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PhotonFirst

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Leading integrated photonics sensing systems supplier for advanced applications. We measure the world

Alkmaar, NetherlandsFounded 1996Defence
Valuation $50–100M Last recorded · 2021
Headcount <100 Current team size
Total funding $10–50M Disclosed equity funding
Unlock exact values This page shows ranges. Dealroom has the exact numbers for PhotonFirst and the history behind them.

About PhotonFirst

PhotonFirst is a leading provider of integrated photonics-based sensing solutions designed for industrial applications. The company specializes in fiber optic sensors that utilize light signals to detect various physical properties such as temperature, pressure, and strain. These sensors are crucial for monitoring the structural health of aging infrastructure, enabling asset owners to make informed decisions about maintenance and lifecycle management.

PhotonFirst serves a diverse range of clients, including those in the infrastructure, manufacturing, and energy sectors. The company operates in the global market, offering full system development from prototype to volume production and contract manufacturing. Its business model revolves around providing customized, scalable solutions that meet the specific needs of its clients. Revenue is generated through the sale of these sensing systems, as well as through ongoing support and software solutions like the Gator Operator Software (GOS), which ensures seamless compatibility and control of their systems.

PhotonFirst's innovative approach is driven by its PIC (Photonic Integrated Circuit) based technology, which allows for smaller, faster, and more affordable sensing solutions. The company prides itself on its collaborative approach, partnering with clients from the initial challenge comprehension phase to scaling up operations, ensuring reliable and affordable solutions every step of the way.

Source: Dealroom company data

At a glance

Status
Operational
Founded
1996
Headquarters
Alkmaar, Netherlands
Employees
42
Open positions
1
Dealroom signal
49.3/100
Industry
Semiconductors
Sector
Defence, Defence Applications, Photonic Integrated Circuits, Photonics Tech, Dual-Use Tech, Horizon Europe, NIF defense security and resilience, NIF awareness and decision making, DT and LS, science-based
Technology
Hardware, Deep Tech
Client focus
b2b

Funding history

1 recorded event

Company financing events and reported valuations.

Deal typeDateAmountValuationInvestorsSource
SERIES A✓Equity / VC Dec 2021 $12M $48M Active Capital Company · PhotonDelta ↗
Showing the latest 1 of 1 recorded eventsBook a demo for the full funding history →

Growth signals

PhotonFirst website traffic

Latest recorded traffic for PhotonFirst is 11K monthly website visits, up 10% over the last three months. PhotonFirst's team grew 2.4% over the past year.

Latest monthly visits11K 3-month web change+10% 1-year team growth+2.4%
Summary metrics are public; monthly history is available with a demoCompare with peers →

Open positions

Openings linked to this company in Dealroom
1 distinct opening shownExplore hiring signals →

Similar companies

Closest operating peers by Dealroom taxonomy

Company identity and context are open; selected comparison metrics preview what is available on the platform.

CompanyHeadquartersStatusEmployeesTotal fundingValuation
EphosGlass-based programmable photonic chips enabling ultra-low-loss performance for AI data centers and quantum computers. Milan, Italy Operational 29 $55M $34M
EmberionDevelops and produces graphene photonics and electronics that will revolutionise infrared photodetectors and thermal sensors in applications ranging from hyperspectral and thermal imaging to night vision and X-ray detection Espoo, Finland Acquired
Living OpticsBringing hyperspectral imaging into mainstream markets Oxford, United Kingdom Operational
MirSenseIndustrial Quantum Cascade Laser (QCL) solutions and QCL-based spectrometer modules for Industrial & Defence applications Palaiseau, France Operational
Advanced Material Development (AMD)Nanotechnology platform addressing environmental and societal challenges through collaborative research for unique industrial applications in key areas like advanced sensors, electronics, composites, photonics, functional coatings, and nMark Guildford, United Kingdom Operational
Teem PhotonicsLeader in passively Q-switched microlasers as well as PICs with the ioNext platform for Silicon Photonics and optical sensors Meylan, France Operational
CailabsPhotonic solutions for space, industry, telecom, and defense Rennes, France Operational
GScanDeveloping next generation muon 3D-scanners with machine learning based automatic decision system Tallinn, Estonia Operational
Showing 8 of the closest matchesCompare every metric →

Investments and acquisitions

Capital deployed

Recent portfolio relationships for companies that also act as investors or acquirers.

Investors

4 investors on the cap table

From Dealroom's funding and investor records, grouped by the round each investor first entered.

Series A2 investors entered at this stage

  • Active Capital Company
  • PhotonDelta

Other known investors2 additional known investors

  • BOM - Brabant Regional Development Agency
  • PhotonVentures
Team profiled 12 named & role-tagged
Founders Hidden — book a demo/100 quality score
Key operators 1 quality Hidden — book a demo/100
Potential founders Hidden — book a demo likely future founders
Startup mafia Hidden — book a demo alumni-founded startups
Talent movements Hidden — book a demo in · Hidden — book a demo out past 12 months

Source: Dealroom Talent Intelligence.

Global footprint

Workforce and web traffic by country
Workforce by country
1 countries with
team presence
🇳🇱 Netherlands100%
1 country shown

Market sentiment

Posts on X, past 7 days

An AI-synthesised read of the highest-engagement posts about PhotonFirst on X, ranked by likes and reposts, corporate channels excluded.

Reading the room on X — pulling top posts and synthesizing themes…

Source: X recent search ranked by engagement (likes + retweets) · Synthesis by Claude · Cached for 1 hour

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