Nearfield Instruments eyes expansion with robust 2025 bookings
The scaleup, that developed an high precision measurement technology for chip production, announced it secured a full order book for 2025.
Published on December 23, 2024
© Nearfield Instruments
Nearfield Instruments, a promising Dutch scaleup in the semiconductor industry, announced it secured a fully booked order schedule for 2025, prompting expansion plans. This surge in demand underscores the confidence in their cutting-edge technology, which plays a vital role in the chip production process. The company's rapid growth necessitates expansion, including new cleanroom facilities, to meet both current and future demand.
The Rotterdam-based company has secured multiple new orders from an existing client, demonstrating strong market confidence in their technology. This development follows their significant achievement earlier this year when they announced Samsung, one of the world's largest memory chip manufacturers, as a customer. The company's trajectory has been marked by substantial financial backing, having secured €135 million in Series-C funding in July 2024, the second-largest capital raise in semiconductor fabrication equipment across Europe and the US in the past five years.
Nearfield Instruments expansion plans
To accommodate its growing order book, Nearfield Instruments is planning significant infrastructure expansions, including new, larger cleanroom facilities. Board member Roland van Vliet told the Financieele Dagblad that expansion in the Netherlands presents challenges related to space limitations, energy availability, and financial considerations. The expansion plans involve investments of tens of millions of euros in cleanroom facilities, office space, enhanced cybersecurity measures, and automated test systems to accelerate production.
Founded in 2016 as a TNO spin-off, Nearfield Instruments has distinguished itself with its atomic-level precision measurement technology for chip production. Their QUADRA 3D metrology system provides non-destructive, high-resolution capabilities crucial for advanced semiconductor manufacturing. This technology is particularly vital as modern chips now contain more than 100 billion transistors in an area the size of a fingernail. The semiconductor industry's projected growth to $1 trillion in revenue by 2029 positions Nearfield Instruments strategically in a rapidly expanding market.
Nearfield Instruments secures €135 million for semiconductor innovation
The funding round is the second largest capital raise in the semiconductor fabrication equipment market in Europe and the US in the past 5 years.
Future outlook and industry impact
With their 2025 order book now full, Nearfield Instruments is already looking ahead to accommodate orders for 2026. The company's growth trajectory and technological capabilities have led industry analysts, including ING, to suggest that NFI has the potential to develop into a global player alongside established names like ASML, ASM, and Besi. This expansion not only strengthens the Netherlands' position as a hub for high-tech innovation but also promises to create new high-quality jobs in the sector.