are distinguished by their modularity, enabling easy upgrades and repairs which promotes sustainability. Key features include advanced LED technology inspired by sunlight, gesture controls for touchless operation, adjustable color temperatures, and smart system integration via the Occhio air app. This commitment to design, quality, and user experience has earned Occhio over 100 awards and established it as a prominent international brand in the luxury segment.